thebabybookworm's review against another edition
5.0
Moderate: Violence, Child abuse, Dysphoria, Classism, Transphobia, Sexual assault, Body shaming, Toxic friendship, Racism, Death, Bullying, Sexual content, Incest, Toxic relationship, Rape, Racial slurs, Homophobia, Hate crime, and Emotional abuse
cherrypiejay's review
4.0
I listened to the audiobook, lovingly narrated by the author. It’s such a gritty, raw, honest story about a queer youth finding himself, and I enjoyed every minute of it - even though some bits were tough to get through due to being quite triggering. It’s an important story that needs to be shared.
Graphic: Sexual assault, Panic attacks/disorders, Child abuse, Violence, Sexual violence, Hate crime, Grief, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Sexual content, Incest, and Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Alcohol, Domestic abuse, Cursing, and Death
littlecozyreaderr's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Grief, Death, Bullying, Alcohol, Toxic relationship, Sexual assault, Violence, Rape, Racial slurs, Racism, Mental illness, Incest, Drug use, and Homophobia
lovetlr's review against another edition
3.5
Minor: Racism, Homophobia, and Toxic relationship
monalyisha's review against another edition
3.75
Though it feels crummy to say, I didn’t think I was going to like the book at first. The writing, when it’s not erudite in tone, is conversational and it needs sharper editing (the word “though” is vastly overused, for instance). Johnson’s vocal performance is also a bit stumbling. I settled in, however, and I think their goal is accomplished: providing a (sometimes embarrassing) warm, honest, and candid account of life for people who are often ignored. Johnson’s goal is to be a mirror and they shine.
The chapter “Losing My Virginity Twice,” which includes an impassioned call for better — and inclusive!!!— sexual education in America, is vital. Johnson carefully highlights the very real damage that can be (and IS) done by leaving kids ignorant and concurrently teaching them shame. They provide concrete examples from their own life. It’s sometimes difficult to hear but it’s also nigh-impossible to ignore. There’s so much hurt (physical and mental) that doesn’t need to happen, and Johnson leaves us feeling that we can all do better - and that it’s reasonable to work for change, and to hope.
Graphic: Outing, Injury/Injury detail, Toxic relationship, Suicidal thoughts, Racism, Sexual violence, Transphobia, and Terminal illness
starlessnights's review against another edition
Graphic: Child death, Deadnaming, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Homophobia, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Self harm, Sexual content, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Transphobia, Grief, Mental illness, Rape, and Sexual violence