
A Better Place
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Narrated by:
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Andy Babinski
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By:
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Mark A. Roeder
About this listen
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.
©2000,2012 Mark A. Roeder (P)2013 Mark A. RoederListeners also enjoyed...
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Good read.
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Huntley is a golden boy. He’s blond, beautiful, wealthy and popular. Max hates him - at least until the pair meets and Max begins to understand that Huntley’s life might not be so perfect after all. Max doesn’t care for Glen either. Why should he? Glen has bullied him for years. Glen isn’t all that he seems either and becomes more involved in Max’s life than Max could have ever imagined. Three Months is a story of love, understanding and dealing with the ultimate tragedy of life.
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Thank you....
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Dead Het Boys
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just another great story
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fantastic amazing thrilling
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Suburb writing and excellent narration.!
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Beautiful
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yet again just awesome
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great concept horrible story line
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Pride High, Book 1
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Perfect for mature teens and nostalgic adults, this LGBTQ+ series celebrates authentic intimacy, realistic relationships, and the beautiful chaos of growing up queer. Rewind to the nineties and join a group of teenagers as they try to figure out who they are, and who they want to love. Meet your new friends:
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He did it again!
- By Stanley Craver on 11-28-22
By: Jay Bell
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Straight Boy
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
I love him. And I’m pretty sure he loves me back...even though he’s straight. When I first met Carter King, I knew he was something special. I imagined us being together, and we are, but only as friends. Best friends! I’m trying to be cool with that, even though I know he has secrets, and there have definitely been mixed signals. I don’t want a crush to ruin what we already have. Then again, if there’s any chance that we can be together, it’s worth the risk, because Carter could be the love of my life. Or he might be the boy who breaks my heart.
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**Spoilers**
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By: Jay Bell
What listeners say about A Better Place
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- Charles Nelson
- 02-04-25
The general acceptance of LGBTQ from most people
I liked the romance and fight for love in spite of adversity. The characters were very interesting.
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- Jimmy Fimbres
- 12-04-21
pulled at my heart strings
The authors characters are so mesmerizing. I feel like they are my friends. I always want to read more.
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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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- 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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- Phoenix Nimitz
- 05-12-23
This book never gets old!
This is my 3rd time of listening to this book, and the story gets better and better. The narrator is extremely good and tries to be all of the characters in the book, and he pulls it off almost flawlessly. This story proves that true love does exist.
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- raymond
- 12-21-21
a sad and beautiful Love story
I love hearing about the stories about these boys and a 1950s and 1980s it's incredible what they had to go through inside I hope we make more stories about earlier..
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1 person found this helpful
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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...
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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.
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1 person found this helpful
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- reakky
- 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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- 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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