Reviews with content warning for Racism - All Boys Aren't Blue

Reviews tagging 'Racism'

All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson

214 reviews

finnthehuman217's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

This book is so important to read. I am kind of shocked that it’s the most banned book in the US. It’s the author’s experience with Childhood sexual assault, relationships with their grandmother and other family members, and experience bottoming for their first time. It was not a good experience and they warn that they wrote about their first encounter with gay sex because they wanted young queer folks to hear about the experience from someone who didn’t like it at first. It is a beautiful reference to the incredible story of Moonlight. Where Juan teaches Chiron how to swim and how they based the title on that quote. It’s such a good read!

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sophiestasyna's review

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

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rideauriverreads's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring slow-paced

4.75

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blue_is_at_sea's review

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challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

I had a great experience reading this book. It’s one of the first memoirs I’ve ever read and I have to say I think it’s a great one to start with.
It deals with so much: race, gender sexuality, death, trauma, family and friendship.
I like that the prose is very accessible and the chapters are short. The subject matter can be fun and lighthearted but can also be heavy at times.
It’s a great read and I do recommend it.

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zluvsreading's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

I've always said it feels so wrong to rate memoirs/biographies because they are so personal and it takes a certain amount of bravery and vulnerability from the author to be willing to share this with the entire world. However, this feels like a solid five stars simply because I loved everything about this and how it was written. This is an important book and I think should be required reading, even if it was difficult/challenging to read at times but that doesn't mean we just don't read it. We just take the time to ask ourselves why it was challenging and have open discussions with others about it.

pre-review: This book spoke to me on so many different levels, my heart hurts.

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noahlucas's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

5.0

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jenniferbbookdragon's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced

4.5

A powerful memoir about growing up Black and queer, this book has been targeted by those who believe banning books about controversial topics is necessary to protect children. Johnson directly addresses racism, homophobia, bullying, and sexual abuse, all of which impact teens in their daily lives. He argues that they need books like this to know they aren't alone and to empathize with peers facing these issues. I agree.
Johnson describes his introduction to sex in college as difficult due to the lack of sex education for queer youth.
Their struggles with identity and sexuality are addressed in the context of a supportive family, something many young people lack. Johnson's story is one of strength and hope.

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brittknee52's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative sad medium-paced

5.0

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alexutzu's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

This was an amazing memoir about intersectionality, suitable for both young adults and older audiences. The author seemed so modest and positive, despite the things he had to fight and that stem from the combination of racial discrimination and homophobia.

Starting on a more lighthearted tone, the book progressed towards darker and emotional topics, covering everything from family to school years. Many things can be learnt from this autobiographical work, as I gained a better perspective on these matters.

Lastly, I really liked the author's attitude about writing this book and choosing its title. He mentioned that it is a story for everyone who would need it, as he did not have something like this while growing up, and quoted Toni Morrison on this matter:

"If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it."

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siobhanward's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced

4.0

Johnson has a talent for drawing in readers and creating a narrative that feels like a conversation. I appreciated that they didn't shy away from challenges, while at the same time sharing stories of Black and queer joy in their life. I only wish that they could have shared more about their journey to who they are today. Johnson talked a lot about their life as a young adult, but didn't talk much about what happened between then and now. This was still a beautifully written read and I'm really happy to have read it. I think it's a great story of hope for any young person who may be struggling with their identity, as Johnson reminds us that it's not a smooth journey, but its a worthwhile one.

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