In their best-selling memoir-manifesto, All Boys Aren’t Blue, LGBTQIA+ activist, acclaimed author and journalist, George M. Johnson, explores the reality of growing up queer and black in America.
Through a series of powerful and unflinching essays, George unpacks a plethora of timely subjects such as gender identity, institutionalised homophobia, consent, toxic masculinity, family and brotherhood.
From the memories of getting their teeth kicked out by bullies at age five to their first sexual relationships and the precious bond with their grandmother ‘Nanny’, each page wrestles with trauma, triumph, Black joy and tragedy in a moving exploration of ever-evolving selfhood through a Black lens.
“Navigating in a space that questions your humanity isn’t really living at all. It’s existing. We all deserve more than just the ability to exist.”
Not only is this manifesto a fierce and defiant reclaiming of space for young black queer people, it’s a clarion call to fight for your right to live a full and authentic life.
Keep scrolling to read the team’s reviews of this emotionally frank and essential read.
Lareese
It’s been a while since I’ve read a memoir and this one by George M. Johnson reminded me why I love them so much. They’re like a palate cleanser between fiction – raw stories that bring you right back to what you both fiercely love and detest about humanity. George’s story is an unvarnished & courageous telling of their childhood and adolescent years growing up under the duality of being black and queer. In a series of personal essays and letters to his family, some heart-warming and hopeful, others devastating and painful, they reflect on the experiences that made them the person they are today. From encounters with bullies, to coming out and finding brotherhood in a college fraternity, they write a reassuring testimony that, even in trauma, there can be joy, love and healing happening. The football scene broke me and every moment with his grandmother made me cry happy tears. I can’t wait to read more about her in their next book. George was simply born to tell stories and I’ve no doubt after reading this powerful account, many others will feel brave and proud enough to tell theirs, too.
Rating: All the stars
Would you recommend it: It’s an essential read
Danielle
I love reading memoirs and short stories, it’s a great way to dip in and out of a book with ease whilst still getting really great plots and insight into someone’s life. George’s stories need to be told, they are such a powerful storyteller and there were moments where I was glued to the pages. The book is packed full of raw stories where George then goes on to explain what they symbolize which I found helpful. You could be the most open-minded LQBTQIA+ Ally, and you would still learn something about how much our society is entrenched with homophobia, gender stereotypes, and toxic masculinity. I was constantly laughing, then crying, then laughing again throughout the book and I’d honestly recommend it to anyone. Of course, there are hard-hitting segments but don’t let that put you off in place of another ‘easy beach read’.
Rating: 4/5
Would you recommend it: Definitely, to everyone!
Charlotte
This book is the definition of POWERFUL if I ever did see it and I feel so moved even a couple of weeks after finishing it. George is a born storyteller and it’s a privilege being able to hear the rawness, honesty and both joy and pain of their experiences and the intersections of being both black and queer. It’s always hard to review a memoir and someone’s personal life experiences but despite that it deserves a 10 out of 5 for how much I know it will help those who are put through similarly challenging circumstances, as well as to those of us who want to be better allies to people of colour and the LGBTQ+ community.
I don’t normally pick up books in the style or format of short essays and letters but it was such a fitting way to communicate the themes and conflicts George felt and felt really digestible despite the heavy subject matter. I think it would be a really wonderful one to listen to as an audiobook and image it would be even more moving in this form! Personal, moving, outspoken and will have you crying both sad and happy tears, I recommend everyone reads All The Boys Aren’t Blue.
Rating: 5/5
Would you recommend it: 1000%
Holly
Well, I am absolutely blown away. Usually, I’m a solid young adult fiction fan, but all boys aren’t blue has genuinely really changed my outlook.
I actually have a couple of chapters left, partly because I don’t want it to end, partly because it can be quite hard to read at points. It’s shocking, and upsetting but so full of love and courage and makes my heart feel warm, I feel like I’ve learnt so much.
One reason I resonate so deeply with All Boys Aren’t Blue is that I am part of the LGBTQ+ group, and although I have experienced discrimination, my experiences are nothing compared to George’s. The first ‘experience’ I found the hardest to read, George was so young when they faced their first discrimination and to this day, can’t pinpoint exactly why they were targeted.
George M. Johnson writes so openly and honestly, I think it’s incredibly brave to share their experiences. All Boys aren’t Blue will help so many people. People from minority groups, ally’s, and people that need to be educated go read this! The whole novel shares an important message about being your true, authentic self, whoever you are and I know that’s something everyone can relate to.
Rating: 4.5/5
Would you recommend? Absolutely
