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Stupid Fast: A Runner's Story

by Matt Balleza

Speed, ambition, and team fracture

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AlbakiReads Editorial

Speed, ambition, and team fracture

Set in high school cross country, the novel places Paul Stafford’s pursuit of excellence amid a team unsettled by its celebrated coach’s departure. A new coach and a rapid transfer runner change the team’s competitive balance, while a school doping scandal adds pressure to its internal divisions. Running provides the arena for questions about ambition, perfectionism, rivalry, and identity, alongside the strains of high school life. The story’s focus extends beyond individual performance to whether a fractured team can regain its cohesion.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Teens and young adults interested in high school sports fiction.
  • Readers drawn to stories about cross-country running, team rivalry, and competitive ambition.
  • Readers interested in fiction that connects athletic pressure with questions of identity and belonging.

Themes

Cross-country runningAmbition and perfectionismTeam loyalty and divisionRivalryIdentity

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

A page-turning saga of heart, sweat, and determination, where the underdogs rise to the occasion and show that sometimes the gift of speed comes at a price.

In the fiercely competitive world of high school cross country, the Loyola High men's team is a force to be reckoned with. But they are about to face their greatest test yet.

At the center of this riveting tale is Paul Stafford, the prodigious protege of a coach whose name is synonymous with greatness. With dreams of glory and a heart full of ambition, Paul's every step is driven by the pursuit of excellence.
When their legendary coach suddenly departs, the team is left adrift, struggling to find their footing, and Paul begins to unravel, pushing himself to the brink of self-destruction.

The team, once inseparable, splinters into factions, torn apart by clashing ambitions. Enter Coach Cal, a newcomer with unconventional methods, and Felix, the lightning-fast transfer who threatens to dethrone Paul as the team's star. As rivalries ignite and secrets simmer, a dark cloud looms overhead in the form of a school doping scandal.

Stupid Fast is a mesmerizing story of guts and glory, where the pursuit of perfectionism is a double-edged sword, and the race isn't just about running fast; it's about discovering who you truly are. Amidst the electrifying energy of the starting line, this tale weaves together the drama of high school life, the yearning for greatness, and the romance of running.

Will Paul overcome his demons? Can the team come together and recapture their former glory? Or will their dreams be left in the dust as they navigate the tumultuous journey of high school, and the chance to etch their names in the annals of cross country history?

If you're looking for a story that challenges expectations and grapples with the dark side of ambition, lace up your shoes and prepare for an unforgettable run.

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