Maybe it's a bit premature to say so, but All Boys Aren't Blue is the best memoir of 2020. I stand by that.


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.


As always, a copy of this book was provided by the publisher or author in exchange for my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.

Filed under: memoirs that are as breathtaking as their covers. Are we sure that my review can't be just me saying 'wow' and seventeen variations of 'read this book immediately'? Because, to put it bluntly, words cannot describe how important George M. Johnson's All Boys Aren't Blue is. Nothing. At. All.

The first thing you should know about All Boys Aren't Blue is simple; it needs to be on your 2020 TBR. Capitol letters, all bold, MUST READ. All Boys Aren't Blue is one of the most important memoirs you'll ever experience, no matter your age, and is something that has been desperately needed.

Voices like George M. Johnson only come around once in a lifetime. We are fortunate enough to be living in that lifetime. All Boy Aren't Blue is intimate, thought-provoking, and reads like Johnson is right beside you. All Boys Aren't Blue is the type of memoir that will lend hope and friendship to many young readers at such a pivotal time in their lives.

Writing a review on memoirs, non-fiction in general, proves to be challenging. Especially when the memoir in question is as good as All Boys Aren't Blue is. All things that can be said on this stunning memoir are pretty concrete in this magnificent review from Jesse. (Who, if you aren't following, you are missing out.)

We're only a few weeks into the new year and I can say confidently that this is amongst the best of 2020.