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All Boys Aren't Blue
All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto | George M. Johnson
144 posts | 125 read | 2 reading | 88 to read
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.
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IndoorDame
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#weirdwords #weirdwordwednesdays @CBee

I love those moments when you realize the stunningly obvious meaning of a word that you were somehow oblivious to your entire life, like “sour cream is *sour* cream!”🤯

George Johnson narrated one of those new connections for me this week and it made me super happy 😃

dabbe Go fer it, ya gofer! I love this word! 🧡🤎💛 2mo
IndoorDame @dabbe same! And I never thought much about why coffee interns were called the office gofers, but duh 🙄😂 2mo
dabbe @IndoorDame 🤩☕️😂 2mo
CBee Ha, love it! 2mo
Daisey I grew up serving as a tool gofer for my dad and uncle, but I don‘t know that I‘ve ever actually seen the term in print. 2mo
39 likes5 comments
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IndoorDame
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I‘ve always meant to read this one and I‘m glad #bannedbookweek inspired me to finally pick it up, it really is as powerful as everyone says. Johnson‘s story does a wonderful job of illustrating how even if you‘re lucky enough to be surrounded by loving family and friends, being part of a marginalized community inescapably increases the chances that trauma, violence, illness, abuse and mental health struggles will affect your life.

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lil1inblue
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Pickpick

This was a powerful coming of age memoir. Johnson tells their story with honesty, compassion, and humor.

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ReadWithHannah
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is a deeply honest memoir that speaks about a number of different traumas and difficult topics. As Johnson says towards the end, it‘s strange to write/ read a memoir from someone who is 33 but to let the world know everything he has been through - including personal sexual stories - for people who might be going through the same troubles. This book has a great intent and I can see it supporting those who need to hear these words.

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PaperbackPirate
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Pickpick

Happy Belated Banned Books Week!
I read the number 2 most challenged book in America this year.
I think this is a great book for teens questioning their sexuality, & also for heterosexuals to better understand them.

“I released the deepest and darkest things about my past in hopes that someone might see a reflection of themselves in the words and know that they are not alone, and that they may not make the many missteps I took along the road.”

Hooked_on_books I loved this book. And his grandma is the bomb! 13mo
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Centique
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Pickpick

This was a great audio listen as i made my journey up to Kerikeri. Johnson wrote this memoir specifically for young adults figuring out their queer identity to feel seen & to gain some wisdom from another‘s experiences. Hopefully books like these show kids they‘re not alone and there is a path to a happy future. Important to note that Johnson‘s family was accepting but ⬇️ #blues

Centique that didnt remove every hurdle he faced. Particularly when living with racism as another layer. 13mo
Centique I think this is a rhododendron? From my friend Bev‘s garden 😍 13mo
Reggie It goes with the book cover very nicely! 13mo
57 likes3 comments
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Centique
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For #titlesandtunes October, I‘m going to forget I‘m still reading my August selection and i bailed on Septembers 😂. My book choice is All Boys Aren‘t Blue which I‘ve been meaning to read for a long time and my song choice is Blue Moon Revisited by Cowboy Junkies. This album is always one i listen to when i want to soak in my sadness - my teenage self and my adult self both highly recommend it. #blues

TrishB Not familiar with the song but will enjoy having a listen! 14mo
rockpools 🩵🩵🩵 Morning Paula! This playlist is going to be fab (as always) - and it really isn‘t going where I expected it to! I second your Cowboy Junkies recommendation. 14mo
Centique @rockpools i hoped there would be another Cowboy Junkies fan out there! 14mo
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Cinfhen Book is SOOOO good!! Im pretty sure you‘re gonna love it 💙🩵I‘m super curious to hear your bluesy tune 14mo
Bookwomble I was thinking of doing this song for the tag, too. I love the CJs: this and Whites Off Earth Now are great downbeat albums. 14mo
Rissreads I can‘t wait to listen to the final playlist! 🩵💙 14mo
Centique @TrishB its pretty sad! 14mo
Centique @Cinfhen i think your recommendation got it on my TBR to begin with 😘 14mo
Centique @Bookwomble great minds think alike! I dont think id ever heard of their previous album - i will go gave a listen! 14mo
Centique @Rissreads me too! 😘 14mo
merelybookish Great song pick! Love Margo Timmins's voice. 14mo
52 likes11 comments
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MallenNC
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Pickpick

This book has been on my TBR for a while and I finally read it because it‘s my #BookSpin for September. Though some of the topics are difficult I really liked it. Johnson has an engaging writing style and makes clear the points they want younger readers to grasp. This book has been on banned books lists, but I hope it stays available for YA readers who are looking for themselves on the bookshelf.

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RebL
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You know how you get what you get from a book & then someone tells you their takeaway is graphic (not really, just frank) sex talk when you were swept away that an entire family can be so loving & accepting of gender fluidity, expression & romantic love? No one reads the same book.

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MeganLindell
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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ICantImReading
All Boys Aren't Blue | George M. Johnson
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Written as a love letter to the Black queer community, this book could be a lifeline to so many, so it‘s heartbreaking that it has been one of the most banned books in schools in recent years. I really appreciated the author‘s direct storytelling approach and found their narration to be mesmerizing and powerful. 🎧

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ilyssa.g
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Pickpick

Chose this from a pride display at my library job and after hearing great reviews! It reached the hype! Johnson is a phenomenal writer that made me feel diverse emotions throughout the book. There are so many lines, themes, and points that will continue to stick with me. I especially loved the chapters on his grandmother and forgiveness of his cousin who abused him. The book provides good guidance without being preachy. One of my new fave books!

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kelli7990
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Pickpick

Here‘s my review for a book I finished reading last night. Since this book was published, the author came out as nonbinary and their pronouns are they/them.

I chose this book for the following prompt:

☑️ Iris: Goddess of the Rainbow | A book written by an lgbtqia+ author of Color - #greekmythologychallenge

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kelli7990
All Boys Aren't Blue | George M. Johnson
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I started this book. I‘m reading this for the #greekmythologychallenge. It will work for the prompt of a book by an LGBTQ+ Author Of Color. It‘s really good so far. I just started borrowing the audiobook from Libby and I noticed that 4 people are waiting for it. Those 4 people who are waiting will have to wait until I get done reading this book.

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KristiAhlers
All Boys Aren't Blue | George M. Johnson
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Pickpick

This is such a very good book! I think everyone should read this one. I managed to inhale this one in one sitting. Very eye opening

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Melismatic
All Boys Aren't Blue | George M. Johnson
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Pickpick

This is absolutely a pick in terms of wanting teens to have access to it. This was written as a “YA memoir” and perhaps for that reason it doesn‘t go as in depth as I‘d personally like. It‘s immensely readable in just a few short hours and does talk frankly about sensitive subjects but I‘m lost how people can get so up in arms over this. Visibility is so important. Especially in your formative years.

dabbe Lovely nails! 🤩😍🤗 1y
Melismatic @dabbe thank you!! 1y
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Melismatic
All Boys Aren't Blue | George M. Johnson
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Starting this in honor of #Pride (and also bc there‘s so much chatter about it being among several titles being banned in schools). I bought it at a fab indie bookstore on the LES that offers solace to 🏳️‍🌈 & 🏳️‍⚧️ youth as well as advocates for the unhoused.

I‘m only a few chapters in and my heart already hurts for little George.

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JenniferEgnor
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Happy Pride everyone!
Remember that we don‘t just celebrate it this month, queerness is something we celebrate all year long. There is such joy in these spaces!

IndoorDame Happy Pride!!!!! 1y
14 likes1 comment
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jen_hayes7
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We did a “virtual” 5K today to raise money for a local cat rescue. Couldn‘t have had better weather. And now I get to sit and read for a spell while my other half farts around with his HAM radio.

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xicanti
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Pickpick

This is an important story. Johnson needed to tell it and a lot of young people need to hear it—but friends, his storytelling style feels underdeveloped. Much of the book is very this-then-this-then-this, with some solid diversions into deeper material. It‘s worth reading and should resonate with the target audience—hence the Pick rating—but it never sparked in the way I want my memoirs to. Maybe he needed to percolate it a few more years. #gaymay

xicanti To be fair, I‘ve never read anything else from him, so it‘s possible he simplified his style to reach teenage reluctant readers who need books like this but find them kind of daunting. 2y
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peanutnine
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March nonfiction #readingbracket2023
I read 3 nonfiction books this month plus one I bailed on.
This one was the best - great memoir 💙🩷

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peanutnine
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Pickpick

#TransRightsReadathon Book 3
This was a great memoir hitting on topics of race and gender issues in society, specifically the black community. George talks about growing up trying to stifle his identity as an effeminate gay boy and explains his long journey to accepting his place in the queer community.
#LGTBQ2023 QBIPOC author @Kenyazero
#NonFiction2023 Rage against the Machine @Riveted_Reader_Melissa
#2023ReadSetRead color in title @Clwojick

TheBookHippie We had this for summer reading for honors English here and it made for wonderful discussions. 2y
peanutnine @TheBookHippie wow it would be a great discussion book. That's great that it was chosen! 2y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa Great pick! 2y
Lizpixie 🙌🎉 2y
51 likes1 stack add5 comments
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peanutnine
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Here's my TBR list for the #TransRightsReadathon
I know I won't get to all of these but I'm looking forward to reading what I can. Have you read any of these? What should I read first?

TheBookHippie I've only read All Boys aren't Blue I thought it was really good. 2y
44 likes1 comment
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Winkyle86
Pickpick

Lovely memoir. Feels like best suited for a teen and traditional aged audience due to the subject matter. Very enjoyable

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Hooked_on_books
All Boys Aren't Blue | George M. Johnson
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We already George M Johnson‘s grandmother is a badass. Turns out, mom‘s one, too, helping prevent their book from being banned. This video is awesome:

https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/lilkalish/black-queer-author-mom-blasts-boo...

sarahbarnes ♥️♥️♥️ 2y
Bklover 👍👍❤️ 2y
48 likes2 comments
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NovelNancyM
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Mehso-so

I wanted to read this book as it's being banned in many schools. I didn't find George's story offensive. What I didn't enjoy about the book was the writing and that it felt preachy.

Vansa A lot of YA books are quite didactic nowadays!! 2y
40 likes1 comment
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Leftcoastzen
All Boys Aren't Blue | George M. Johnson
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Pickpick

This heartfelt memoir & manifesto is an often challenged/banned book , I think that‘s too bad.For a young person to see their struggles reflected in a book of someone else‘s experiences can be life saving.I am not the specific audience for the book , yet I found his heart , his strength, his willingness to learn , grow, & heal inspirational.Parents have the right to monitor what their kids read , but they have NO right to control what others read!

Addison_Reads Loved this one! His grandmother inspired me so much. 2y
Leftcoastzen @Addison_Reads Yes! His Grandmother was amazing! 2y
TheBookHippie I love this book. 2y
Hooked_on_books I loved this book! George is amazing. 2y
64 likes2 stack adds4 comments
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Addison_Reads
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For #adventrecommends I'm going to focus on books I've read in 2022 that I loved.

I think everyone should read this book. I read it with a banned book club at my library and we had such a great discussion about it.

emilyrose_x This looks like a brilliant book! 2y
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mollyrotondo
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️ I learned a lot from the beginning of this memoir. Johnson discusses his childhood, teenage, and YA experiences as a gay black boy. His goal is to help other young gay black boys with questions they might have going through a similar experience. I liked the beginning very much but then his goal seemed to go off track a little bit as the book continues.

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Branwen
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#BannedBooksWeek

This beautifully written memoir written by a young man talking about his experience growing up black and gay, made it on the top ten list of most banned books of 2021. It is not surprising to note that the reasons for its constant banning is due to its LGBTQ+ content. The majority of the books on that list were banned for the same reason. 📚📚📚

papermna It‘s a shame that this one would land on a banned list. It is an incredibly heartfelt work. One of those memoirs that was truly written from the heart. 2y
Branwen @papermoona I agree! I really liked this one a lot! 💕 2y
45 likes2 comments
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bianka
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Pickpick

‘ oddly enough, many of us connect with each other through trauma and pain : broken people finding other broken people in the hopes of fixing one another. ‘ 4/5

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DisneyFan
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Mehso-so

1. I Read as part of a banned book challenge.
2. I had a few major issues with the book but feel like I have no right to criticize this manifesto because I‘m not the intended audience.

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Addison_Reads
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Pickpick

I listened to the author read this book and it was such a great experience. Before the first essay, I loved that he addressed that the content might seem difficult for YA readers, but since these things happened to him when he was a child, a teen, and a YA, he wanted to tell his story to help others. 💚

His positivity is infectious and his bravery truly inspiring. And his grandmother is someone we all need in our lives.

Highly recommend!

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Addison_Reads
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So...my local library has a banned book club now and I've promoted it every week on a local Facebook page. This week because I posted we're reading the tagged book, I'm now getting these wonderful comments from people. I've also apparently according to him now made the Facebook page a place children can't go simply because I posted the cover of the book. I just keep asking him to read the book and join our discussion. I'm really hoping he does. 😁

TrishB ☹️ you know he won‘t. But go you. 2y
Addison_Reads @TrishB I know, but I tried. I'm hoping though with all the attention we might have more people in book club. More love than hate has been shown so that makes me hopeful. 💚 2y
Bookwormjillk @Addison_Reads good for you. Keep making good trouble. I‘m glad to hear the response has been largely positive. 2y
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Librarybelle It‘s good you have received more love than hate! It is disheartening to see comments like that one…so many like that, and worse. Go you!! 2y
SamAnne Hang in there, and good luck! 2y
Reggie I wouldn‘t be surprised if he didn‘t have a kid in your school. You‘re a better person than me and I wish you all the luck with this. 2y
bthegood It is not easy being a teacher in general, but now with book bans, limits on critical thinking and open discussions on history/facts - thank you for doing what you do - keep up the good work 🙂 (edited) 2y
Addison_Reads @Bookwormjillk @Librarybelle @SamAnne @Reggie @bthegood Thank you all 💚 I'm actually not a teacher this person just started those comments when I failed to engage in his hatred. I agree though that teachers have a tough time these days and I support them wholeheartedly. 2y
jlhammar Wow, that is ridiculous. Love your response! 2y
vivastory I appreciate the positivity. It's def a struggle nowadays to not become really jaded. 2y
31 likes10 comments
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Booksandtea23
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HeatherBookNerd
All Boys Aren't Blue | George M. Johnson
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Pickpick

A powerful, candid memoir of a young black queer man‘s coming of age, written specifically to help other LGBT teens not feel so alone. George Johnson grew up knowing he was different from most other boys. But he had no guidance, no language, no peers to help him understand his queer identity. He shares his story so that other gay teens will see themselves reflected in it and recognize a friend on their journey.

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Booksandtea23
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Booksandtea23
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Booksandtea23
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🙌🏿

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Booksandtea23
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Such a cutie 💕

SRWCF Oh goodness! 🐈 😻 🐈‍⬛️ 2y
Bigfoot Awwww so cute❤️🐈 2y
6 likes2 comments
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Booksandtea23
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Booksandtea23
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Booksandtea23
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StaceGhost This makes me think of my son who loves to wear his princess dress and pretend he‘s nausicaa 2y
Booksandtea23 @StaceGhost that‘s really cute. I‘m not a parent yet but i know that when I am one day I want my kids to feel comfortable expressing who they are. I think it‘s very important. My younger sister had a similar experience when she was younger. She felt more comfortable in boy clothing and I‘m glad that now that she‘s older she can where what she wants and feels comfortable just being herself. 2y
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Booksandtea23
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Booksandtea23
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Got the new Nook Glow Light 4e today 😄

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DimeryRene
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“American history is truly the greatest fable ever written.”
re: learning american history in school as a young black boy.

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Julsmarshall
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Pickpick

Such a special, thoughtful and powerful book. George shares his story with unflinching grace and an open heart in a way that I hope helps people appreciate and understand the the LGBTQIA+ community. I‘m so thankful he has shared his truth with us. Highly recommend! #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks 🏳️‍🌈

TheBookHippie I loved this read. 3y
TheAromaofBooks Great progress!! 3y
47 likes2 comments
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BkClubCare
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Pickpick

1. A View of the Harbour / Elizabeth Taylor #BookSpin and Burning Questions by Margaret Atwood
2. The Overstory / Richard Powers
3. All the Boys Aren‘t Blue - finished audiobook #audiowalking #audiogardening #DoubleSpin

ABaB checked from the library to boost community support for LGBTQ+ 🏳️‍🌈 #gaymay #BannedBook

I appreciate the fierceness, vulnerability & bravery of George M Johnson sharing his experiences & views for this mid-life memoir.

TheAromaofBooks Great progress!! 3y
BkClubCare Ack! All Boys Aren‘t Blue also qualifies for my #WiaN2022 Challenge #WhatsinaNameChallenge for the color category. 3y
34 likes4 comments