Reviews tagging 'Racism'

All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson

241 reviews

faelafel906's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

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maireebrown's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

4.5

This book covers a lot of ground in such a short span. I love how this serves as the media the author needed when they were younger. It’s heartfelt, real, and full of compassion. 
Keep the tissues close by, though, because you will probably cry (and that’s okay). I also highly recommend checking out content warnings, because there are a few chapters with tough subject matter that you should be aware of before reading. But it is worth engaging with, even when it’s uncomfortable.
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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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moreadsnrambles's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

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dielesemotte's review against another edition

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hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

3.75

First of all, I think this book is very important representation and gave me an insight into experiences I will never be able to fully understand. And it was strangely comforting to see that despite all the differences, I as a white lesbian still related to and saw myself in some of the author's experiences. 
There was a chapter towards the end that talks a lot about sex and the amount of harm caused, because most of us don't get taught about sex outside of heterosexuality, that I thought was really interesting. 
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babyhairs's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective

4.0

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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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alica2's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

Very poignant memoir...I was really touched by the author's vulnerability in sharing so much of themself with the world, but also felt many times where the book served as a mirror to reflect on my own self as well. I loved how much of the book focused on the author's family and all the ways their various family members supported them. It was such an honest depiction of what it was like for them growing up Black and queer, both the challenges and the joy in being able to live authentically, and is definitely a book that will stick with me for a long time.
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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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bseigel's review against another edition

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emotional funny informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.5

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