Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - All Boys Aren't Blue

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.

Content Warnings

neglet's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

Really enjoyed this self-described combination of "memoir and manifesto." Each chapter tells the story of the author's years growing up, but also addresses themes like self-acceptance, family, tolerance, and gratitude, among others. At the end of the chapter, the author addresses the reader, encouraging them to find their own courage and strength to be themselves and emphasizing that they deserve love and acceptance. There are some difficult moments, but the author is also clear that not all people experience things the same, so he makes room for the reader to find their own queer experiences in his story, whether in whole or in part. Very thoughtful and interesting.

Content Warnings

qwertyq's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging hopeful informative reflective fast-paced

4.0

Content Warnings

kberman20's review against another edition

Go to review page

medium-paced

4.0

Was a good book on being black and queer. I’m white but I relate to the queer aspect. I also felt afraid (still am) to live my truth. His stories are relatable and written from the heart. Would probably be a 5 if he talked less about grandma/nanny but I understand that she’s an important part of his story.

Content Warnings

bashsbooks's review against another edition

Go to review page

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.

Content Warnings

bseigel's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.5

Content Warnings

ellius's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring sad fast-paced

5.0

Now I’m gonna be upfront. I hate memoirs. I never thought I would like one let alone love one. But this book will always hold a special place in my heart.

This book is educational and thorough. It’s valuable and heartfelt. It. Shouldn’t. Be. Banned.

This book covers topics, issues and education in an upfront and inspiring way. It’s obviously written for young adults and it uses some writing techniques to show that. It’s light hearted and extremely valuable and i recommend everyone read it.

10/10. Check it out.

Content Warnings

More...