I'm Not Really Here

a book called the perfectionist 's guide to losing control

I'm Not Really Here

By Gary Lonesborough

Published by Allen & Unwin

ISBN 9781761180767

This is a moving story for 14 - 18 year olds, discovering ones self in the midst of changing situations that cannot be helped, but not of 17 year old Jonah's making.

Jonah, his dad and two younger siblings, Luke and Zeke, have moved to the country town of Patience where his dad grew up, for a fresh start for the family after their mum had died.

It is not easy dealing with being the new boy in town, Aboriginal and queer, yet he seems like a pretty level headed. sensitive and likeable boy verging on becoming a young man.They are all relieved now that they have their own home again.The boys are delighted to have their own rooms, their space.

Their dad is eager to do his best for the family while forming new friendships and perhaps a lasting relationships while assuring Jonah no one could replace their mum.

Reading about interactions with fellow students at school, people in town, finding same sex love and not ashamed to show it, it is a heartwarming tale.

This is a well written story in the style for the intended age group. While discovering more about himself, especially in these circumstances and changing age or coming of age. It is a pleasure, easy to read book and it appears the author has the gift of writing for this genre and audience.

The author

Gary Lonesborough is a Yuin man, who grew up on the Far South Coast of NSW as part of a large and proud Aboriginal family. Gary was always writing as a child, and continued his creative journey when he moved to Sydney to study at film school.

Gary has experience in youth work, Aboriginal health, child protection, the disability sector (including experience working in the youth justice system) and the film industry, including working on the feature film adaptation of Jasper Jones. His debut YA novel, The Boy from the Mish, won the Booktopia FAB Debut Book Awards and the Ena Noel Award and was shortlisted for the CBCA Awards, the QLD Literary Awards, The Victorian Premier's Literary Awards, the Indie Book Awards, the Adelaide Festival Awards, the NSW Premier's Awards and was selected as a White Raven. It was published in the US in 2022 under the title Ready When You Are.

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