The Longest Fall

by Lee Krinsky

Atlantic is a team that was once renowned and feared. Things have changed in the last few years. There isn?t as much talent, the runners aren?t as tough as they used to be, and the legendary coach is at the end of his career.After a brutal defeat in the spring championships, the team makes a vow to retake their county title in the fall, and regain their reputation. Little do the boys know that they are about to face the toughest season of their lives.

228 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Alex Martucci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the book was really good and I appreciated the fact that it was written by a Mepham Graduate.

[Jessy Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

After getting beat in a championship they want to become better and come back stronger next year and take 1st but little do they know a big competition await for them. In my opinion, I enjoyed reading this book because it has to do on running and I run a lot during sports and can relate to it. I would recommend this book to people who like to run or run track or cross country because I feel like they could relate to it on another level and this book it a really easy book to read I enjoyed reading it.

[Jose · Rating 4 out of 5]

John is a strong individual that is struggling with recent personal events; yet, he is expected to help carry the Atlantic cross country team to victory. Initially, I picked up the book The Longest Fall, by Lee Krinsky, because the story line revolves around cross country and track, which are both sports that I participate in, so I thought it would be compelling to me. From the start, I was drawn to the book; the Atlantic cross country team was trying to relive its once glorified title and was determine to do whatever it took to become the best of the best. However, they face hard trials of loss, not being able to meet what is expected of them, and facing the constant battles that come with running, especially the teams best runner, John. Although John has gone through several unfortunate events in life that I can not relate to, I still sympathized with him, because running is a constant battle, especially against one's own mind, “training your mind is as important as training your body” (Krinsky 186). You must always strive through the mental battle in order to meet your ultimate goals. I would recommend this book to fellow runners, because there is a lot of running references that are directed towards a specific audience that may drive other readers away, but if you are able to relate and empathize it is a great story with great friendship and personal morals.

[Alicia · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is little in the way of fireworks or fanfare with this straightforward story. Julian has died and John, his friend and running partner and teammate, is left to carry on. He hopes not to disappoint everyone as he must meet expectations of coaches, family, and himself.

I can't say much for the style of writing, it's almost drab, but there is also a lot about running. The mind games, the talent, the practice is all a part of the story, which in the right hands would really speak to some. I'm not a runner, so maybe I just don't get it.

[PreLives · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I ran XC in high school and college and it brought me back to those days. I agree with the reviewer below that it might not have much appeal to a non-runner, but book is also labeled as juvenile fiction. Kids that age might still get something out of the book since it's a coming of age story.

[Brendan Kane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is pretty good. i love how its set up.