Happy Pride Month, everybody! With everything that has been going on during this time of quarantine, protests, and adjustments to the "new normal," I pray that you all find something that gives you hope. George M. Johnson's memoir, All Boys Aren't Blue, was one of those hopeful books that had me laughing, crying, and feeling that maybe there is some good in this crazy world. Johnson's memoir about growing up in Jersey while trying to establish his identity as a Black gay man is one that anyone can relate to. While he acknowledges that he was fortunate to come out to a supportive family, Johnson does expose the downside of an unaccepting society. His encounters with homophobia and racism definitely hit home, especially during the troubling times we're in right now. Each story Johnson shares is very relatable and hard-hitting, the reader (myself included) will be grateful that he doesn't sugarcoat his experiences and frustrations. However, at the end of each story, we are given a lesson on how to be comfortable in our identity and how to/not to deal with what is given to us. We get to learn how to break cycles and to attain something that can be elusive at times: hope. Hope to achieve. Hope to dream. Hope to be comfortable in our own skin. While I can never identify as a gay male, I do relate when it comes to encountering racism, sexism, and struggling to find my place in the world. I feel that many of my teens, especially those who are Black LGBTQIA+ youth, can benefit from Johnson's stories and message. I give All Boys Aren't Blue a 5/5. It is by far one of the best memoirs I've read in a long time, and will create a profound impact to those who read his story. And please remember: You're loved just as you are. It's okay to not be okay. If there are those who don't accept you as you are, be with those who do.
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Well, what do you know? Another yuri manga that I really enjoyed! Yuri manga have been really hit or miss with me lately. I've been finding some with great story potential but with no delivery, to those that were absolute smut that I could not share because teens might be reading this. So when I received a digital copy of How Do We Relationship by Tamifull, I was hoping for a meaningful, realistic story. And it did not disappoint. While it is definitely more adult than I would like to share, it does deal with the excitement, anxieties, and miscommunications that occur when we embark into new relationships. Miki and Saeko face these trials when they meet in college. Both girls were not expecting to fall for each other, especially after the experiences each has faced in high school. While Miki is still in the closet, Saeko has had a relationship that did not go well. Both girls have different personalities, yet find themselves drawn to each other, and wondering if their relationship could actually work. As it is a slice-of-life manga, it does address topics that a lot of couples face. The awkwardness of first love to learning to accept each other's differences. In Miki and Saeko's relationship, we also see issues same-sex couples experience: the fear of being outed before being ready, being told the OH SO WONDERFUL LINE "you're not gay, you just haven't found the right girl/guy," and the rejection from society for being with the one you love. It's hard and nerve wracking, and yet we're blessed to have this story that is very relatable for anyone who's experiencing those situations. After reading volume one, I really wanted to see more development in Miki and Saeko's journey. I give How Do We Relationship a 4.5/5. It's a wonderful story that doesn't overexaggerate like most mangas, and has some very funny comedic aspects to keep the reader's attention. While I wouldn't put the book in the hands of younger audiences, I would recommend it for older teens who are or in the process of discovering who they are, and what they want in life. |
Who am I?The Library Lady is a Young Adult Librarian and reviewer. She's also a music, anime, and film nerd. Archives
January 2024
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