Different for Boys (Plus This Whole Demoning Thing) cover art

Different for Boys (Plus This Whole Demoning Thing)

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Different for Boys (Plus This Whole Demoning Thing)

By: Patrick Ness
Narrated by: Norma Butikofer, Alex Wingfield
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About this listen

Different for Boys

Ant Stevenson has many questions, like when did he stop being a virgin? Are there degrees of virginity? And is it different for boys? Especially for boys who like boys? Ant tries to figure out the answers to his questions as he balances his relationships with three very different boys: Charlie, who is both virulently homophobic and yet close friends with Ant; Jack, whose camp behaviour makes him the target of Charlie's rage; and finally Freddie, who just wants Ant to try out for the rugby team.

This Whole Demoning Thing

In her monstrous Aspect, straight-laced Angela is a flameproof fire-breathing demon. At her school that’s perfectly normal – what isn’t is that most of the time she prefers her plain old human form, content to be in the background. But now Angela’s piano skills have somehow earned her a spot in the school’s coolest band, and as the end of year dance approaches it looks like she’s going to have to figure out who she really is in front of everyone.

2025, The British Audio Awards (The Speakies) Young Adult Books, Short-listed

©2014 Patrick Ness (P)2025 Bolinda Publishing LGBTQ+ Literature & Fiction

Critic reviews

'Different For Boys by Patrick Ness explores teen sexuality, friendship, and romance in this frank and humorous LGBTQ+ story about Ant who is finding all his relationships increasing complicated.' (Books of 2023, BBC Entertainment & Arts)
'The hormones are crackling and the dynamics within the group twist and turn as they explore their sexuality. The denouement, while not unexpected, is written with freshness and feeling. Ness is perceptive, plots beautifully and writes like a dream.' (The Times)
All stars
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I’m (arguably) Patrick Ness’s biggest fan, so when I found out that Different for Boys includes a clever use of censorship, I couldn’t resist listening to the audiobook. And honestly, it didn’t disappoint.

The way the characters react to being censored is both hilarious and deeply thought-provoking. Ness has a way of blending humor with profound emotion, and this story is no exception. It’s funny, warm, and painfully humane, tackling the complexity of human relationships in a way that feels entirely genuine.

But when you dig beneath the humour, you find something much deeper. The book focuses on themes of human sexuality, what it means to navigate life as a gay teenager, and raises some fascinating questions--like what actually counts as losing your virginity? Ant’s circumstances are unique, complicated, and incredibly real, and it makes you pause and think. Does society’s definition of intimacy even apply here?

This story is brutally bittersweet in its honesty. It doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff, but it never loses its heart. The way Ness writes makes you feel exposed, seen, and understood all at once. I couldn’t stop thinking about it after I finished, and I may or may not grab the paperback someday--just so I can experience it all over again.

Great performance and story

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