Impactful, illuminating. George M. Johnson was chosen as this year's Banned Books Week ambassador, and it makes sense. Their transparency and vulnerability is worthwhile for students to observe.

I love George Johnson and his personal accounts. I really loved this book because it touched more on his relationship with his grandmother and how she influenced him and his family. The lessons that she instilled in him reminded me of the things that. my own grandmother taught me. it breaks down how Black grandmothers are truly the spine of the family that keeps everyone upright.

WE ARE NOT BROKEN BY GEORGE M. JOHNSON | AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
OCTOBER 2, 2021 LEAVE A COMMENT
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

We Are Not Broken by George M. Johnson | Audiobook ReviewWe Are Not Broken by George M Johnson
Narrator: George M. Johnson
Length: 4 Hours 3 Minutes
on September 7, 2021
Genres: Young Adult Nonfiction / Boys & Men, Young Adult Nonfiction / Family / Multigenerational, Young Adult Nonfiction / LGBTQ, Young Adult Nonfiction / People & Places / United States / African American & Black, Young Adult Nonfiction / Social Topics / Class Differences
Pages: 240
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: Publisher
Buy on Amazon
ISBN: 9780759554610
Goodreads
five-stars
George M. Johnson, activist and bestselling author of All Boys Aren't Blue, returns with a striking memoir that celebrates Black boyhood and brotherhood in all its glory.

This is the vibrant story of George, Garrett, Rall, and Rasul—four children raised by Nanny, their fiercely devoted grandmother. The boys hold one another close through early brushes with racism, memorable experiences at the family barbershop, and first loves and losses. And with Nanny at their center, they are never broken.

George M. Johnson capture the unique experience of growing up as a Black boy in America, and their rich family stories—exploring themes of vulnerability, sacrifice, and culture—are interspersed with touching letters from the grandchildren to their beloved matriarch. By turns heartwarming and heartbreaking, this personal account is destined to become a modern classic of emerging adulthood.

WHY DID I LISTEN TO WE ARE NOT BROKEN BY GEORGE M. JOHNSON?
We Are Not Broken by George M. Johnson initially hit my radar when Edelweiss held the virtual Bookfest. It was one of the featured books I think for the YA editors panel. So, I just HAD to read it. It is a featured book so it has to be good right? You would think editors would pick the best and brightest of the books on their list to feature. Well, that instinct proved correct. Next, thanks to Hachette Audio, I had the audiobook to listen to. I love books that present different perspectives and experiences, so had such a good feeling about We Are Not Broken.

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?
Johnson’s We Are Not Broken is a memoir about growing up and being raised by Grandma – aka Nanny. This book is a celebration of Nanny who is the matriarch of Johnson’s family. She imparts values and lessons that Johnson has not forgotten. Additionally, although Johnson is non-binary, they talk about Black Boy Joy within We Are Not Broken as well. It explores a softer sort of masculinity and that it is okay to be soft.

WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT WE ARE NOT BROKEN?
For such a short book, We Are Not Broken sure does have impact. I loved the exploration of family bonds. The closeness of Johnson and their cousins was a beautiful thing to behold. I also come from a family that is quite close, so I could certainly relate to that love and care that Johnson has. I loved that Johnson’s family has each other’s backs — best example is when a white woman comes for Johnson’s six year old cousin and Nanny lets her have it. Thankfully, a family member was working dispatch and Johnson’s dad was a cop soooo nothing bad happens to Nanny. IDK, it just was really uplifting to see.

HOW’S THE NARRATION?
I am so glad I listened to the audiobook. Normally I do not care for audiobooks that are narrated by the author. However, Johnson absolutely nails narrating their audiobook. Their voice is perfectly paced, well modulated, and interesting to listen to. The audiobook is four hours and three minutes long. I listened to it sped up to 1.5X, as that is my baseline for listening to audiobooks. Highly recommend for a quick, insightful read.

We Are Not Broken shares the memories of author George M. Johnson growing up black and gay in New Jersey. The book celebrates black joy and the beautiful power of the black matriarch. Johnson weaves together stories of his childhood with wisdom from his Nanny and the antics that revolve around the family raising a group of young black boys. He pays homage to the women in his life that made an impact but were not recognized or respected by society as the leaders that they were. This book is touching, poignant, and truthful. Johnson writes with an ease and frankness that allows the reader to be drawn in and want to sit awhile to read another story. We Are Not Broken is like worth the read.