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

Reviews tagging 'Alcohol'

All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson

34 reviews

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

Content Warnings

kjofalltrades's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny reflective sad fast-paced

4.0

Content Warnings

garbagebarge69's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

3.75

Content Warnings

readwithkel's review against another edition

Go to review page

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.

Content Warnings

callidoralblack's review against another edition

Go to review page

reflective

Content Warnings

jenniferbbookdragon's review against another edition

Go to review page

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.

Content Warnings

kaylasbewks's review

Go to review page

emotional informative fast-paced

5.0

I think the majority fear becoming the minority, and so they will do anything and everything to protect their power.

This memoir was fantastic. The experiences shared were insightful, educational, and full of emotion. The author was extremely vulnerable, which added a heartwrenching layer to this book. When I discovered that this book has been banned in 29 school districts (USA), I was honestly baffled, but it did make me read this book, and I'm so glad I did (even if I cried a handful of times). I will forever recommend this book to anyone and everyone. I've shared a couple of quotes throughout that stuck with me.

As a Black queer person, I've died hundreds of times. Will likely die hundreds more times before my physical death. That is the lesson of death, though - from death comes rebirth. A rebirth in thinking, in processing, in living.

Content Warnings