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A Better Place
- Narrated by: Andy Babinski
- Series: Verona Gay Youth Chronicles
- Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins
- Categories: LGBTQ+, Literature & Fiction
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Publisher's Summary
A Better Place is the story of two boys from two completely different worlds struggling to find themselves amongst a whirlwind of confusion. Will the strength they find in each other be enough to overcome the hatred and abuse of others? The unlikely pair struggle through friendship and heartbreaks, betrayal and hardships, to find the deepest desire of their hearts. Casper, the poorest boy in school, goes through life as the "invisible boy", and Brendan, the captain of the high school varsity football team, has it all; muscles, money, fame, and popularity. So, when Brendan takes an interest in Casper, their friendship goes in a direction that no one would have ever guessed. The two boys share nothing on the surface, but underlying each boy's reputation lies a yearning to be free, a yearning to find a better place.
Mark A. Roeder has written and published some two dozen novels in his Gay Youth Chronicles, a continuing series not only for gay youth, but readers of all ages and sexual orientations. Since the age of fifteen, Roeder has been turning out articles, columns, and novels, but for the last several years has dedicated his life to writing heart-warming stories about gay youth. He currently resides in Bloomington, Indiana. Information on his current and upcoming books can be found at markroeder.com.
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What listeners say about A Better Place
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- Donald
- 07-07-13
Hang on for the ride...
Now I do not think this is a bad book and I would recommend to others, especially if you get it on sale. Roeder's writing style is in need of a serious editor. He was all over the place and at times it was hard to follow or muster up the energy to follow. I know that sounds harsh and I do not mean for it to be. The tale of Casper and Brendan is a sweet coming of age story but the intense drama experienced by both characters was a bit unrealistic and a bit contrived. The story could have used some editing. I am not doubting that some of the horrific things that occurred in the story occur, but all at the same time. Towards the end of the book we are introduced to two more principle characters, Nathan and Ethan, with their baggage and lo and behold it was hard for this reader to relate to any of them...perhaps the tornado. Just kidding...though I am not giving this tale a rave review, I do see where and what Roeder was trying to do...but I think there was way too much. The book could have been broken into a series which would have allowed for more insight into the real life drama's presented. Of course, this is just my take...
7 people found this helpful
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- Greg D
- 08-23-13
Worth your time
Would you listen to A Better Place again? Why?
No. It was a good story, but once you know what's happening, it's kind of pointless to go through it again.
Who was your favorite character and why?
Casper. The author did a good job describing him and I felt like I understood his character best.
1 person found this helpful
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- Phoenix Nimitz
- 10-13-20
Fantastic Book!
This book has it all, again. love, murder, fighting, survival, and hope. Getting picked on is not fun, but ending up with the man of your dreams? Only in this book gives the complete transformation! And you can't put it down. ( or stop listening)
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- Anonymous User
- 03-26-19
WOW SO POWERFUL
I just can't believe the nightmare an joy an love an family togetherness this story brought out. I've never been so moved. a sequel needs to be written between this ending an the Bloomington boys series. I wish I could write an tell my story like this was done. only my story would be for real an what really happened to me growing up.
Jim Arrowsmith
Salt lake City Utah
arrowsmithjim11@gmail.com
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- Chad Morgan
- 09-25-16
Had great expectations but was disappointed
What could Mark A. Roeder have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?
I bought this audiobook after listening to the sample that was provided. After listening to the first hour, I was turned off by the narration.
How did the narrator detract from the book?
The narrator was dry, not emotionally involved. I was having difficulty his dry disposition. I do apologize but I would request a refund if possible.
You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?
I did like the sample, it sounded like if I was able to tolerate the whole story it might have a good plot at some point. But, it was so dry, or just read dry that I couldn't get through it.
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- Terry Ray
- 01-04-14
I couldn't stop
Any additional comments?
What a story. I finished this in record time. I was sneaking a listen every chance I had. Spent this Saturday with the tv off...on the edge of my seat...listening to this story. Not sure if the story continues but I will definitely be looking to see..... what a great time I had. I couldn't believe the emotion this brought out..... was that a tear? Geez.
Great audiobook!
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- Orlando
- 06-26-13
Exploring the 80's
A well constructed story of love in the 80's, rejection and torture, acceptance and friendship.
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- Candateshia Pafford
- 06-11-13
Boring!
I didn't even finish! I hate when I don't finish a book..but man... this was just soooo boring.. I keep falling asleep. Roeder is not a good narrator at all. I wish audible would replace the narrator to Crisden to really bring the characters to life. I really think it could turn this book around. Right now... No way.. So bored. I hope I can finish one day and re-review.. Right now... No.. this is just bad...
1 person found this helpful
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- Paul Luthi
- 05-21-13
A GREAT Coming of Age Story
I really enjoyed this book overall. The characters came from different backgrounds but mesh together well. Their developing love story is genuine and heartfelt. As the book progresses you find yourself unable to hit the "stop" button, always wondering whats going to happen next. I really wish there was a sequel available.
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- Peter Saunders
- 08-30-19
Gripping
It may help a little to be a gay reader to understand some of the issues and the aithor has a vivid imagination. However it was an intriguing book that I could not put down. Great!!
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- David CB
- 11-28-13
Some hard hitting and blood boiling parts
Would you try another book written by Mark A. Roeder or narrated by Andy Babinski?
I would after listening to this book, the narrater was ok but sounded to simular and could have differentiated more between characters
What was one of the most memorable moments of A Better Place?
There are a few parts in the book that tackle some very hard hitting subjects and these (spoilers) I clearly remember but may be a bit much for some younger readers.
Was A Better Place worth the listening time?
I enjoyed taking the journey with the characters but did feel that later Lin the book some characters where very similar I had to rewind to check who's point of view we were listening to.