The Fat Kid

By: Mark A. Roeder

Narrated by: Paul Stefano

Length: 5 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

Henley sits on the sideline of life. What else is a fat kid to do? He's determined to make a change as he enters high school and summons the courage to take a chance only to have super-jock Axel O'Connell go off on him for being a pathetic slug. Henley nearly calls it quits, but pushes forward, and then something amazing happens; Axel does an abrupt about-face and offers to help Henley lose weight and get in shape. Henley is suspicious of Axel's motives, but so desperately needs help he takes him up on his offer. He soon discovers Axel has a hidden agenda and it shocks Henley right down to his toes. It is the beginning of an unlikely friendship that forces both boys to see each other in a new light.

The Fat Kid is a story of friendship, compassion, and affairs of the heart.

©2017 Mark A. Roeder (P)2017 Mark A. Roeder

A lovely story

I really really enjoyed this story, it was warm and sweet and a story about first love. My only problem is that as I was reading it Initially I envisioned the characters being 17/18 years old, especially Axel with all of the emphasis on his muscles and firm body. It came as a total shock to discover they were in fact young boys going on 15. I felt as if I was doused with a bucket of water. If I had known this going in I would not have purchased the story, I just cannot ignore how I felt reading an almost steamy romance between children.

great YA story

The fat kid.

The characters are engaging and well developed. The plot was realistic for the age group of the characters. I had a hard time learning who was who at first till I learned who the characters where.
They all had hard names to remember. This story was good. In a way it kind if reminded of " A Dairy of A Wimpy Kid" but with a gay flare to it.
Its a good YA listen.


I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher

The Fat Kid

The Fat Kid
: Mark A. Roeder

This is the first book I have listened to from this author. Going in I was intrigued by the title. As someone that spends considerable time around students of this age, I was picturing the setting close to home. An interesting coming of age book with characters of different sexual orientations. Maybe a little simplified, but nice to see how friendships build.




The narration was done by Paul Stefano. The characters were portrayed OK, but in a few places I was confused as to who was who.



I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

American youth

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

"This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review."
The Fat Kid is an enjoyable read. I relate to it very much. I was much like Henley in that most of my friends were and remain LGBTQ+. This is your regular, run of the mill 80's cliche, high school, boy wants girl story. Only Henley is a straight, overweight, sweet boy who beats the top jock for the lead part in the school play. The lead jock has an interest in Henley's new friend, Phineous. Axle (the lead jock) makes a deal with him. He will help Henley lose weight and get into shape to look his best for the play in exchange for a good word in with his friend. And maybe get a girls attention. What happens is Axle learns how to understand and care for others on a deeper level, and Henley gains confidence and becomes healthier overall. *Whew*
It's sweet, cute, and socially relevant in today's society.

What did you like best about this story?

An easy read/listen. A sit-back and enjoy kind of story. It's also an educational look into how much our society has changed over the years.

Which scene was your favorite?

I enjoyed growing with Axle as he became less shallow. My favorite part was when Henley stood up Axle and Phineous at the cinema.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The anger Axle directed toward Henley after losing the part in the play to him made me really mad. It was important to his character to show just how cruel and self centered he really was.

Any additional comments?

None. It was perfect for what was being conveyed.

A delightful surprise

Any additional comments?

I didn't know this was a listen involving a gay main character. I'm glad I didn't. It allowed me to approach this listen for what it was, a high school coming of age love story.

Everything I like about a summer read was part of this listen. Likeable main characters. Check. No long-drawn out angsty self-doubt. Check. Narration that fit the material. Check. A believable HEA. Check.

This story was vanilla ice cream with sprinkles. Nothing fancy but it hit the spot.

I really liked Henley, the main non-gay character. I wished we got to glimpse his family a bit more. (I mean, why would Henley's Mom and Dad not be at his surprise party?) I liked how he had realistic life goals and those motivations he used to push himself was in line with the character.

I liked the way the relationship developed between Axel and Phineas. It was actually quite sweet. In fact, I liked Axel, the openly gay football player. (I don't believe for one minute though, that there is a high school in middle America that would have several openly gay players and no one would have a problem with it.)

This was a nice story. It was a bit of a surprise for me but I did like it.

The Story Was An Okay Listen

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Sure, I would recommend this audiobook to a friend but I thought the book jumped around too much. There seemed to be a lot of teenaged angst but I'm glad the bully decided to help him. I thought he took the remarks at the beginning very well. He kind of let it roll off his shoulders.

If you’ve listened to books by Mark A. Roeder before, how does this one compare?

No I don't think I've listened to any other books by Mark A. Roeder.

What three words best describe Paul Stefano’s performance?

Paul Stefano was able to make his voice sound like a teenager somehow. I think he fit the story very well. A perfect match between author and reader.

If you could rename The Fat Kid, what would you call it?

I wouldn't rename it as that is what the foundation of the story is about.

Any additional comments?

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.