Review: All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson

ALL BOYS AREN’T BLUE

George M. Johnson

BLURB

*An Amazon Best Book of the Year optioned for television by Gabrielle Union!*

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.

All Boys Aren’t Blue is George M. Johnson’s story from birth to adulthood. One of the first experiences he shares with the readers is when he was 5 years old and got his teeth kicked out. That was one of many painful experiences he shares with readers in this book but there are counterparts of victorious moments too.

The support of his family was something that stuck out to me. Instead of being a statistic like he mentions in the book where families kick out their queer children, his family embraced him and other family members who were part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Growing up and not seeing yourself represented on TV or even in school takes a toll on a person. To be the change the author would like to see in the world he is using his platform to be a voice against toxic masculinity and to help marginalized groups like the LGBTQ+ community so they can feel safe to be themselves without having to cover up their true identity.

After reading this book, Gabrielle Union has opted to make this into a Sony Pictures TV series. More info here.

I found this to be a compelling story. I’d recommend reading it and experiencing this author’s journey.

Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: George M. Johson
Length: 5H 12M

Amy Signature

•To see more reviews by Amy click here•

Author: Foxy

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.