• Fourteen

  • My Year of Darkness, and the Light That Followed
  • By: Shannon Molloy
  • Narrated by: Shannon Molloy
  • Length: 8 hrs and 2 mins
  • 5.0 out of 5 stars (3 ratings)

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Fourteen  By  cover art

Fourteen

By: Shannon Molloy
Narrated by: Shannon Molloy
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Publisher's Summary

Optioned for a major film, Fourteen is this generation’s Holding the Man - a moving coming-of-age memoir about a young man’s search for identity and acceptance in the most unforgiving and hostile of places: high school.

This is a story about my fourteenth year of life as a gay kid at an all-boys rugby-mad Catholic school in regional Queensland. It was a year in which I started to discover who I was, and deeply hated what was revealed. It was a year in which I had my first crush and first devastating heartbreak. It was a year of torment, bullying and betrayal - not just at the hands of my peers, but by adults who were meant to protect me.

And it was a year that almost ended tragically.

I found solace in writing and my budding journalism; in a close-knit group of friends, all growing up too quickly together; and in the fierce protection of family and a mother’s unconditional love. These were moments of light and hilarity that kept me going.

As much as Fourteen is a chronicle of the enormous struggle and adversity I endured, and the shocking consequences of it all, it’s also a tale of survival.

Because I did survive.

Longlisted for the 2021 ABIA Biography Book of the Year

"Teenagers should read this book, parents should read this book. Human beings, above all, should read this book." (Rick Morton best-selling author of One Hundred Years of Dirt)

"I love this book...a beautifully written account of a young man struggling with his sexuality, overcoming shocking abuse and finding his way to pride." (Peter FitzSimons, best-selling author)

"Shannon is unflinching in recounting the horror, but he is also funny, empathetic and, above all, full of courage." (Bridie Jabour, author of The Way Things Should Be

"A slice of life as experienced quite recently in the 'lucky country'." (The Hon Michael Kirby, AC CMG)

"Shannon's bitter struggle is painfully recognisable and happening in playgrounds around the world. But he not only triumphs, he relives his past using his best weapon: beautiful words." (Australian Women’s Weekly)

"A stunning memoir about heartbreak and acceptance...a unique, hilarious and bittersweet insight into the heart of a boy, the courage of survival, and the fierce love of a mother." (Frances Whiting, Courier Mail)

"Australia hasn’t changed all that much from what Shannon describes in Fourteen. Marriage equality isn’t the end; there is still such a long way to go, and books like this are an important part of that journey." (Five Stars, Good Reading)

"Intensely raw and incredibly moving." (OUTinPerth)

"A book in which many will undoubtably see themselves and take solace." (The Age)

©2020 Shannon Molloy (P)2020 Simon & Schuster Australia
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: LGBTQ+

Critic Reviews

"Shannon's bitter struggle is painfully recognisable and happening in playgrounds around the world. But he not only triumphs, he relives his past using his best weapon: beautiful words." (Australian Women’s Weekly)

"A stunning memoir about heartbreak and acceptance...a unique, hilarious and bittersweet insight into the heart of a boy, the courage of survival, and the fierce love of a mother." (Frances Whiting, Courier Mail

"Australia hasn’t changed all that much from what Shannon describes in Fourteen. Marriage equality isn’t the end; there is still such a long way to go, and books like this are an important part of that journey." (FIVE STARS. Good Reading

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  • Anonymous User
  • 01-08-21

Inspiring!

I have gotten lots of audiobooks, many of which I really enjoyed, but this one really has given me the most hope for my future. It has inspired me that things can and will get better, for everyone.

2 people found this helpful

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  • Andrew S
  • 08-02-20

Buy this book for any young person who may be struggling with their sexuality

A wonderful, moving, and at times traumatic story, but uplifting at the same time. Beautifully read. Strongly recommended, especially for young people struggling with their sexuality and their supporters.

2 people found this helpful

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  • Sue T
  • 08-12-21

A growing up story

Loved it. Told with passion, it's a rollercoaster journey of a young teen who's very unsure of his place in life(weren't we all at that age!) An in-depth account of how to survive the teen years when you think you're gay.

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  • nicholas pilbrow
  • 04-05-21

Fantastic

fantastically written fantastically narrated, I would recommend this book to everyone especially those having trouble fitting in

1 person found this helpful

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  • Anonymous User
  • 04-25-23

Overwhelming insightful

What an insight into small town Australian life, the up & terrible down of being different effected me to my soul.
Thank you & keep writing please.

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  • Snap
  • 09-07-22

Love this book

What a beautifully written memoir. It actually made me emotional in so many parts (which is not something that is the norm for me). I loved the raw honesty and the ending was fabulous. It would be a great read for any kids who are being bullied or feeling lost in the world. Well done Shannon, keep being fabulous in the world!!

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  • Jai
  • 09-01-22

What a Team

So moving.. beautifully written.. and such a fabulous play.
The only thing that was negative was all the horrid things that happened to that poor innocent 14 yr old boy. Made worse because these truly happened. I love your mum and family and you are a truly inspiring and brave person Thankyou for sharing

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  • Anonymous User
  • 08-23-22

A story close to my heart

Thankyou Shannon for sharing your story, the most relatable, most heartwarming story of hope & how similar our lives were. Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou

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  • Patrick
  • 05-04-22

A shocking reality that's compelling and uplifting

This story is about truth that's undeniable, tragic and must be told! Voiced by the bravest person, made more real because it's his story.
Australia has an underlying, ugly and complicit culture that can crush people simply for being who they are.
If you care about right and wrong you must listen to this book, it will open your eyes.
If you lived this life it will help you heal and bring hope.

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  • Nicola Medrano
  • 08-31-21

Breathtakingly raw, honest and brave

I loved the way Shannon told his story.
As a straight woman, a parent, it breaks my heart to hear of the abuse Shannon suffered at the hands, feet and vicious mouths of fellow students, the active and passive neglect of teachers who ought to have been active protectors, I aches to tell him you will be ok.
I’ve ordered the hard copy for my kids aged 15 and 12 to read and to share with their friends once they have read it.
This book should be required reading by all teachers, students and parents.