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A review by callum_mclaughlin
All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson
3.0
This is Johnson’s memoir, reflecting on his experiences as a young Black gay man growing up in America. The book encompasses many big themes, including queerness, family, identity, racism, abuse, and masculinity.
I appreciated how frank and self-aware Johnson’s writing is. His commentary on the differences between sex and gender, and the coding of language, clothing and behaviour to uphold a strict binary and suppress queer expression is particularly excellent. The section which sees him write open letters to loved ones about the important roles they’ve played in his life is also very moving.
Though I found his voice consistently engaging, I will say a couple of the anecdotes shared felt somewhat tenuously linked to the points Johnson was trying to make. This meant they paled in comparison to the power and effectiveness of the book’s more successful sections. Due to its essay-like structure, the book is also non-linear in a way that can leave it feeling as though it lacks a sense of overall direction at times.
Queer youth (especially Black queer youth) will see so many of their own experiences reflected in Johnson’s work, and it’s great to know books like this will help the next generation feel less alone in their struggles.
I appreciated how frank and self-aware Johnson’s writing is. His commentary on the differences between sex and gender, and the coding of language, clothing and behaviour to uphold a strict binary and suppress queer expression is particularly excellent. The section which sees him write open letters to loved ones about the important roles they’ve played in his life is also very moving.
Though I found his voice consistently engaging, I will say a couple of the anecdotes shared felt somewhat tenuously linked to the points Johnson was trying to make. This meant they paled in comparison to the power and effectiveness of the book’s more successful sections. Due to its essay-like structure, the book is also non-linear in a way that can leave it feeling as though it lacks a sense of overall direction at times.
Queer youth (especially Black queer youth) will see so many of their own experiences reflected in Johnson’s work, and it’s great to know books like this will help the next generation feel less alone in their struggles.