Reviews

Boys Come First by Aaron Foley

derhindemith's review

3.0

It was fun. I’m definitely too old for it and that made me a little sad, but it felt like the Noah’s Arc or B-Boy Blues for younger generations.

radiantwings's review

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

kristxnpowell's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny inspiring slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

jambsie's review

funny informative fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

bookishkellyn's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Imagine HBO’s Insecure but with Black gay male millennials. Dominick (advertising executive), Troy (sixth grade teacher), and Remy (realtor) navigate gentrification and the bleak dating landscape in “New Detroit.” There were jaw-dropping moments, LOL moments, and tender moments of vulnerability. Per the author’s note, the main characters were initially supposed to be women, but I’m glad he leaned into authenticity and gave us this insightful but relatable debut instead.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Moderate: Drug use, Domestic abuse, and Toxic relationship

Minor: Cancer, Death of parent, Excrement, Infidelity, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Racism, and Homophobia

tro_ing's review

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

zongo's review

emotional funny hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Drug use, Sexual violence, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, Toxic relationship, and Sexual content

Minor: Gun violence

jacehan's review against another edition

5.0

To me, the cover and title give a YA vibe, but it is very much not. What it is is a slice of life with three voices that feel very real (and are very funny).

xoeybear's review

emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse and Physical abuse

Moderate: Infidelity, Cursing, Drug use, Rape, Sexual violence, and Sexual assault

Minor: Excrement, Suicidal thoughts, and Gun violence

micklesreads's review

funny reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

I wanted to love this book. The portrait of Detroit was fantastic, and the characters had potential. But the lack of plot and the constant shifting of pov made it tough to feel like anyone was really developed.