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zellreads's review
4.0
This was an incredibly strong book on black boyhood, the importance of family, and growing up queer. I loved the content. I found myself wanting more, and I think the structure of specific anecdotes rather than a cohesive narrative contributed to that. But overall great!
monarchsandmyths's review
5.0
i read this memoir before ALL BOYS AREN’T BLUE, and though i had already planned on reading the aforementioned, this book pushed me to request it at my library in the middle of reading. George M. Johnson is such a potent and talented storyteller, that it was near impossible to put this book down. it’s not always an easy book to read based on the topics discussed, but an easy book to read because of the skill with which Johnson crafts a story. this is a book that doesn’t shy away from trauma, but most importantly chooses to intentionally highlight the joy and love that’s very evidently a large part of both the story and Johnson’s life.
this is the kind of book that i can see myself returning to, the kind of book that you can open to any page and get something out of it, though it’s still at it’s best all at once. frankly, it’s also a great book for those who aren’t as big into nonfiction as the fluidity and (for lack of a better word) melodic writing carries the story better than a number of fiction books. furthermore, though this is by no means the central focus, as someone who’s repeatedly fiddled with the label of nonbinary, this book made me feel more at peace, more settled within my identity as a nonbinary person, even if that label doesn’t end up sticking.
if it’s not clear, i really would recommend this book, whether you like nonfiction or not. it’s such a well written story, but also such a necessary one as well, and i’m infinitely glad that i picked it up.
this is the kind of book that i can see myself returning to, the kind of book that you can open to any page and get something out of it, though it’s still at it’s best all at once. frankly, it’s also a great book for those who aren’t as big into nonfiction as the fluidity and (for lack of a better word) melodic writing carries the story better than a number of fiction books. furthermore, though this is by no means the central focus, as someone who’s repeatedly fiddled with the label of nonbinary, this book made me feel more at peace, more settled within my identity as a nonbinary person, even if that label doesn’t end up sticking.
if it’s not clear, i really would recommend this book, whether you like nonfiction or not. it’s such a well written story, but also such a necessary one as well, and i’m infinitely glad that i picked it up.
jordanlamagna's review
5.0
George Johnson is incredible. I also read their book [b: All Boys Aren't Blue|44280883|All Boys Aren't Blue|George M. Johnson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1559859817l/44280883._SY75_.jpg|61592230] which was beautiful. This is a short memoir where George details the life of their grandmother, who recently passed. They detail out all of the goods and the bads in their relationship, as well as with their brothers and cousins. The glimpses into their life they give us is so profound. I always feel so honored to get this peek into their life. I recommend all of their books.
bookishnanna's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
Could be 100 pages longer. Give me more, please. I love this author!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Death, Homophobia, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Terminal illness
janagaton's review
5.0
Absolutely loved ALL BOYS AREN'T BLUE with George M. Johnson's narration, so I simply had to read this audibly as well. This one has a heavier focus on family in addition to identity, which was super sweet. This author surely has a way with words and storytelling technique. This memoir is equal parts heartwarming and heart-wrenching while being utterly inspiring overall.
TW: homophobia, bullying, racism
TW: homophobia, bullying, racism