All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson REVIEW

 All Boys Aren't Blue

by George M. Johnson

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Synopsis:

In a series of personal essays, prominent journalist and LGBTQIA+ activist George M. Johnson explores his childhood, adolescence, and college years in New Jersey and Virginia. From the memories of getting his teeth kicked out by bullies at age five, to flea marketing with his loving grandmother, to his first sexual relationships, this young-adult memoir weaves together the trials and triumphs faced by Black queer boys.

Both a primer for teens eager to be allies as well as a reassuring testimony for young queer men of color, All Boys Aren't Blue covers topics such as gender identity, toxic masculinity, brotherhood, family, structural marginalization, consent, and Black joy. Johnson's emotionally frank style of writing will appeal directly to young adults.

Review:

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. 

All Boys Aren't Blue is a YA memoir by activist George M. Johnson where he tells us stories about his life as he grew up. From coming home beat up as a child to finding a frat house that gave him brotherhood, Johnson takes us through his personal journey of ups and downs. It's one I think everyone should read.

What I loved most about this book is that it isn't a collection of stories from a boy who didn't have love and support from his family. Although I believe those are also important, these are stories from a boy who was loved by his family but still had struggles, showing that love and money can't stop someone from suffering. Johnson talks about the struggles of being queer, being black and being queer and black. I think he did a fabulous job telling his story. I think it's so important to show that these struggles can come at you even if you do have the support and love your family. Johnson was blessed, yet he struggled.

I absolutely can't recommend this book enough. I can't even think of anything bad to say about it. I smiled, I cried and I was captured for every minute of this book.

There are sensitive topics discussed in this book so if you're someone who needs trigger warnings here they are: sexual manipulation, teenage sex between minors with questionable consent.