April Fool's Day Audiobook By Bryce Courtenay cover art

April Fool's Day

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April Fool's Day

By: Bryce Courtenay
Narrated by: Humphrey Bower
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This is Bryce Courtenay's moving tribute to his son, Damon, a hemophiliac who died from medically acquired AIDS on April 1, 1991, at the age of 24.

April Fool's Day is controversial, painful and heartbreaking, yet has a gentle humor. It is also life-affirming and, above all, a testimony to the incredible regenerative strength of love: how when we confront our worst, we can become our best. This tragic yet uplifting story will change the way you think. From the author of The Power of One.

©2013 Christine Courtenay (P)2014 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd Physical Illness & Disease Celebrity Inspiring Heartfelt Witty Thought-Provoking

Critic reviews

"April Fool's Day is one of those rare, wholly beautiful books that lets life speak for itself." (The Australian)
Moving Memoir • Heartfelt Storytelling • Exceptional Narration • Educational Perspective • Emotional Journey
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Not your typical Bryce Courtenay. But as always wonderfully written. Bryce was an international treasure. He is missed by all his fans.

Beautifully heart wrenching

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Honest, reflective of a brave & wonderful young man who is the object of tremendous love & suffering. Heart rending & memorable of a life worthy to be remembered. Shame on the callousness of society & the medical community who should be healing & the legal institutions who should be protecting in their failures to do so...and proud of those who stepped out to go above & beyond!! Celeste is a very special & honest woman. I hope she went on to find a love to match her own passion & commitment.

What a book

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Profound journey. So much learned! Narrator delivered all the moments with heart. It is a must read!

Heart broken and mended, thank Courtenay.

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I adore this author's writing talent and this book was no exception. even as a medical professional I learned a lot in this book. It was so beautifully written for the "Mighty Damen".
I'd recommend this book to anyone. In fact, I already have.

amazing!

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While books like these are heartbreaking, they are also necessary to fully appreciate love and what we prioritize in our lives. Damon’s life was truly extraordinary and I feel honored to have listened to his story.

Building a life of compassion

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Bryce Courtenay's only non-fiction work, April Fool's Day, is just as good or better than his top fiction books. What a moving story! another masterpiece by Bryce!!

What an author!!

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes I would recommend this book. This book is written from the broken heart of a father, who guides his son through a life journey of pain, suffering, compassion, love and how to enjoy life to it's fullest. You will laugh, get angry and cry.

Which character – as performed by Humphrey Bower – was your favorite?

Humphrey Bower brings all of the characters to life, not just in this book but in all of the books by Bryce Courtney.

What did you learn from April Fool's Day that you would use in your daily life?

Be more patient, compassionate , and loving.

Touching, yet a life lesson.

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If you could sum up April Fool's Day in three words, what would they be?

Sadly Important Story

What was one of the most memorable moments of April Fool's Day?

Just overall being allowed to share this painful experience with my favorite author.

Any additional comments?

A real 5 hanky book!

Sadly Important Story

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I did not see how Bryce Courtenay could write a book on his son's short life and take 20 hours to do so (surely it would get repetitive). No--it was fabulous! As a nurse we touched on hemophilia in school, but they never told the story! Stupendous! Many thanks for sharing such an intimate story. As good as his other books. And of course, I love the narrator!

A Lesson in Hemophilia

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Where does April Fool's Day rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book is in a special category due to its subject matter. I love Bryce Courtenay writings but this one was about his son and his son's tragic but lovely life. It will definitely make you feel and become emotionally involved, so not a book for those needing an uplifting or inspirational read/listen. I especially liked the book (it is hard to say enjoyed because of the subject matter although I did enjoy it) since I had listened to so many of Courtenay's books. That is, after a dozen or so of his books I felt I was able to get to know this author finally. It is truly a heart wrenching tale.

What other book might you compare April Fool's Day to and why?

David Sheff wrote a book about his sons addictions and the son Nic also wrote a book about his addictions. These books too were tragic but so self indulgent - especially the son's that they had a somewhat of a theatrical nature about them - Aprils Fools Day was long and sometimes rambling but Courtenay was not self indulgent.

What about Humphrey Bower’s performance did you like?

Nothing - I look for books narrated by Humphrey Bower.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Pretty strong emotional reaction - it was hard because of the pain and agony expressed by the author. Albeit he tried his best to express love and joy and humor. It just was not possible to feel the tragedy and heart break.

Any additional comments?

Upon listening one hopes that in writing the book he lessened his pain and agony over losing his son.

Tragic story - well written but tough subject

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