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Funkytown
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, seventeen-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 and humour, and evoking the brilliant,dusty haze of late Australian summer, Funkytown is a love letter to adolescence, football, family and outer suburbia.
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 and humour, and evoking the brilliant,dusty haze of late Australian summer, Funkytown is a love letter to adolescence, football, family and outer suburbia.
320 pages, Paperback
Published September 28, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
March 6, 2022
Although I dance around the fringes of sport, I was prepared to give this book a go whilst knowing it had a football (AFL) focus. I’m glad I did. Paul Kennedy has done a great job in blending his love of the game with a ‘coming of age’ story.
Kennedy lays bare his family life through his year as a seventeen-year-old. He reflects on how he and his town reacted to the fear and uncertainty of serial killer on the loose. He cleverly guides us through his aspirations and disappointments, on and off the footy field, and is not afraid to show us his faults/mistakes, or his strengths for that matter. I commend him.
The surge toward the end that took me by surprise. I would have preferred a little more insight into how his teenage experiences shaped him as a parent today - or maybe we can expect that in a sequel?
I think the most telling recollection of being a teenager was when he did turn eighteen:
"My fit (of laughter) lasted about two minutes. The others were staring at me in amazement. The party’s host, Melissa, said, ‘I’ve never seen you laugh like that. In fact, I don’t even think I’ve seen you laugh out loud.’
I was taken aback. ‘Shit, really?’ Was my mask of bravado fitted so tightly all these years?"
Had the book only focussed on AFL (I learned a lot, by the way!) and lacked the complementary storylines, I would have struggled to give it a 4-star rating, so hats off to the author.
As a side note: I think the book cover is one of the best I’ve seen for a while.
AND... AS AN INTERESTING SIDE NOTE: I’ve been trying to upload this review for a while now. We had internet outages in Tasmania. One of a few causes was reportedly blamed on an event that occurred in Frankston, Victoria.
‘Funkytown’, the title of this book, is the nickname given by the author for ‘Frankston’, where the he grew up.
What a coincidence!
Kennedy lays bare his family life through his year as a seventeen-year-old. He reflects on how he and his town reacted to the fear and uncertainty of serial killer on the loose. He cleverly guides us through his aspirations and disappointments, on and off the footy field, and is not afraid to show us his faults/mistakes, or his strengths for that matter. I commend him.
The surge toward the end that took me by surprise. I would have preferred a little more insight into how his teenage experiences shaped him as a parent today - or maybe we can expect that in a sequel?
I think the most telling recollection of being a teenager was when he did turn eighteen:
"My fit (of laughter) lasted about two minutes. The others were staring at me in amazement. The party’s host, Melissa, said, ‘I’ve never seen you laugh like that. In fact, I don’t even think I’ve seen you laugh out loud.’
I was taken aback. ‘Shit, really?’ Was my mask of bravado fitted so tightly all these years?"
Had the book only focussed on AFL (I learned a lot, by the way!) and lacked the complementary storylines, I would have struggled to give it a 4-star rating, so hats off to the author.
As a side note: I think the book cover is one of the best I’ve seen for a while.
AND... AS AN INTERESTING SIDE NOTE: I’ve been trying to upload this review for a while now. We had internet outages in Tasmania. One of a few causes was reportedly blamed on an event that occurred in Frankston, Victoria.
‘Funkytown’, the title of this book, is the nickname given by the author for ‘Frankston’, where the he grew up.
What a coincidence!
January 8, 2022
Seventeen-year-old Paul Kennedy and his family lived in Seaford which was not far from Frankston, Victoria. Frankston had a few nicknames one being Funkytown which Paul’s little sister called it.
It was 1993 a time when teenagers would hang out with their mates drinking, smoking and getting into trouble, but it was also the year a serial killer was on the loose which had the Frankston community living in fear. The states police force and media join forces in the hope of catching the killer. In the meantime Paul and his best mate since kindergarten, Adam Ray spend their days hanging out together. Adam really liked music and wanted to be a rockstar one day and he had the voice for it whereas Paul was a huge fan of sport and wanted to play in the AFL, but would his unruly ways stop him from pursuing his dreams.
Funkytown by Paul Kennedy is a well-written memoir told with emotion and true honesty. A fabulous read. Highly recommended.
It was 1993 a time when teenagers would hang out with their mates drinking, smoking and getting into trouble, but it was also the year a serial killer was on the loose which had the Frankston community living in fear. The states police force and media join forces in the hope of catching the killer. In the meantime Paul and his best mate since kindergarten, Adam Ray spend their days hanging out together. Adam really liked music and wanted to be a rockstar one day and he had the voice for it whereas Paul was a huge fan of sport and wanted to play in the AFL, but would his unruly ways stop him from pursuing his dreams.
Funkytown by Paul Kennedy is a well-written memoir told with emotion and true honesty. A fabulous read. Highly recommended.
April 11, 2022
This is a memoir by Paul Kennedy, a journalist with ABC. This memoir is set specifically in 1993, Kennedy is seventeen, living in Seaford,Victoria and completing Year 12.
In this particular year, Kennedy is right into football (hoping to make it to AFL level) and spending his weekends getting hammered. He has vry loving, understanding parents who are disappointed in his 'social life' but at the same time allowing him the space to make his own decision and suffer the consequences.
In a dark thread that lurks in the book the immediate Seaford and Frankston communities are terrified to have a few murders on their doorstep.
This is quite a frank memoir, and Kennedy tells the good and bad, acknowledging his own character flaws at the time. The name of the book comes from his sister's nickname for Frankston, also known to others as Frangers.
I was very fortunate to win a copy of this book through my local library, thank you Central Highlands Library.
In this particular year, Kennedy is right into football (hoping to make it to AFL level) and spending his weekends getting hammered. He has vry loving, understanding parents who are disappointed in his 'social life' but at the same time allowing him the space to make his own decision and suffer the consequences.
In a dark thread that lurks in the book the immediate Seaford and Frankston communities are terrified to have a few murders on their doorstep.
This is quite a frank memoir, and Kennedy tells the good and bad, acknowledging his own character flaws at the time. The name of the book comes from his sister's nickname for Frankston, also known to others as Frangers.
I was very fortunate to win a copy of this book through my local library, thank you Central Highlands Library.
April 22, 2024
Paul's writing is so immediate and in the moment that the emotions feel present and fully realised. Here's a man who recognises the weight of change, societal and personal, and the impact it has on the future.
This is a book of hindsight, and with that in mind, it would be an ideal book for teens growing up. Change happens to us all, but often we can see where we're going. For teenagers, that sight simply isn't there most of the time. Grief is a similar blinding tool, shutting off any sense of place or reason as you process immense trauma.
In Funkytown, those things sit side by side, in respectful unison.
This is a book of hindsight, and with that in mind, it would be an ideal book for teens growing up. Change happens to us all, but often we can see where we're going. For teenagers, that sight simply isn't there most of the time. Grief is a similar blinding tool, shutting off any sense of place or reason as you process immense trauma.
In Funkytown, those things sit side by side, in respectful unison.
October 24, 2021
Part biography and part teen coming of age story, Funky Town is sure to find its way on to the VCE reading list in years to come. That said, it was a terrific read that shines a light on life growing up in the Melbourne suburbs under the fear of the Kananook murders and the watchful eye of AFL selectors.
I personally connected with this story due to my childhood proximity to Frankston and the South Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. There's references to the night clubs of Frankston with their revolving dance floors and street side punch ons outside the fish and chip shop.
Paul has really captured a slice of life for a teenage boy growing up in these conditions. Our protagonist has a passion for football and we join him as he works his way up from the lowest VFL league to the AFL seniors. He's challenged by the lure of alcohol that accompanies club culture, almost contradictory to the work hard attitude needed to perform on the field.
90s footballers drop in and out of the story and I enjoyed reminiscing about the footy stars I loved as a kid. I didn't even barrack for St Kilda, but hearing about the talented Robert Harvey brought back good memories.
The Kananook murders and the wave of fear that swept the community in the 90s is cleverly compared to the lockdown restrictions of today (2021) with no one on the street after dark and any male caught outside curfew, questioned by police.
The treatment of women and the definition of manhood is another interesting theme that runs through the story. Paul strives to be a respectful person to the women in his life, as shown through his strong bond with his Mother and also his English teacher. But this runs contradictory to the vulgar language that his club mates and classmates use when talking about women. The desire to fit in, to exude machismo around his peers clashes with what he knows is right. I thought it did a good job of capturing that feeling of being on the sideline when someone makes an in appropriate joke and you don't call them out on it. Part of Paul's character development is around gaining the confidence to speak up. And with violence against women being such an insidious problem in Australia (2021), this book could not have come at a better time.
I actually listened to this as an audio book on borrow box and Paul reads this story himself. While he gives the story a personal touch, I could very easily have read this as a text based book and still enjoyed it immensely.
Thank you Paul. Keep kicking goals.
I personally connected with this story due to my childhood proximity to Frankston and the South Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. There's references to the night clubs of Frankston with their revolving dance floors and street side punch ons outside the fish and chip shop.
Paul has really captured a slice of life for a teenage boy growing up in these conditions. Our protagonist has a passion for football and we join him as he works his way up from the lowest VFL league to the AFL seniors. He's challenged by the lure of alcohol that accompanies club culture, almost contradictory to the work hard attitude needed to perform on the field.
90s footballers drop in and out of the story and I enjoyed reminiscing about the footy stars I loved as a kid. I didn't even barrack for St Kilda, but hearing about the talented Robert Harvey brought back good memories.
The Kananook murders and the wave of fear that swept the community in the 90s is cleverly compared to the lockdown restrictions of today (2021) with no one on the street after dark and any male caught outside curfew, questioned by police.
The treatment of women and the definition of manhood is another interesting theme that runs through the story. Paul strives to be a respectful person to the women in his life, as shown through his strong bond with his Mother and also his English teacher. But this runs contradictory to the vulgar language that his club mates and classmates use when talking about women. The desire to fit in, to exude machismo around his peers clashes with what he knows is right. I thought it did a good job of capturing that feeling of being on the sideline when someone makes an in appropriate joke and you don't call them out on it. Part of Paul's character development is around gaining the confidence to speak up. And with violence against women being such an insidious problem in Australia (2021), this book could not have come at a better time.
I actually listened to this as an audio book on borrow box and Paul reads this story himself. While he gives the story a personal touch, I could very easily have read this as a text based book and still enjoyed it immensely.
Thank you Paul. Keep kicking goals.
November 26, 2021
Memoir is my favourite genre and this was outstanding. I read it in a few hours.Honest, sensitive and an amazing insight into the male psyche. One of my two best books of the year. Best non fiction of the year.
August 17, 2021
A candid and open look into Paul's life in his year of finishing Year 12 and turning 18. It looks at what life is like for a teenager boy entering manhood and his dreams of becoming an AFL player. Not having many male figures in my life growing up, I really enjoyed reading about the journey to adult from a male perspective. The inclusion of the Seaford/Frankston murders throughout his story added an extra element of intrigue.
April 18, 2022
4.5 Stars (but round up ofc bc I love giving 5 stars) --> Idk what it is but there's something about a coming of age story that always leaves me feeling simultaneously empty, and full of yearning for the story to continue. Coupled with the way in which the dreary weather present over the time I read this in lovely surrounds, reflected the melancholic nature of the narration's conclusion, pathetic fallacy at its finest one might say, Funktown was a great read.
Only note is that even as an avid footy lover, the constant focus on the sport did get a bit repetitive, however, I understand that that part of the narration couldn't exactly be removed considering the massive role AFL played in PKs life (oh thats another thing, every time he wrote PK all I could think of was Paul Kelly, but obvs that's not a bad thing so not a problem there, just kinda funny)
Only note is that even as an avid footy lover, the constant focus on the sport did get a bit repetitive, however, I understand that that part of the narration couldn't exactly be removed considering the massive role AFL played in PKs life (oh thats another thing, every time he wrote PK all I could think of was Paul Kelly, but obvs that's not a bad thing so not a problem there, just kinda funny)
March 21, 2022
A truly magnificent piece of writing. Memoirs will always have the ability to make you feel a certain way. Much alike the narrator, writer and protagonist of the paperback, I too am 17 which makes this book all the better to read. I was addicted to it. Paul Kennedy perfectly describes the life of a 17 year old male in his final year of school, and paints me a picture of what life will look like once I’ve put the pen down on my final VCE exam. Although the constant referencing to AFL - a sport which I’m somewhat familiar with - it’s still perfectly able for anyone to read. A beautiful and easy-going read.
October 4, 2021
Loved it. A delightful read and a bit of a page turner for me. I loved the way he wrote about his relationships in that pivotal year 1993, with family, friends and teachers, and of the challenges he faced with maturing.
I spent a year living in Funkytown in the late 70's, and also loved playing footy growing up, so found many references familiar and thought evoking.
A great story.
I spent a year living in Funkytown in the late 70's, and also loved playing footy growing up, so found many references familiar and thought evoking.
A great story.
October 31, 2021
I’ve always found Paul to be a writer I enjoy reading. Funkytown is no exception and with local bars, streets and characters I recognise this was a page turner for me. It’s a raw and honest account of life at the time, a time capsule of our fears and our dreams. Loved reading of the boys I grew up admiring on the footy field too!
March 19, 2022
What a book! Thank you so much, Paul, for writing such an encapsulating, relatable memoir, which I feel really embodies the spirit of Frankston and the surrounds.
I also grew up in Seaford, and went to Patterson River in the late 2000s. I loved reading about PK's experiences with Mr O'Brien, Mr Zahra, Mr Slater, and Mrs Reg, who were all still at the school while I was a student! I think that you really painted such a vivid image of the school grounds, too; the hall connecting to the music rooms, the oval with the smokers' sandbanks towards the wetlands - it felt amazing to reflect on how much yet how little had changed in the couple of decades gap.
I was never really a 'sporty' kid, growing up, I did play local tennis recreationally - but I generally was too uncoordinated (and thinking back, probably nervous of embarrassing myself) to play footy or make any other 'serious' sporting commitments, and instead generally opted for focusing on the academic side of things. However, I had a similar 'fall from Grace' halfway through Year 12 when my girlfriend at the time (who went to a different local high school) broke up with me. I think this was the most poignant part for me while reading Kennedy's memoir - I spent a lot of it reflecting on the similarities of his time playing for the Stingrays and partying at The Grand with my time in Year 12, where I also started drinking and going out a lot more in the second semester (ironically, also the The Grand Hotel!), and my marks took a rather significant tumble.
Funkytown tells an extremely well-versed story of a young man growing up in Frankston in the early 1990s; however, I think that the experiences that Paul Kennedy describes in his memoir are long-lasting, and can be transcribed for generations to come.
I also grew up in Seaford, and went to Patterson River in the late 2000s. I loved reading about PK's experiences with Mr O'Brien, Mr Zahra, Mr Slater, and Mrs Reg, who were all still at the school while I was a student! I think that you really painted such a vivid image of the school grounds, too; the hall connecting to the music rooms, the oval with the smokers' sandbanks towards the wetlands - it felt amazing to reflect on how much yet how little had changed in the couple of decades gap.
I was never really a 'sporty' kid, growing up, I did play local tennis recreationally - but I generally was too uncoordinated (and thinking back, probably nervous of embarrassing myself) to play footy or make any other 'serious' sporting commitments, and instead generally opted for focusing on the academic side of things. However, I had a similar 'fall from Grace' halfway through Year 12 when my girlfriend at the time (who went to a different local high school) broke up with me. I think this was the most poignant part for me while reading Kennedy's memoir - I spent a lot of it reflecting on the similarities of his time playing for the Stingrays and partying at The Grand with my time in Year 12, where I also started drinking and going out a lot more in the second semester (ironically, also the The Grand Hotel!), and my marks took a rather significant tumble.
Funkytown tells an extremely well-versed story of a young man growing up in Frankston in the early 1990s; however, I think that the experiences that Paul Kennedy describes in his memoir are long-lasting, and can be transcribed for generations to come.
February 5, 2022
Funkytown
by Paul Kennedy
Sincere with a distinctly Australian sense of humour, I enjoyed Kennedy’s tale of his last year of school as he navigates his way into manhood via the drinking, partying, brawling, training for the footy season and a little bit of studying along the way.
Through his own story, we also get a great sense of his hometown of Seaford, itself a satellite of Frankston. The fact that there was a serial killer on the loose in 1993 adds extra tension to the book. Kennedy is tough on himself as he reflects on some of his stupid, naïve and sexist actions, but they generally fall within the usual young male belief structures. Even at the time, he seems aware of his idiocy
He is generous in crediting those who helped him through the time: his parents, siblings, friends, coaches, and community members who gave advice, support and understanding. He makes special note of his high school teacher Mrs Mac who, he says, ‘saved me from completely falling apart’.
All up, it is an engaging tale on masculinity and growing up told with tenderness and humour.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Sincere with a distinctly Australian sense of humour, I enjoyed Kennedy’s tale of his last year of school as he navigates his way into manhood via the drinking, partying, brawling, training for the footy season and a little bit of studying along the way.
Through his own story, we also get a great sense of his hometown of Seaford, itself a satellite of Frankston. The fact that there was a serial killer on the loose in 1993 adds extra tension to the book. Kennedy is tough on himself as he reflects on some of his stupid, naïve and sexist actions, but they generally fall within the usual young male belief structures. Even at the time, he seems aware of his idiocy
He is generous in crediting those who helped him through the time: his parents, siblings, friends, coaches, and community members who gave advice, support and understanding. He makes special note of his high school teacher Mrs Mac who, he says, ‘saved me from completely falling apart’.
All up, it is an engaging tale on masculinity and growing up told with tenderness and humour.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐
April 27, 2024
I wouldn’t usually go for a footy-obsessed teenage boy’s coming of age memoir but I am interested in reading books that are set in the local area.
Obviously it’s heavy on the AFL which wasn’t too painful for me but others with no/little interest may find that challenging. Learning what it was like to live in ‘Funkytown’ and surrounds during the time of the Frankston murders was eye-opening. I enjoyed reading about Paul’s relationships with his teachers and the positive influence they had on him during a troubling time as well as his interest in words/writing.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Obviously it’s heavy on the AFL which wasn’t too painful for me but others with no/little interest may find that challenging. Learning what it was like to live in ‘Funkytown’ and surrounds during the time of the Frankston murders was eye-opening. I enjoyed reading about Paul’s relationships with his teachers and the positive influence they had on him during a troubling time as well as his interest in words/writing.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 29, 2023
This book is a secret winner. Love hearing stories from people who are in the same demographic as me, yet on an opposite side of the cultural spectrum. Still don’t care much for footy, but I found myself invested in every page of this story.
Author’s EQ really brings this one through.
Author’s EQ really brings this one through.
December 24, 2021
4 1/2 stars. A wonderful read, honest and forthright, which doesn't gloss over the difficult topics
April 24, 2024
4.5 stars. Maybe I’ll come back and change it to a 5.
September 8, 2023
honest self-critique of toxic masculinity, shedding light on the smutty rotting underside of australia’s football obsession
fav:
• strong, handsome and athletic. he had everything going for him, including an antiestablishment streak that I admired
fav:
• strong, handsome and athletic. he had everything going for him, including an antiestablishment streak that I admired
November 15, 2021
I gave up 38 chapters in. It was a gruelling effort to last that long. As someone who cherishes their junior football memories, I could relate to the story, I just didn’t care for any of it. I can’t imagine how boring this book must be for someone without that connection.
December 6, 2022
Having grown up in Frankston I knew of many places Paul referred to as well as remembering the serial killer stories from 1993. Not being a keen afl football follower I did skip some of the footy details ! An interesting and honest memoir of a teenage boy’s story
December 27, 2022
AFL is confusing
December 2, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed Paul Kennedy’s book.
November 5, 2021
Such an interesting story/life. It's given me great insight into my husband's footy career and my son's footy dreams.
July 21, 2025
It's 1993, there's a serial killer on the loose in Frankston and Paul is at the pointy end of his teen years - i.e. lots of drinking and chasing the dream of playing in the AFL. Funkytown is a very relatable and incredible captivating, and is a great snapshot of 90's life in Melbourne's south-east.
- Read by Celeste, Suzie, Belinda and Kate
- Read by Celeste, Suzie, Belinda and Kate
July 24, 2022
The title and cover caught my attention when I saw this book on the shelf of a local library, so I borrowed it without realising that I have read another book by this author (Fifteen Young Men). I found it to be a quick, easy read that was a bit like opening a time capsule. The only problem is I now have the Pseudo Echo version of the song stuck in my head.
January 2, 2022
A beautifully easy read full of depth. I found it deeply relatable and wonderfully reflective.
April 21, 2022
The author reads this nicely! Great book, Paul!
September 30, 2025
I just randomly borrowed this book from my library after seeing it was set in the Frankston area (my local hood) and intrigued by the recounts of the Frankston Killer.
But I was drawn in by so much more than that. This recounts Kennedy’s last year of school and the emotional roller coaster that comes with that for a young teenage boy who just wants to play footy for the rest of his life. Set in 1993, the Frankston he recounts in many ways is much tougher and more dangerous than it is today, particularly because of the female killings that punctuate his story, creating fear and tension throughout.
I loved getting into the mindset of a teenage boy and navigating his footy career, school, girls, fights and future, with an undercurrent of toxic drinking culture. In some ways this is Kennedy’s Catcher in the Rye. The thing I found most tragic was watching him let his chance at the big time in footy get away. As a teacher, i see so many teenage boys decide not to give things their complete commitment because of fear of failure. At least if you only half commit and fail, then it’s not because you weren’t good enough. Kennedy’s drinking and this mindset affect his ability to go further than the amateur leagues in AFL and the end of his memoir is tinged with regret about this.
The other part I loved was the friendships and adults and mentors who spoke into his life when he needed direction and struggled to find it. His parents are painted so lovingly, supportive through everything, as well as a few teachers who saw more than just a footy jock. Then there are the friends and teammates who challenged but also encouraged him when he needed it.
In many ways, this was the memoir of a typical teenage boy from Seaford, there isn’t anything that remarkable about his life. But there is something universal about his experiences and the stories are told with the detail of a journalist who kept journals.
Now brb, I’m going to listen to the Frankston killer podcast…
But I was drawn in by so much more than that. This recounts Kennedy’s last year of school and the emotional roller coaster that comes with that for a young teenage boy who just wants to play footy for the rest of his life. Set in 1993, the Frankston he recounts in many ways is much tougher and more dangerous than it is today, particularly because of the female killings that punctuate his story, creating fear and tension throughout.
I loved getting into the mindset of a teenage boy and navigating his footy career, school, girls, fights and future, with an undercurrent of toxic drinking culture. In some ways this is Kennedy’s Catcher in the Rye. The thing I found most tragic was watching him let his chance at the big time in footy get away. As a teacher, i see so many teenage boys decide not to give things their complete commitment because of fear of failure. At least if you only half commit and fail, then it’s not because you weren’t good enough. Kennedy’s drinking and this mindset affect his ability to go further than the amateur leagues in AFL and the end of his memoir is tinged with regret about this.
The other part I loved was the friendships and adults and mentors who spoke into his life when he needed direction and struggled to find it. His parents are painted so lovingly, supportive through everything, as well as a few teachers who saw more than just a footy jock. Then there are the friends and teammates who challenged but also encouraged him when he needed it.
In many ways, this was the memoir of a typical teenage boy from Seaford, there isn’t anything that remarkable about his life. But there is something universal about his experiences and the stories are told with the detail of a journalist who kept journals.
Now brb, I’m going to listen to the Frankston killer podcast…
January 30, 2022
Having heard the author, Paul Kennedy, make reference to this book that he was writing during a recent literary Zoom session cohosted with Claire Hooper, I purchased it for my husband as a Christmas gift. He enjoyed reading it, so I opted to do so as well and found it equally enjoyable.
As my husband commented, it was a good holiday read and while I agree, it was also a reminder that the people we think we come to know as adults are sometimes a far cry from whom they were as young adolescents.
Paul Kennedy, measured sports commentator on ABC Breakfast when I first encountered him and diverse journalist before and after that had experiences growing up that seemed in total contrast to the adult projected in the media.
His memoir is a stark reminder that all of us are capable of change and there but for the grace of God and several tolerant and perceptive individuals that we encounter along the way, our personal life stories might well be very different than how they actually turn out to be.
As my husband commented, it was a good holiday read and while I agree, it was also a reminder that the people we think we come to know as adults are sometimes a far cry from whom they were as young adolescents.
Paul Kennedy, measured sports commentator on ABC Breakfast when I first encountered him and diverse journalist before and after that had experiences growing up that seemed in total contrast to the adult projected in the media.
His memoir is a stark reminder that all of us are capable of change and there but for the grace of God and several tolerant and perceptive individuals that we encounter along the way, our personal life stories might well be very different than how they actually turn out to be.
March 14, 2022
Some parts of this book felt absolutely uncanny in how they mirrored the experiences and thoughts that I AM CURRENTLY HAVING. Partly, this is because the protagonist (i.e. the author) is exactly the same age I currently am, and partly because I have my own personal memories associated with the places mentioned in the book (it is set in Frankston and wider Melbourne). Despite this, my life differs significantly from that of the authors in several respects, and in these circumstances I found myself wondering what would happen if I were in his shoes. For example, at the age of 17, he describes often drinking to the point of blacking out and getting into fights outside pubs (something I can't really relate to). This novel/memoir/autobiography has given me another perspective through which to view my life as it is right now and how it may unfold in the future. I can't recommend this book enough, particularly to my own demographic (16-18 year old Australian males), who would benefit greatly from reading it (although be prepared for lots of footy anecdotes, if they aren't your thing.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews