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Good Young Men
A brilliant contemporary YA coming-of-age novel about three small-town Aboriginal friends finding their way towards adulthood, from the multi-award-winning author of The Boy from the Mish, We Didn't Think It Through and I'm Not Really Here.
As we step into the shopping centre car park, white spray-paint on the orange brick wall catches my eye. Two council workers in high-vis shirts are on ladders, scrubbing away the faded WHITE POWER.
In the idyllic coastal town of Carraway's Point, four Aboriginal boys grew up together on Chopin Drive, carefree and close. But they drifted apart in high school, and everything changed forever the night Brandon was killed by a white cop.
Now racial tension is brewing, and each boy must wrestle with grief and their own complicated lives.
Kallum has lost his sport scholarship and must return from Sydney.
Jordy contends with family responsibilities and a closeted boyfriend.
Dylan was the only witness to Brandon's death, and he must testify in court.
Struggling to contain their emotions and process the murder of their friend, Kallum, Jordy and Dylan must navigate explosive events in a way that opens up a future they can't yet see.
A searing and unputdownable YA novel from acclaimed award-winning author Gary Lonesborough.
'... [a] powerful story exploring events that draw young men together and drive them apart.' - Books+Publishing
As we step into the shopping centre car park, white spray-paint on the orange brick wall catches my eye. Two council workers in high-vis shirts are on ladders, scrubbing away the faded WHITE POWER.
In the idyllic coastal town of Carraway's Point, four Aboriginal boys grew up together on Chopin Drive, carefree and close. But they drifted apart in high school, and everything changed forever the night Brandon was killed by a white cop.
Now racial tension is brewing, and each boy must wrestle with grief and their own complicated lives.
Kallum has lost his sport scholarship and must return from Sydney.
Jordy contends with family responsibilities and a closeted boyfriend.
Dylan was the only witness to Brandon's death, and he must testify in court.
Struggling to contain their emotions and process the murder of their friend, Kallum, Jordy and Dylan must navigate explosive events in a way that opens up a future they can't yet see.
A searing and unputdownable YA novel from acclaimed award-winning author Gary Lonesborough.
'... [a] powerful story exploring events that draw young men together and drive them apart.' - Books+Publishing
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2026
9 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
Gary Lonesborough
6 books208 followersGary Lonesborough is a Yuin man, who grew up on the Far South Coast of NSW as part of a large and proud Aboriginal family. Growing up a massive Kylie Minogue and North Queensland Cowboys fan, Gary was always writing as a child, and continued his creative journey when he moved to Sydney to study at film school. Gary has experience working in Aboriginal health, the disability sector (including experience working in the Youth Justice System), and the film industry. He was Bega Valley Shire Council Young Citizen of the Year, won the Patrick White Young Indigenous Writers' Award, and has received a Copyright Agency First Nations Fellowship. The Boy from the Mish is Gary's debut YA novel.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 18, 2026
Good Young Men follows three Aboriginal teens - Kallum, Jordy, and Dylan - in the aftermath of their childhood friend being killed by the police. The book is split up into three sections, with each providing a slice of life of one of the boys.
The first section follows Kallum, who returns to his small home town after losing his sports scholarship to a fancy Sydney school. Kallum was a great character, and I loved reading his journey of self acceptance about his sexuality. Characters that love nature are rare and one of my favourite things about Kallum was how he loved the bush, and how he wanted to do something with that love. Kallum is the one character I really wanted to read more about because there was so much that came after that we didn’t get to see in his section!
Jordy is the narrator of the second section and is dealing with the loss of his mother and how that has impacted every member of his family, especially his father. I really liked how sarcastic Jordy’s inner monologue could be, and I loved how he and Dylan (and Kallum) started to reconnect in this section.
Dylan was my favourite of the three boys. He is soft!! And misunderstood! I loved him. He was present when Brandon was murdered and a lot of his chapters were about the trauma of witnessing that, as well as the upcoming trial where he is going to be a witness. Dylan was so strong, and tried so hard to do the right thing. Sometimes I was on the edge of my seat reading his chapters because they were so intense and stressful, and because I cared so much about Dylan and the other boys.
Good Young Men is one of my fave reads of the year and I can’t recommend it enough!
The first section follows Kallum, who returns to his small home town after losing his sports scholarship to a fancy Sydney school. Kallum was a great character, and I loved reading his journey of self acceptance about his sexuality. Characters that love nature are rare and one of my favourite things about Kallum was how he loved the bush, and how he wanted to do something with that love. Kallum is the one character I really wanted to read more about because there was so much that came after that we didn’t get to see in his section!
Jordy is the narrator of the second section and is dealing with the loss of his mother and how that has impacted every member of his family, especially his father. I really liked how sarcastic Jordy’s inner monologue could be, and I loved how he and Dylan (and Kallum) started to reconnect in this section.
Dylan was my favourite of the three boys. He is soft!! And misunderstood! I loved him. He was present when Brandon was murdered and a lot of his chapters were about the trauma of witnessing that, as well as the upcoming trial where he is going to be a witness. Dylan was so strong, and tried so hard to do the right thing. Sometimes I was on the edge of my seat reading his chapters because they were so intense and stressful, and because I cared so much about Dylan and the other boys.
Good Young Men is one of my fave reads of the year and I can’t recommend it enough!
March 8, 2026
3.5 stars
Thank you Allen & Unwin for providing me with a copy of this one. All thoughts are my own.
This story felt pretty directionless for the most part, in all honesty. The writing felt stilted and the characters didn’t feel like they were doing much or going on any real kind of personal journey. It was an easy read, but not super engaging.
Kallum and Jordy’s chapters felt very mundane every-day life which was fine but didn’t make me feel anything.
Dylan’s chapters in the last third of the book had more going for them. I really felt the emotion of the trial and how scared and sad and angry he was, and the final scene with the boys driving to Sydney to start the next chapter of their lives one man short really packed an emotional punch.
Overall a decent book but I did kinda expect more from this author telling a story like this.
Thank you Allen & Unwin for providing me with a copy of this one. All thoughts are my own.
This story felt pretty directionless for the most part, in all honesty. The writing felt stilted and the characters didn’t feel like they were doing much or going on any real kind of personal journey. It was an easy read, but not super engaging.
Kallum and Jordy’s chapters felt very mundane every-day life which was fine but didn’t make me feel anything.
Dylan’s chapters in the last third of the book had more going for them. I really felt the emotion of the trial and how scared and sad and angry he was, and the final scene with the boys driving to Sydney to start the next chapter of their lives one man short really packed an emotional punch.
Overall a decent book but I did kinda expect more from this author telling a story like this.
March 25, 2026
5 stars
simultaneously so joyous and so fucking devastating. it's beyond fucked that we still need to read stories about blak deaths in custody and by police because they're a reflection of reality. still, i'm glad there are books like this for young kids to read in terms of representation.
simultaneously so joyous and so fucking devastating. it's beyond fucked that we still need to read stories about blak deaths in custody and by police because they're a reflection of reality. still, i'm glad there are books like this for young kids to read in terms of representation.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Three young Aboriginal men in their last year of school, and living on the same street, are facing their adult lives and all it might entail. Each has a dream, a secret, and fond memories of younger lives in their coastal Australian town of Carraway's Point.
They used to be mates when they were younger, playing cricket in the street with wheelie bins as the wickets, daring each other to swim across newly found waterholes in the river, and hanging out at each other's homes.
Now, after drifting apart for different reasons and with school nearly over, they're looking forward to leaving Carraway Point.
Kallum has already experienced Sydney. A skilled footy player, and with dreams of playing for the NRL, he won a scholarship to a Sydney boarding school. Things were great until he got in a fight with another student. He's certain a white boy wouldn't have been expelled for the fight, but the reason behind it all still burns inside him.
Jordy and Kallum used to be mates, but when Kallum joined the footy guys at the gym and on the field, they drifted apart. Jordy coming out has changed his friends dynamic completely, but he's too busy at home to spend much time thinking about that. With his mum gone, his dad is drinking every night, leaving many of the home responsibilities up to Jordy. He doesn't mind looking out for his little sister and brother, but he's leaving for acting school in Sydney, and he worries about leaving them behind.
Dylan wishes they could go back to the fun memories of their childhoods. Ever since he saw his best friend Brandon shot dead in front of him, he's all but consumed by it. He's the only witness, besides the white policeman who shot him, and as the trial approaches, the town is abuzz with what will happen.
Anger rises when White Power graffiti is found on the supermarket wall, and protests are building. Will the officer get off because he is white and Brandon, Aboriginal? Dylan feels the pressure from both sides, his only real escape is his film making.
Gary Lonesborough's writing is always so real, and I was quickly and easily immersed in these young men's lives at fictional Carraway Point.
Told in three sperate viewpoints, in one section of the novel after the other, time also moved on over several months. This allows the reader to get glimpses of the other character's lives within that viewpoint as time passes.
There are powerful conflicts in the novel, both inner and outer. There are those who spew the White Power hate speech and actions, the boy's inner turmoils on their sexuality or parental expectations, and the misconceptions they have of each other after they have drifted away from changing friendship dynamics.
A touching, powerful read.
Thanks to Allen & Unwin & NetGalley for my Advance Copy of Good Young Men.
Age - 16+
Publisher – Allen & Unwin
Set – Fictional Australian Coastal Town / Present
Viewpoint – 3 viewpoints / 1st person
Violence – Yes
Sex – Yes
Real Life – Yes
Fantasy – No
Blend – Real Life / Racism / LGBTQ+
They used to be mates when they were younger, playing cricket in the street with wheelie bins as the wickets, daring each other to swim across newly found waterholes in the river, and hanging out at each other's homes.
Now, after drifting apart for different reasons and with school nearly over, they're looking forward to leaving Carraway Point.
Kallum has already experienced Sydney. A skilled footy player, and with dreams of playing for the NRL, he won a scholarship to a Sydney boarding school. Things were great until he got in a fight with another student. He's certain a white boy wouldn't have been expelled for the fight, but the reason behind it all still burns inside him.
Jordy and Kallum used to be mates, but when Kallum joined the footy guys at the gym and on the field, they drifted apart. Jordy coming out has changed his friends dynamic completely, but he's too busy at home to spend much time thinking about that. With his mum gone, his dad is drinking every night, leaving many of the home responsibilities up to Jordy. He doesn't mind looking out for his little sister and brother, but he's leaving for acting school in Sydney, and he worries about leaving them behind.
Dylan wishes they could go back to the fun memories of their childhoods. Ever since he saw his best friend Brandon shot dead in front of him, he's all but consumed by it. He's the only witness, besides the white policeman who shot him, and as the trial approaches, the town is abuzz with what will happen.
Anger rises when White Power graffiti is found on the supermarket wall, and protests are building. Will the officer get off because he is white and Brandon, Aboriginal? Dylan feels the pressure from both sides, his only real escape is his film making.
Gary Lonesborough's writing is always so real, and I was quickly and easily immersed in these young men's lives at fictional Carraway Point.
Told in three sperate viewpoints, in one section of the novel after the other, time also moved on over several months. This allows the reader to get glimpses of the other character's lives within that viewpoint as time passes.
There are powerful conflicts in the novel, both inner and outer. There are those who spew the White Power hate speech and actions, the boy's inner turmoils on their sexuality or parental expectations, and the misconceptions they have of each other after they have drifted away from changing friendship dynamics.
A touching, powerful read.
Thanks to Allen & Unwin & NetGalley for my Advance Copy of Good Young Men.
Age - 16+
Publisher – Allen & Unwin
Set – Fictional Australian Coastal Town / Present
Viewpoint – 3 viewpoints / 1st person
Violence – Yes
Sex – Yes
Real Life – Yes
Fantasy – No
Blend – Real Life / Racism / LGBTQ+
March 3, 2026
Good Young Men follows three Aboriginal boys on the cusp of adulthood in the small coastal town of Carraway Point. Girls, football, life after school, these should be the biggest worries for these teens. However now a year on from their friend being murdered by a police officer life’s unfortunate challenges are sitting right at their doorstep. Together we follow Kallum, Dylan and Jordy as they face the brutal injustice they endured and the strength of friendship and community that no amount of prejudice can extinguish.
Gary Longesborough writes in the most tangible way. There’s a vulnerability in his characters, a realness that shines through his words that makes Good Young Men a brilliant novel. Gary tackles topics of racism, sexuality, and expectations of parents and the future at such a confusing time for young men. I do not believe I’ve read anything as impactful in quite some time and it’s without a doubt a novel that I know will stay in my mind.
I commend Gary for such an honest book, and even in times where things do not look like it’ll get better having a voice and using it for good will always shine through.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Allen & Unwin for a copy, I loved this book so much.
Gary Longesborough writes in the most tangible way. There’s a vulnerability in his characters, a realness that shines through his words that makes Good Young Men a brilliant novel. Gary tackles topics of racism, sexuality, and expectations of parents and the future at such a confusing time for young men. I do not believe I’ve read anything as impactful in quite some time and it’s without a doubt a novel that I know will stay in my mind.
I commend Gary for such an honest book, and even in times where things do not look like it’ll get better having a voice and using it for good will always shine through.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Allen & Unwin for a copy, I loved this book so much.
March 27, 2026
Good Young Men tells the story of Kallum, Jordy and Dylan who were friends in primary school but drifted apart in high school and end up being drawn back together when their friend, Brandon is killed by a police officer.
The book is done in three parts from the perspective of each character as they navigate their final year of school and the lead up/aftermath of the trial. Kallum and Jordy's perspective hold you in their grip but it was Dylan's perspective, being the only witness to the shooting, that really packs a punch (especially the last chapter). The tagline for this books is 'silence is easy, truth is hard, courage is everything' and this is very true with each of the boys finding the courage to speak their truth.
This was beautifully written and definitely one that I would recommend for everyone to read.
Thank you to Allen and Unwin and Netgalley for the eARC and because we have finally has some cold-ish weather, I have left an honest review.
The book is done in three parts from the perspective of each character as they navigate their final year of school and the lead up/aftermath of the trial. Kallum and Jordy's perspective hold you in their grip but it was Dylan's perspective, being the only witness to the shooting, that really packs a punch (especially the last chapter). The tagline for this books is 'silence is easy, truth is hard, courage is everything' and this is very true with each of the boys finding the courage to speak their truth.
This was beautifully written and definitely one that I would recommend for everyone to read.
Thank you to Allen and Unwin and Netgalley for the eARC and because we have finally has some cold-ish weather, I have left an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Wow, this was both a touching & powerful read. Good Young Men focuses on 3 Aboriginal friends finding their way into adulthood.
We get to experience the story from each boys pov. I particularly liked this aspect as it helped me get a better understanding of each character's journey and also how their lives are all intertwined.
These Good Young Men faced their own personal battles as well as the injustices placed on the Aboriginal community with such bravery.
The courage these men have exhibited is definitely something to be admired and I think their stories will be wonderfully inspirational to all kids and adults alike.
This is such a wonderful and important piece of writing. I'm so glad I got to read it and would recommend it to everyone.
We get to experience the story from each boys pov. I particularly liked this aspect as it helped me get a better understanding of each character's journey and also how their lives are all intertwined.
These Good Young Men faced their own personal battles as well as the injustices placed on the Aboriginal community with such bravery.
The courage these men have exhibited is definitely something to be admired and I think their stories will be wonderfully inspirational to all kids and adults alike.
This is such a wonderful and important piece of writing. I'm so glad I got to read it and would recommend it to everyone.
March 15, 2026
What a devastatingly beautiful read this book was!
This book centered around community grief, protests, and the struggle for justice within the Aboriginal community. It follows the journey of 3 friends and surrounds the death of a 4th boy. Was this fast paced? No. But it wasn't intended to be - it is a book that was intended for you to sit with your thoughts and process the very real happenings this fictional book portrays.
Raw, powerful, beautiful and heart breaking - I recommend this book to anybody and everybody.
This book centered around community grief, protests, and the struggle for justice within the Aboriginal community. It follows the journey of 3 friends and surrounds the death of a 4th boy. Was this fast paced? No. But it wasn't intended to be - it is a book that was intended for you to sit with your thoughts and process the very real happenings this fictional book portrays.
Raw, powerful, beautiful and heart breaking - I recommend this book to anybody and everybody.
March 22, 2026
Told from 3 points of view of 3 young Aboriginal boys - Kallum, Jordy & Dylan.
3 young Aboriginal youths, coming to the end of their high school days, completing year 12, coming to terms with the death of their friend Brandon who was killed by a white cop and the fallout from the trial of that police officer, as well as working out their sexuality.
There are a lot of social and cultural issues dealt with in this book & is one that I would urge all to read, not just Young Adults.
Thanks to Allen and Unwin for a copy of Good Young Men to read & review.
3 young Aboriginal youths, coming to the end of their high school days, completing year 12, coming to terms with the death of their friend Brandon who was killed by a white cop and the fallout from the trial of that police officer, as well as working out their sexuality.
There are a lot of social and cultural issues dealt with in this book & is one that I would urge all to read, not just Young Adults.
Thanks to Allen and Unwin for a copy of Good Young Men to read & review.
March 5, 2026
Gary Lonesborough is a master story teller creating authentic and realistic characters.
Three young Aboriginal men who have drifted apart in a small coastal town are all grippling with their own issues including racism and sexuality. Told through their own viewpoint as they nagivate life.
Powerful, moving and not afraid to tackle confronting topics.
Thanks to Netgalley and Allen and Unwin for an advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Three young Aboriginal men who have drifted apart in a small coastal town are all grippling with their own issues including racism and sexuality. Told through their own viewpoint as they nagivate life.
Powerful, moving and not afraid to tackle confronting topics.
Thanks to Netgalley and Allen and Unwin for an advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 11, 2026
Such an excellent novel with such important themes threaded throughout. The character development of all three characters throughout their own and other perspectives was written in a way that flowed so smoothly throughout the novel. The connections between the main characters, Jordy, Dylan & Kallum, are wound so perfectly, with both tender and tragic moments balanced throughout.
Definitely recommend! 100% a 5 star read!
Definitely recommend! 100% a 5 star read!
March 3, 2026
As the author of this book, I can confirm it's pretty good!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews