Blurb; 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.
My Review; I stayed up late just to finish this one and devoured it in hours. What an amazing memoir. The book is all about George/Matthews life and growing up queer in America. The challenges he faced and conquered. The love and support he got from his friends and family. He wrote this to reach those who may be facing the same challenges he had to experience. For them to know they are not alone and learn through/from him.
I have to really look up to this guy. I really do. It was such a bold, brave, raw and honest thing to write about and put out to the world for all to read and see. I felt like I knew him as a friend and all his family. What really shines out for me in this book is his nana. What an amazing woman she sounds. She’s the glue to the whole family and story and that really stood out for me. Also the relationships between all the cousins and family as a whole. What a beautiful family.
The book is made more real with photos throughout of George and his family. This had me laughing. It had me crying. It broke my heart. But one thing throughout it all, he was honest. He wrote from the heart. He just wanted to be accepted for himself. A beautiful story.
I hope he is now living a very happy life and I feel proud of him! Thank you for sharing your story with us. It’s feels wrong to rate a book like this but I gave it all the stars and more. I loved it! I also learnt alot from it myself especially some history. Highly recommend. I also think the cover is eye catching and beautiful. An eye opening read.
Between The Pages Book Club 
I’m planning to read it this month and i’m even more excited now, thanks for the review!
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