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Invisible Boys

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Invisible Boys

By: Holden Sheppard
Narrated by: Nic English
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About this listen

A Children’s Book Council of Australia Notable Book.

Winner of the Western Australian Premier’s Book Award.

Winner of the Kathleen Mitchell Award.

Winner of the City of Fremantle T.A.G. Hungerford Award.

Winner of the Ray Koppe Residency Award.

Shortlisted for both the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award and Readings Young Adult Book Prize and longlisted for the Indie Book of the Year Award.

In a small town, everyone thinks they know you: Charlie is a hardcore rocker who’s not as tough as he looks. Hammer is a footy jock with big AFL dreams and an even bigger ego. Zeke is a shy over-achiever, never macho enough for his family. But all three boys hide who they really are. When the truth is revealed, will it set them free or blow them apart?

©2021 Holden Sheppard (P)2021 W. F. Howes Ltd
Difficult Situations LGBTQ+ Young Adult Heartfelt Inspiring

Critic Reviews

"This is a confronting and challenging story which describes the pain of growing up gay in a small, conservative small-town community.... Sheppard has given us a brave book which deserves attention." (Good Reading)

"The book is immediately engaging and engrossing, exploring the lives of three diverse male teenagers dealing with their homosexuality.... [Invisible Boys] is distinctively Western Australian with a well-constructed and truly surprising climax. Sheppard will win himself a vast number of fans with this impressive debut." (DNA Magazine)

"Sheppard pulls no punches in this story, challenging expectations and taking the reader on a dark journey through each boy’s life, with only a sliver of light at the end providing hope for a brighter future. This book feels somewhat unmoored from time, with a raw edginess...which brings to mind books like Puberty Blues and the work of Tim Winton." (Junior Books + Publishing)

What listeners say about Invisible Boys

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A queer country love story

This story, the characters and most importantly the narration tell the truth faced by so many LGBTIQ+ country youth in Australia.

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TEARS AND LAUGHTER

I picked up this book not sure what I was in for. What a pleasant surprise awaited me. The book starts off with dramatic Sensualness, my initial thoughts were I was listening to Adult Fiction but as I got deeper into the book I found it was delving into the souls of every Country kid in The Outback. Parts were simply very funny as I found myself laughing with the guys as though I was there, then at times it was quite emotional as I teared up with The Boys. Really a beautiful book reminding me of my own Country Boy growing into manhood. Reminded me a little of HONEYBEE by Craig Silvey another great book. Recommend INVISIBLE BOYS to anyone who wants to be entertained while learning about the emotional issues confronting teens growing up in the Country.

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A must read!

I was completely hooked - right from the first words. Adults and young adults will get something valuable from this superb book.

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Sadly real but so good.

Why was it so difficult to find this book? So good to find a realistic and well written queer book without all the gratuitous sex. (Is it weird that Audible keeps recommending erotica to me?) I would recommend this sadly beautiful book to any reader and as the proud mother of a gay son find it devastating that there are still parents like this.

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Relatable story of small town challenges

being from a similar small town in a similar situation the only thing i wanted to do was get the F out of there. A great listen with a few surprises. was a little confusing when the narrator jumps between the characters

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Beautiful, raw story. Captivating narration.

I didn't want to stop listening. I finished it in a couple of days. The book stays with you. Had me laughing and crying. Great narration. Depth of characters. Didn't want it to end.

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Wow! Never heard that before!

Such a brave and honest story of growing up gay in a hostile town. The struggles for acceptance are so realistic and moving. Beautiful. Highly recommended.

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Strong, Gritty and above all - Heartfelt

Fair warning, this one will pull you through a whole range of emotions. I’ve laughed, cringed, sighed and damn-near come apart with this book. It resonates on so many levels but particularly if you have grown up with any sort of queer aspect to your identity. Highly recommended. Trigger warnings must apply though.

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Wow wow amazing narration

Beautifully written and narration was one of the best I’ve listened to. So much tangled into one, thoroughly enjoyed it.

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Captivating

I normally don’t do any reviews, but Holden Shepherds Invisible Boys was absolutely amazing! I couldn’t stop listening and I kept wanting more. The characters became so real and the experiences they go through plays at the heartstrings. I really hope he continues with a second book as I am wanting more. I’m also looking forward to the tv adaptation!

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.