Running with Lions

You ever read a book that’s so sweet you just want to hug it to your chest and never let go?

“Running with Lions” is a heartwarming journey for senior soccer player Sebastian as he tackles his final year at camp before facing off against the arch rival Spartans where he faces everything from wavering self confidence, team responsibilities, the unknown after graduation and the boy from his childhood who seems less than thrilled at their sudden reunion.

It’s so refreshing to have a book explore sexuality in a way that isn’t a joke or fetishizing giving us a group of people with various backgrounds, religions and sexual identities who are so open and welcoming to those differences. There’s still some conflict especially when it comes to people outside of the group but to see them really just accept these relationships and become a family was one of the greatest things I could ever ask for.

This is also one of those books where there’s plenty of characters but no one becomes a trope or an extra in the background who’s only needed for a specific plot point, they all have unique personalities and layered backgrounds that really helps flesh them out and make you care about them just as much as Sebastian and Emir. I also have to say Grey was a total badass and if there was ever a continuation series set in this world I’d love to see more of her.

I really have no complaints, everything I hoped his would be when I read the synopsis turned out to be exactly what I got and more. If you’re looking for a bit of pain and angst you won’t find it here, but if you’re in the mood for a soccer team filled with pride “Running with Lions” has you covered.

**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**

I'm on a constant search for books with diverse characters, with LGBTQIA characters that I not only like, but that I think my students would like, and I'm totally bookmarking Running with Lions and bugging my school's librarian as soon as the weekend is over.

Sebastian, our leading man, is heading off to his yearly summer soccer training with two of his best friends and teammates, Willie and Mason. They're all part of the Lions, a diverse high school soccer team with students from different races, ethnicity, and sexual orientations. I liked that Winters was featuring characters who were all so different from each other; I think that it not only is more realistic for many readers, but it also opens the door for so many more young readers to find a home in this book.

Anyway, it seems like the summer is going to fall into the usual pattern until Sebastian discovers that his once-best-friend and now enemy (or at least awkward estranged acquaintance), Emir Shah, is also training to be part of the team. I wouldn't say that I gravitate towards the best friends-(fren)enemies-lovers trope, but I think Winters does it well.

Even though he's there by his own choice, it seems like being a part of the team (and around Sebastian) is the last thing he wants to do. He's surly, doesn't want to take advice, and isolates himself whenever possible. But Sebastian can't get his mind, eyes...or other parts...of him to stop thinking about Emir Shah, so he makes it his mission to help him become a better player.

The plot was well-paced, and follows the characters. It's not an "action-packed" book, per say, because so much of it is about the characters' emotional journeys and their relationships.

Now, these characters.

First of all, I just wanted to give the characters a hug. All of the main characters (even Mason) grew on me very quickly. The friendship between Sebastian (leading man), Mason, and Willie just felt very real to me. The way they tease each other, bicker, and support one another mirrored what I see in my own friends and what I see in my students. I loved their bromance and unwavering acceptance of each other.

Not to mention, I think that every school in the world needs a Coach like theirs. The spirit of camaraderie and friendly love for each other was just too sweet. I want all young readers to see this example, so they can start to learn that it's not just OK to be open and accepting of others, but that we SHOULD live our lives that way. Also, his daughter, Grey. is wonderful. Give me a kicka** sassy girl any day, especially one who can make an entire men's soccer team shake in their cleats.

As prickly as he was, I have to say that Emir was my favorite. He's a complex character with a lot of well-done layers: socially anxious, gay, British Pakistani, family-oriented, practicing Muslim. It almost seems ridiculous to have so much packed into one character, but he was very well-written. The different pieces of his identity are revealed very naturally, and it never feels like he's been put into the story to be a token anything. Winters created this beautiful, complex human being who is just real. For me, that seals the deal.

If you couldn't tell, I was really excited about this book. There are a few bumps along the road in terms of writing. Sometimes the narration is a little awkward, a little shaky, but it's a DEBUT novel, and I honestly believe that Winters is just going to get better from here. I would most definitely read whatever he puts out next.

Overall, Running With Lions was heartwarming, entertaining, and a beautiful compilation of diverse boys who show us that acceptance and love can just be our way of life.

I’ve just finished this book and I am grinning from ear to ear! I loved the inclusivity of the setting, and the easy and comfortable way in which the characters talked about their sexuality, as well as the other issues raised, like being from another country, not being certain what to do with your life, and the treatment of Muslims in Western society. All in all I thought this book was super sweet, and I really liked the love story, although I think the friendships took centre stage! I will definitely be recommending this book!

5 out of 5 stars

**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

Where do I even start with this book? I am so happy a book of this caliber is available and recommended for teens. This is EXACTLY what the YA world needs. There are true tests of friendship imbedded deep in this novel, and witnessing a character overcoming the fears that go along with facing your sexuality head on all bring this coming of age story to life.

If I had one complaint it would be the treatment of a female character by one of the protagonist’s male friends. Their interactions left me shaking my head, but overall this is a solid book. I just want to remind young female readers to NOT accept this type of behavior from anyone, much less a guy you think you’re crushing on. You’re worth so much more.

It’s been 10 years since I’ve been in high school, but I remember vividly what it was like.