Reviews

Boys Come First by Aaron Foley

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. 

baylan's review

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad slow-paced

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

5.0

booksteabedby7's review

emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

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

4.0

This was my second reading of this book, and my first time with the Audio version. The writing is fresh and the stories are interesting. The narration is stellar!  I really loved this peek inside the lives of a group of Black, gay friends in Detroit. There are universal storylines that the queer community can relate to, but the characters and stories are firmly rooted at the intersection of Black and Queer lives. Similarly, Detroit and its history and culture have staring roles in this, but there are issues that many of us in aging, large cities across America can relate to. I have heard there is a chance this may be developed into a TV series and all I can say is, I’d watch the hell out of it. 

🌈 Queer Characters 
🫶🏻 Diverse Characters 
👨‍👩‍👦 Generational/Family Drama

jewitt's review

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

• 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

3.0

ohladysamantha's review

soft DNF - i will return to this but i want to start 2024 with no books currently reading. 

daisyhaas's review

emotional funny hopeful sad medium-paced

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

4.0

robynryle's review

4.0

Loved this book so much. Like ALL BLACK WOMEN MUST DIE EXHAUSTED with Black gay men. And Detroit and gentrification and coneys, which I learned are not Cincinnati coney’s, but maybe like a cousin?

songabong's review

adventurous emotional fast-paced

2.0

kerasalwaysreading's review

4.0

This is such a real and raw slice of life kind of read. There is so much in this book that I will never experience, but I can appreciate it for what it is.

Three gay, Black men Dominick, Troy and Remy navigate their 30s in such an endearing way. Through ups and downs in their professional and personal lives, the three of them lean on one another.

This is a poignant and fun book, full of laugh out loud awkward moments, heart and friendship. I love the raunchy-ness. I loved the realness. I loved the culture. Highly recommend this one.

obitus's review

funny informative slow-paced

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

2.75