Friends for Life

By: Andrew Norriss

Narrated by: Alison Larkin

Length: 4 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

"Both a hymn to the joys of 'being different' and an earnest exploration of the serious traumas suffered by teenagers who are lucky enough, and unlucky enough, to be unconventional." (The Guardian)

Sitting by himself on a bench during recess, fashion-loving Francis is joined by Jessica. He’s surprised when he learns that she’s a ghost and that Francis is the first person who has been able to see her since she died. When they become friends, then meet two more outsiders who can also see Jessica, the questions arise: Why are they the only ones who can see Jessica? And how did she die?

"Narrating this funny, beautifully written story taught me that when someone is depressed, instead of trying to fix things, it can be more helpful to just shut up and listen." (Alison Larkin)

The audiobook is followed by a candid discussion with three American teenagers about depression, anxiety, bullying, suicide, social media, and the healing power of friendship.

©2015 Andrew Norriss (P)2019 Alison Larkin Presents

Critic reviews

"Narrator Alison Larkin is superb at presenting the heavy topics of bullying and suicide with an audible sense of hope, optimism, and even a bit of humor. The principal characters speak with varied British accents and are also discernible by their personalities. Francis speaks slowly - he's mild and kind even in the face of teasing at school for his hobby of fashion design. When he meets the effervescent Jessica, a ghost visible at first only to him, listeners hear her playfulness as she "thinks" herself into new outfits, secretly accompanies Francis to school, and floats through doors and walls. She drops her cheeriness only when, with the help of new friends, she begins to understand her purpose and path." (L.T.)

Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine

Important new audiobook, fantastic narrator

When I read the book of Friends for Life my son was being bullied in school - he was 12 at the time. It helped me understand what he was going through, as well as making me laugh and smile and fall for the characters. Andrew Norris has a light, humorous touch which is particularly powerful when writing about such a serious subject as teen depression and bullying. When I received a request to listen to an advance review copy of the audiobook I asked my son if he's like to listen to it and he said he would. He LOVED it. He's called a few of his friends telling them they have to get this audiobook.
"I loved the narrator" he said. "She completely 'got' all the characters and the story is fantastic. It's about friendship and what that can do to help you even when you're feeling so low you've been thinking of ending it all." I had huge problems with 13 Reasons Why which I felt sensationalized teen suicide without offering hope. This book touches on some of the same themes - but shows all of us, teens, parents and friends alike that there IS hope. There ARE things we can do. Like talking about what's going on with others who may surprise us and turn out to feel the same way. It's an important audiobook. I'd give it more than five stars if I could. And I loved the interview with the narrator Alison Larkin and the actual teenagers at the end. This is not just a totally entertaining audiobook - that's funny and charming too - it's an important audiobook. Especially if you or anyone you know has been depressed.