Reviews tagging 'Injury/Injury detail'

All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson

26 reviews

katie0528's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.25

An exploration and memoir of Johnson's life growing up both Black and queer. While his family is incredibly accepting, he still faces homophobia from his schoolmates and others. Johnson discusses personal issues such as being molested by a cousin and how not having queer role models caused him to suffer from his own internalized homophobia and feeling as if he doesn't belong. He writes specifically to other young queer people, specifically those of color, trying to be the role model he never had.
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wanderlust_romance's review against another edition

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emotional informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

All Boys Aren’t Blue is filled with bravery, unflinching honesty, and emotional vulnerability. This was written as a memoir for young adult audiences-specifically those who are Black and queer. Washington is such a compelling storyteller that from the very first essay I was engaged and educated by the way they relayed their lived experiences and reflections. This book doesn’t shy away from discussing challenging topics related to comp-het, gender, performance, shame, and racial identity. And at the same time, Washington relays the unconditionally supportive and loving family they had growing up that helped enable these honest reflections. Everything about this was excellent.
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bashsbooks's review against another edition

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informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.25

Young adult memoirs are a fickle and difficult genre. It's kind of niche, and YA in general is subject to what adults think teens want, not what teens actually want. (Not that I know what teens want, either, but I can postulate about some things they might not want.) I think for the most part, Johnson recalls being a teen better than most adults, and he's franker with teens than most adults are willing to be. I respect this honesty and directness from him, I like that All Boys Aren't Blue tackles CSA, sexuality, gender, abuse, racism, homophobia, death, and toxic masculinity without shying away from them, and with empathy and nuance without making excuses for abusers. At times, he does come off a little stiff and lecturey, but he's above average for the genre. And his anecdotes are well-chosen and well-connected.
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pizzaisjesus98's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

3.75

A wonderful and important book that can open eyes and hearts
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theverycraftyvegan's review against another edition

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reflective fast-paced

4.0

A great look into the life of a black queer man and hearing it narrated in George’s voice was wonderful. 
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zemily83's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced

4.0

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autismandniamh's review against another edition

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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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callidoralblack's review against another edition

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reflective
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bookwormcat's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

4.5

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jenniferbbookdragon's review against another edition

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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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