A review by eboc2024
Things We Couldn't Say by Jay Coles

5.0

This book was an amazingly Queer-affirming counter- narrative of a Black boy growing up in a tough, but community-oriented neighborhood in Indiana. A boy who is religious, and athletic, and loves Paramore and all of these other eclectic musicians. The story is layered and nuanced. Gio ends up loving a white boy, but he doesn’t let this white guy off the hook when he isn’t enough of ally when Gio is in a dangerous situation. Gio has a Queer mom, but he doesn’t let her off the hook because of abandoning him when he was young. Overall, it’s a coming of age story about coming into your own, living your truth, and finding the family you need, and who will support you unconditionally. I loved this book!!