circlesofflame's review against another edition
4.0
"The first person you are ever an activist for is yourself. If I wasn't gonna fight for me, who else was?"
This isn't a book I would usually read, but after hearing the author speak during YALLWEST I really wanted to check it out. [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] is a YA memoir about growing up, toxic masculinity, being black and about being queer and all of the intersectionality that produces.
I obviously can't speak to the authenticity of the portrayal, but the author's voice is very much delivered authentically (having heard him speak in other contexts before listening to this book on audio) and this book covers so many different - sometimes difficult - and important topics. I really appreciated being able to read such an open and thoughtful memoir by someone of a similar age to me, covering some topics of which I have no personal understanding, therefore enhancing elements of my own knowledge. GMJ writes in such a brief, but poignant and impactful way, so I will be interested to see how I enjoy other books that he writes in future.
jennms_qkw's review against another edition
5.0
This book showed up on a ban list for a local high school (Alpine, Utah County, Utah) so I picked it up. It's been on my want-to-read forever.
I love the writing. The window into this world. New Jersey! Transgender cousin. So many questions about masculinity, intergenerational families, HBCU, fraternities. Really from a tiny child all the way to the college graduation I think.
Regarding the ban: There are two explicit sex scenes and George did not have access to holistic sex ed and this book still belongs in high schools. We don't need to protect our kids from reality. There are kids in our high schools right now with questions that can be helped by books like this.
I love the writing. The window into this world. New Jersey! Transgender cousin. So many questions about masculinity, intergenerational families, HBCU, fraternities. Really from a tiny child all the way to the college graduation I think.
Regarding the ban: There are two explicit sex scenes and George did not have access to holistic sex ed and this book still belongs in high schools. We don't need to protect our kids from reality. There are kids in our high schools right now with questions that can be helped by books like this.
kiarasmithdotcom's review against another edition
4.0
Incredible ! While i do wish that it was a little longer and went a little deeper. I also wish we found out how kennt died since it was so sudden. i found that the most vulnerable parts of the book were very relatable and heartbreaking. i encourage anyone who struggles with identity to read this book. i do think that it is at times preaching to the choir if you’re black and queer but also at times very singular. George’s relationship to his grandmother was my favorite part because it reminded me of my grandmother. I think if you are black and queer you will find a peace of yourself in this book for better of for worse.
carrienation76's review against another edition
4.0
When I picked this up at the bookstore, I did not realize that this was intended for young adults. The content and vulnerability is suitable for all types of readers, but I'm starting to think I need to hand this out to every 8th grader I can find. Johnson affords every individual in his memoir a strong layer of humanity and empathy. Not only is the subject matter critical to teenagers (learning about your sexual identity, gender identity, gender expression, etc.) but Johnson's grace for his younger self and for others is a key lesson in itself.
lunaslabcoat's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
nicolesbookreviews's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
poenaestante's review against another edition
This book lost me at the introduction. I highly recommend Saeed Jones How We Fight For Our Lives. Just sayin
annaavian's review against another edition
5.0
"No amount of money, love, or support can protect you from a society intent on killing you for your blackness, and shows that a community that has been taught that anyone "not straight" is dangerous."
Powerful. Emotional. Raw. Honest.
This memoir will be of so much help to many people who know they are different but have no support system available and for that reason alone it’s extremely important that such books are being published.
Whether you identify as a part of the LGBTQ+ community or not, whether you identify as a part of the Black community or not, read this book regardless and educate yourself about the struggles that people around you endure throughout their life. Educate yourself about the social stigmas we have all been victims of one way or another.
Powerful. Emotional. Raw. Honest.
This memoir will be of so much help to many people who know they are different but have no support system available and for that reason alone it’s extremely important that such books are being published.
Whether you identify as a part of the LGBTQ+ community or not, whether you identify as a part of the Black community or not, read this book regardless and educate yourself about the struggles that people around you endure throughout their life. Educate yourself about the social stigmas we have all been victims of one way or another.
willascanlon's review against another edition
3.0
Solid writing but some of it felt a little disjointed. A lot of it read as letters to individual people which were sweet but seemed only really applicable to the person they were written to.
lexiereadstoomuch's review against another edition
5.0
I would have listened to this book in one sitting if I hadn't started it in class. I went home and immediately finished it. I could truly feel the pain that came with the publishing of this book. If I had to make a list of books everyone should read this would find itself taking one of the top spots.