Reviews tagging 'Drug use'

All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson

61 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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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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mostlykenny's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted sad tense fast-paced

5.0

This book had me stressed (lol) but I was very connected to it from my personal experiences growing up. I definitely recommend to read this !! It’s powerful and it makes a lot of
great points about our society. ⭐️
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bubblybelle's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective medium-paced
i’ve decided to stop giving memoirs a star rating, but i do have some thoughts on this one. i think it is generally well written and telling extremely important stories about topics that people are often too afraid to discuss. however, in my opinion, the phrasing of the content warnings downplayed the graphic nature of some of the discussions had in this book- specifically surrounding sexual assault. the way it was worded to me implied that there would be discussion of the topic and its effects, but not graphic depictions like there were. as a result i did have to skip portions of the book, and generally found myself on edge for the remainder of the read.

this isn’t to say that i think that chapter (chapter 11: boys will be boys) shouldn’t be in the book. i think it is an important part of the author's story, and is a conversation that more people need to be willing to have. i just wish that there was more care taken in the phrasing of the content warnings so that readers, myself included, would know what to expect and be able to protect our mental health. 
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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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laurensgaylife's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad medium-paced

5.0

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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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mari1532's review against another edition

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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  
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callidoralblack's review against another edition

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reflective
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havennnofjoyy's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective tense medium-paced

4.5

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