All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto

“He didn’t know I was a virgin, and I did my best to act dominant like my favorite porn star,” the book continued.“For the first few minutes, we dry humped and grinded,” another passage read. “I was behind him with my stomach on his back as we kissed … he pulled out some condom and some lube … I had never done it before … I had one point of reference, though, and that was seven-plus years of watching pornography. Although the porn was heterosexual, it was enough of a reference point to get the job done.”

This coming of age story has never been told before, but has been lived by millions.I saw some universalities in the black queer experience, from shame to euphoria, this book encapsulates everything.I haven't been able to read an entire book in a very long time. It's been months since my last book, which is unusual for me. I used to devour books when I was a kid. This book was different though, I tore through it in two days. You don't know how much you need to hear stories that you can relate to until you have one in your hands. I loved everything about this book. I'm giving it 5 Stars because it kept me captivated. The discussion of the intersection of blackness and queerness was superbly done. I cried multiple times reading this, happy tears and sad tears and tears of commiseration because I related so hard to this story.I highly recommend it, especially if you're a black queer person who always wanted a connection to your blackness, but never felt really seen in the black community. There's community enough for all of us. I'm very happy I read this, it was so necessary right now. I'm not alone.

This book is inappropriate for children due to the graphic content.

This book is porn. It is being out in elementary, middle school and high schools and it is completely inappropriate for young readers. Graphic anal sex is described. This needs to be banned from schools.

I feel heard, I feel seen.

Sometimes in life you truly do not know what someone has experienced or what struggles they may have endured! George shared his truth with an honesty that grips the heart! This memoir teaches so many valuable life lessons but the one that touches me the most is love! Love does not envy, love does not boast, love is not proud, does not dishonor others, is not self seeking, is not easily angered, keeps no record of wrong, love always hopes and always perseveres. Love never fails!

This is NOT young adult fiction. It is PORN written in the “familiar” tone of YA. I find the descriptions in this book absolutely filthy, especially given the proposed audience for this text and the fact that it has been made available in elementary, middle school, and high school libraries across the country. What in the world is going on? If an adult chooses to read this text, that is an informed choice. However, to market this kind of pornography to unsuspecting, impressionable, not-yet-fully-developed CHILDREN is unconscionable. What have we become as a society if we allow this constant grooming and sexualization of our children to occur? Anyone who thinks this is book is sound reading for a child needs their head examined. A 100% thumbs down for this one!👎👎

Tw: sexual assault, loss, molestation, loss of virginity, homophobia, racism, and anti-BlacknessI give this memoir-manifesto 5/5🌟 The audiobook was Amazing! This book had me on a roller coaster. Had my heart a couple time during those traumatic events and during losing his virginity twice. I just don’t understand how you do something so vile that you think there’s nothing wrong about it?? Like are you serious. And don’t get me started with your American History teacher👏🏾😡 what thought process was he was living in? Saying if he was living in those tones back then, he would have slaves too. Then say “let’s move on” when he doesn’t like the rebuttals. The inner me would’ve spoke my mind and all hell would’ve broke lose.This book spoke to me every time I come across a line where someone would ask “Are you gay?” and I ALWAYS say No. I too haven’t had someone I could go to and reveal my truth. I always thought I was a freak or doing something wrong ever since my mama wanted to take me to the Pastor (8 years ago, 17 years old). Although I’m confident in saying I’m a lesbian and I love women, I still have to work on loving myself and self esteem. Yes I can be happy and joyful on the outside, but on the inside, under construction.I love the family rep. Family have your back no matter what. Esp when they dare someone to try you, so they can shut them down.👏🏾👏🏾With establishing masculinity, I love that he (George) went in CHASING masculinity in his fraternity, but in the end, he just had to be himself, his FULL TRUTH 👏🏾😭🌈“The thing you are trying to hide is usually what you give off the most.” ; “That day was the day I realized I couldn’t escape the person I was, because I was going to be me whether I acknowledged it or not.” -George M. Johnson

Johnson's writing is most powerful when he simply tells his story. There is empathy, insight, and wisdom in his narration of his experience growing up in a loving family in a repressed and racist society. His "manifesto" is less convincing, and occasionally "preachy". The chapter describing his experience of "abuse" is thought provoking. I'm not convinced Johnson's framing of his experience provides an enabling concept of abuse for many young people who are exploring their sexuality. I thought there could be a more nuanced critique of the episode. Nonetheless, I applaud his bravery in including the chapter in a book that is intentionally written for the 14-18 age audience.The homophobes will love to condemn this book as unfit for young people - which is exactly why they should read it.

Very inspiring, honest and personal memoir. As a gay man myself in my late 20s, I can fully relate to his experiences in “coming out” and how difficult it always is. It’s interesting to see through an American perspective although just shows how the desire to live our truths is universal. Highly recommend this book! Brilliant well-written memoir!

A very personal memoir with moments that are thoughtfully shared.I wish this book reaches out to those who aren't Blue and be driving force.

I have really enjoyed reading this book. The author retells stories from his childhood from his point of view as a member of the black, queer community. As a teacher, this was an informative read.

I am not a huge fan of manifestos hut for some reason this spoke to me and I’m so glad it did.It was beautifully written and inspiring.