A review by alexblackreads
All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson
4.0
This was a really lovely memoir/collection of essays about Johnson's life and childhood. Some of them were heartbreaking, insightful, and wonderful, others funny and sweet. I really enjoyed their writing style and the collection of stories they chose to share. I think they did a really wonderful job capturing the characters of their family members, especially their grandmother 'Nanny.' It made the book all the more touching. I also really enjoyed seeing their personal growth as they went from child to young adult and came to terms with who they are and what that means in our world.
In terms of dislikes, there was one chapter basically all about their frat which dragged. Most of the book was lovely, but that one chapter was kind of soul sucking. They just kept going on and on describing all the intricacies of frat life and defending (?) hazing. They also deadnamed their trans cousin which was super unnecessary. And there were a few pretty graphic sex scenes which I think only bothered me because I was listening to the audiobook. (That one is a less of a negative for the book and just personal preference. I get pretty uncomfy and usually skim graphic sex stuff.)
I highly recommend this, especially for a teen audience, as it is geared toward teens. I think it's a book I could have used at that age, but I'm glad I read it now.
In terms of dislikes, there was one chapter basically all about their frat which dragged. Most of the book was lovely, but that one chapter was kind of soul sucking. They just kept going on and on describing all the intricacies of frat life and defending (?) hazing. They also deadnamed their trans cousin which was super unnecessary. And there were a few pretty graphic sex scenes which I think only bothered me because I was listening to the audiobook. (That one is a less of a negative for the book and just personal preference. I get pretty uncomfy and usually skim graphic sex stuff.)
I highly recommend this, especially for a teen audience, as it is geared toward teens. I think it's a book I could have used at that age, but I'm glad I read it now.