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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
Biographies & Memoirs

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)

What listeners say about Funkytown

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Need to be on the high school books list

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.

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Great read

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.

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Brought back memories

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.

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Thank you

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!

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Honestly told

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

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realisation and reality

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

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Trip down memory lane

I cried and laughed while being transported back to growing up in the 70’s, adolescences and finding your way through the confusing and scary new world of adulthood.
Absolutely loved this book.
Will recommend at every opportunity

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PKs Wonder Years

So not the PK I had imagined.

A very honest portrayal of an almost badass who suffered from the introspective conscience of his everso competitive self.

... saved from falling off the rails by a deep love and respect for his family and the values they modelled and instilled in correct measure for survival during those Wonder Years.

My enjoyment of this story was punctuated by laughter , shock, tears and relief that alcohol had not claimed yet another scalp.

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Close to home

A great fu#*ing read. Enjoyed every chapter.
Glad to see everything turned out well.

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Frankganastan

Great walk down memory lane, not only have the language, tone and words we used but also the places and the life we lived before mobile phones. Thanks Paul for the good and not so great memories of our town.

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