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Invisible Boys

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Invisible Boys

By: Holden Sheppard
Narrated by: Nic English
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A Children’s Book Council of Australia Notable Book
Winner - Western Australian Premier’s Book Award
Winner - Kathleen Mitchell Award
Winner - City of Fremantle T.A.G. Hungerford Award
Winner - Ray Koppe Residency Award
Shortlisted - Victorian Premier’s Literary Award
Shortlisted - Readings Young Adult Book Prize
Longlisted - 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?

‘This manuscript has tremendous energy and authenticity, as it explores what it is like to grow up gay in an insular regional community. Invisible Boys is a valuable contribution to the growing voices of younger LGBTIQA+ people.’ City of Fremantle T.A.G. Hungerford Award judges’ report

‘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 MAGAZINE

‘The characters leap off the page, warts and all, and Sheppard writes with complexity and realism about sexual discovery, family and social rejection, coming of age (and coming out).’ THE SATURDAY AGE

‘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

‘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

‘… this debut novel is one of those books that only comes around once in a generation … to think that a whole new generation of young queer readers will have the opportunity to see themselves in this book: that’s a powerful thought.’ OUT IN PERTH

‘… throughout, Sheppard writes with unflinching honesty and an eye for authentic detail. It all makes for an impressive debut that’s thoroughly deserving of the accolades it has received.’ THE WEEKEND WEST

‘… written with authenticity and sincerity, unflinching and unabashed Australian young adult literature at its finest. Simply brilliant.’ DIVA BOOKNERD©2019 Holden Sheppard (P)2021 W. F. Howes Ltd Difficult Situations LGBTQ+ Literature & Fiction Heartfelt Inspiring
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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.

Sadly real but so good.

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

A queer country love story

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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.

Wow! Never heard that before!

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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.

TEARS AND LAUGHTER

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

A must read!

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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.