In 1975, coach Harlan Brown is hiding from his past at an obscure New York college, after he was fired from Penn State University on suspicion of being gay. A tough, lonely ex-Marine of 39, Harlan has never allowed himself to love another man. Then Billy Sive, a brilliant young runner, shows up on his doorstep. He and his two comrades, Vince Matti and Jacques LaFont, were just thrown off a major team for admitting they are gay. Harlan knows that, with proper training, Billy could go to the '76 Olympics in Montreal. He agrees to coach the three boys under strict conditions that thwart Billy's growing attraction for his mature but compelling mentor. The lean, graceful frontrunner with gold-rim glasses sees directly into Harlan's heart. Billy's gentle and open acceptance of his sexuality makes Harlan afraid to confront either the pain of his past, or the challenges which lay in wait if their intimacy is exposed. But when Coach Brown finds himself falling in love with his most gifted athlete, he must combat his true feelings for Billy or risk the outrage of the entire sports world - and their only chance at Olympic gold.

    You have no choice: I've invited you. We will have a lot of sex. You are going to laugh a great deal -- people have no idea how blithe a suicide can be! -- and you will meet a few human beings whom you'll have to love as much as I do."With these words Terry Andrews, bestselling author of a beloved children's classic welcomes us to his world. THE STORY OF HAROLD is a Dantesque excursion through a garden of tortured and unfulfilled relationships: one with a woman whom Terry sleeps with and cares for but cannot love completely; another with a surgeon, father of six, who is Terry's most cherished -- and most unreciprocating -- lover; and another with a sad young boy already doomed to a life of insecurity and failure, whome Terry strives to redeem -- even as he prepares his own suicide. As Terry beguiles the boy further spellbinding exploits of Harold -- the hero of his famous book -- the reader follows Terry, with terror and pity, to the end of his appointed journey.

    Lorde's fouth book of poems (1974).