A Better Place

By: Mark A. Roeder

Narrated by: Andy Babinski

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. Roeder

pulled at my heart strings

The authors characters are so mesmerizing. I feel like they are my friends. I always want to read more.

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..

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.

Exploring the 80's

A well constructed story of love in the 80's, rejection and torture, acceptance and friendship.

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.

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...

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.

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!

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
[e-mail]

Had great expectations but was disappointed

What could Mark A. Roeder have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

I bought this audiobook after listening to the sample that was provided. After listening to the first hour, I was turned off by the narration.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narrator was dry, not emotionally involved. I was having difficulty his dry disposition. I do apologize but I would request a refund if possible.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

I did like the sample, it sounded like if I was able to tolerate the whole story it might have a good plot at some point. But, it was so dry, or just read dry that I couldn't get through it.