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Funkytown

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Funkytown

By: Paul Kennedy
Narrated by: Paul Kennedy
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About this listen

Paul Kennedy's Funkytown is the vivid true story of a year in the life of a teenager leaping into manhood.

It is 1993: a serial killer is loose on the streets of Frankston, Victoria. The community is paralysed by fear, and a state's police force and national media come to find a killer. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Paul Kennedy is searching for something else entirely. He is focused on finishing school, getting drafted into the AFL and falling in love. So much can change in a year.

The rites of passage for many Australian teenage boys - blackout drinking, simmering violence and emotional suppression - take their toll, and the year that starts with so much promise ends with Kennedy expelled, arrested and undrafted. But one teacher sees Kennedy self-destructing, and becomes determined to set him on another path.

Told with poignancy, humour and evoking the brilliant, dusty haze of late Australian summer, Funkytown is a love letter to adolescence, football, family, and outer suburbia.

©2021 Paul Kennedy (P)2021 W F Howes

Critic Reviews

"A brilliant story of a young boy told by a man who, in the end, found his way." (Jimmy Barnes)

"Leaps into the joy and fear of coming of age...I love this book." (Sofie Laguna)

"A moving and enlightening account of being 17 and struggling. This is a great read." (Paul Jennings)
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A very enjoyable book that took me straight back to my Secondary School years. Having going to school in Frankton and spending my miss layed youth there Friday and Saturday nights it felt like it was my story without the love off football. The way it drew me in I could see the places and faces. Loved it, 10 out off 10.

Need to be on the high school books list

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Loved the local perspective offered in this novel. The pride of our community shone through in your words Paul. Your style of story telling flowed effortlessly. Great work.

Great read

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As a 1993 Victorian high school graduate with a 17 year old son this was both an extremely nostalgic and slightly terrifying read. Highly recommended for parents of teenagers.

Brought back memories

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PK. After our recent chat on Friday Night Frothies, I could not wait for my book to arrive. So, Audible it was. So glad I did. This was an awesome listen. I was wrapt that you did use some actual names, as it brought back vivid memories of a time so long ago. Congratulations, mate!

Thank you

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Loved it, didn't want the story to end. heartwarming, honest and relatable. Can't recommend highly enough

Honestly told

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It was hard to hear at times but the honesty was outstanding.
I loved it.

realisation and reality

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I think that people that release biographies are incredibly brave. PK (if I may refer to you by your nickname) sure falls into that category. So funny in spots and written with such wonderful sincerity (good, bad and ugly). And you can’t beat the author reading it out. Mate, you’d be a hoot to have a beer with. Thanks!

Nostalgically honest

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PK reminds us how family and friendships intimately affect football. An ode to a different time whose values must never be lost.

an ode to footballers

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As someone who grew up in the same area and same era, I related to this book so much. I hope this recount will be such an inspiration to teachers. Their work matters SO much! I too have such gratitude to my stand out teachers who had such a positive influence on my life. We need more Mrs Macs and Mr and Mrs Kennedys.

Outstanding!

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I adored this version of my own upbringing, and am grateful to PK for having made a coherent narrative out of a dreadful year. This is funny, moving and I hope to share it with my own Secondary English students soon.

Seaford in 1993

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