Reviews tagging 'Violence'

All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson

97 reviews

autismandniamh's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective sad medium-paced

4.25

Heart-wrenching, searingly honest and shocking. There was occasional “finding my journey” speak which came across a little cringe; plus the SA chapter was incredibly difficult to read and felt overly sympathetic to the abuser, even with the disclaimer at the end of the chapter. In addition, the fraternity parts read like self-immolation rather than self-realisation and finding family, but what do I know? I’ve never been in one. You can’t fault George for his honesty though.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Sexual assault, Violence, Racism, Outing, Racial slurs, and Sexual content

Moderate: Physical abuse, Incest, Hate crime, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, and Drug use

mari1532's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

4.5

I listened to this audiobook through my library on Libby. 

Brief Summary: A memoir that explores the experience of a Black, Queer person growing up. Johnson provides essays about their life that include experiences navigating racism, homophobia, sex, love, and joy.

Thoughts: This is a beautifully written book. Johnson has such a clear understanding of how growing up can be such a difficult process and how learning to love yourself is truly the first step to an enlightened understanding of the world. 

I really loved every essay that included stories of Johnson's grandmother. The love and admiration that they have for each other was so touching to read. I also think that it is so important that Johnson highlighted how their grandmother and others in their family may not have had a perfect response to the queer members of the family, but that their love for each other always came first and that love allowed for growth and acceptance on all sides.

I also appreciate the way that Johson discusses their sexual experiences. I think that even in a young adult book it is important to discuss topics like these because making them taboo makes it difficult for people to feel comfortable discussing the topic and asking questions. 

Even if you are not a young adult this is a great book to read. It is beautifully and thoughtfully written. I would highly recommend this book  

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault, Transphobia, Racial slurs, Medical trauma, Incest, Homophobia, Bullying, Racism, Violence, Rape, and Deadnaming

Minor: Drug use and Alcohol

kjofalltrades's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective sad fast-paced

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Homophobia, Bullying, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Incest, Deadnaming, and Death

Moderate: Cancer, Outing, and Transphobia

Minor: Alcohol

garbagebarge69's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Homophobia and Sexual content

Moderate: Outing and Grief

Minor: Incest, Racial slurs, Sexual assault, Violence, Rape, and Alcohol

onlyonebookshelf's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault and Racial slurs

Moderate: Racism, Homophobia, and Violence

readwithkel's review against another edition

emotional fast-paced

5.0

Not my usual choice of memoir, but this was an important story to be told. I’m glad I read it. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Homophobia, Sexual content, and Racism

Minor: Alcohol and Violence

erinjoeldry's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

An incredible memoir for this age demographic, told in a caring and compassionate way for audiences. We need more voices like this for teens who struggle to find their own.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual content and Violence

Minor: Sexual assault

abbeyreads13's review against another edition

emotional inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

5.0

Loved this so much. Really awesome memoir

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, and Sexual assault

Moderate: Transphobia and Homophobia

jenniferbbookdragon's review against another edition

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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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Sexual content, Homophobia, Racism, Alcohol, and Dysphoria

Moderate: Incest, Cultural appropriation, Deadnaming, and Drug use

Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Transphobia, Outing, Violence, and Blood

maggieperrien's review against another edition

emotional informative inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

4.0

While this book is a YA memoir of a black queer man, so I realize I am not the target audience, I appreciated hearing his experience and reflecting on what I can do to be a better friend and stand up for people whose voices are so often ignored. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault, Racial slurs, Violence, Homophobia, and Sexual content