Fourteen
My Year of Darkness, and the Light That Followed
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Fourteen
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Narrated by:
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Shannon Molloy
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By:
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Shannon Molloy
About this listen
Optioned for a major film, Fourteen is this generation’s Holding the Man - a moving coming-of-age memoir about a young man’s search for identity and acceptance in the most unforgiving and hostile of places: high school.
This is a story about my fourteenth year of life as a gay kid at an all-boys rugby-mad Catholic school in regional Queensland. It was a year in which I started to discover who I was, and deeply hated what was revealed. It was a year in which I had my first crush and first devastating heartbreak. It was a year of torment, bullying and betrayal - not just at the hands of my peers, but by adults who were meant to protect me.
And it was a year that almost ended tragically.
I found solace in writing and my budding journalism; in a close-knit group of friends, all growing up too quickly together; and in the fierce protection of family and a mother’s unconditional love. These were moments of light and hilarity that kept me going.
As much as Fourteen is a chronicle of the enormous struggle and adversity I endured, and the shocking consequences of it all, it’s also a tale of survival.
Because I did survive.
Longlisted for the 2021 ABIA Biography Book of the Year
"Teenagers should read this book, parents should read this book. Human beings, above all, should read this book." (Rick Morton best-selling author of One Hundred Years of Dirt)
"I love this book...a beautifully written account of a young man struggling with his sexuality, overcoming shocking abuse and finding his way to pride." (Peter FitzSimons, best-selling author)
"Shannon is unflinching in recounting the horror, but he is also funny, empathetic and, above all, full of courage." (Bridie Jabour, author of The Way Things Should Be)
"A slice of life as experienced quite recently in the 'lucky country'." (The Hon Michael Kirby, AC CMG)
"Shannon's bitter struggle is painfully recognisable and happening in playgrounds around the world. But he not only triumphs, he relives his past using his best weapon: beautiful words." (Australian Women’s Weekly)
"A stunning memoir about heartbreak and acceptance...a unique, hilarious and bittersweet insight into the heart of a boy, the courage of survival, and the fierce love of a mother." (Frances Whiting, Courier Mail)
"Australia hasn’t changed all that much from what Shannon describes in Fourteen. Marriage equality isn’t the end; there is still such a long way to go, and books like this are an important part of that journey." (Five Stars, Good Reading)
"Intensely raw and incredibly moving." (OUTinPerth)
"A book in which many will undoubtably see themselves and take solace." (The Age)
©2020 Shannon Molloy (P)2020 Simon & Schuster AustraliaCritic Reviews
"Shannon's bitter struggle is painfully recognisable and happening in playgrounds around the world. But he not only triumphs, he relives his past using his best weapon: beautiful words." (Australian Women’s Weekly)
"A stunning memoir about heartbreak and acceptance...a unique, hilarious and bittersweet insight into the heart of a boy, the courage of survival, and the fierce love of a mother." (Frances Whiting, Courier Mail)
"Australia hasn’t changed all that much from what Shannon describes in Fourteen. Marriage equality isn’t the end; there is still such a long way to go, and books like this are an important part of that journey." (FIVE STARS. Good Reading)
What listeners say about Fourteen
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 17-08-2021
Heartbreaking and heartwarming
I listened in horror at the abuse and homophobia the author experienced as a child and was left hoping that the world is a kinder place today. Thankfully for a compelling autobiography
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Patrick
- 04-05-2022
A shocking reality that's compelling and uplifting
This story is about truth that's undeniable, tragic and must be told! Voiced by the bravest person, made more real because it's his story.
Australia has an underlying, ugly and complicit culture that can crush people simply for being who they are.
If you care about right and wrong you must listen to this book, it will open your eyes.
If you lived this life it will help you heal and bring hope.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- starsunderwater
- 21-08-2021
Beautiful
Beautiful is an odd word to describe the content of this book. I found listening to Shannons’s angst and struggles, reflecting back to the times and regional areas where he grew up, and the mob mindset of bullies who to this day single out and publicly and privately yet relentlessly rip at the self esteem of those who are “different” to be a heartfelt on-site to what it is to be broken, and survive. I cried in parts, and one of the most was the unexpected meeting of Shannon with a character earlier in the book to later on. The adults and peer mates who stood by him… and the courage to be himself and find happiness. Remarkable Shannon. Thank You for sharing your story. I hope many young people come across it, that it is school curriculum, and that we seek to value that which challenges us rather than respond with a mob in fear. ❤️
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Sue Turpie
- 09-05-2020
Loved this book!
Took me back to my own teenage years growing up in Canberra and although Shannon’s story was distressing there was always a positive undertone, good things happening in his background, that you knew he was going to be OK.
Having Shannon as narrator was also special.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Wayne whiting
- 24-04-2020
Amazing book
This was an amazing story to read, I highly recommend this book, especially for anyone that maybe be struggling in early teen life. Just wonderful.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Andrew S
- 02-08-2020
Buy this book for any young person who may be struggling with their sexuality
A wonderful, moving, and at times traumatic story, but uplifting at the same time. Beautifully read. Strongly recommended, especially for young people struggling with their sexuality and their supporters.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jai
- 01-09-2022
What a Team
So moving.. beautifully written.. and such a fabulous play.
The only thing that was negative was all the horrid things that happened to that poor innocent 14 yr old boy. Made worse because these truly happened. I love your mum and family and you are a truly inspiring and brave person Thankyou for sharing
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 06-04-2024
Heartwarming
Kids are so cruel and sadly these are characteristics learnt in the home. A lesson to all to be more accepting. Much love.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 16-02-2024
A story that needs to be heard
This is a story of a queer kid, living in a country area and the struggles and isolation he felt in the year he was 14. We need to hear these queer stories to help our youth and educate the broader community to do better.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Sue T
- 12-08-2021
A growing up story
Loved it. Told with passion, it's a rollercoaster journey of a young teen who's very unsure of his place in life(weren't we all at that age!) An in-depth account of how to survive the teen years when you think you're gay.
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1 person found this helpful