We Are Not Broken

We Are Not Broken is a memoir by George M. Johnson about growing up Black and queer in New Jersey, centered on their relationship with their grandmother, Nanny. The narrative follows Johnson's childhood and adolescent years alongside their brother and cousins under Nanny's care and guidance. This coming-of-age story explores family bonds, masculinity, and identity through snapshots of shared meals, life lessons, and everyday moments in their grandmother's home. Nanny emerges as the steady force who shapes the boys' understanding of love, strength, and self-acceptance. The memoir balances moments of joy and hardship while documenting Johnson's journey of self-discovery and their family's resilience. Through personal photographs and vivid memories, Johnson reconstructs the world of their youth and honors their grandmother's legacy. This intimate portrait speaks to universal themes of belonging and becoming while highlighting specific experiences of Black queer youth in America. The work stands as both a celebration of unconditional love and an examination of how family shapes who we become.

Readers describe this memoir as a heartfelt tribute to Johnson's grandmother and their family bonds. Many appreciate the raw honesty about growing up Black and queer in New Jersey, with several noting the book helps fill gaps in LGBTQ+ youth literature. Readers highlighted: - The celebration of Black joy and family resilience - Authentic portrayal of brotherhood between siblings - Strong presence of "Nanny" as a matriarch figure Common criticisms: - Narrative feels disjointed at times - Some chapters read more like separate essays - Writing style can be repetitive Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.22/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (100+ ratings) BookBrowse: 4/5 (50+ ratings) One reader noted: "Johnson captures the complexity of family relationships without glossing over difficult moments." Another mentioned: "The non-linear structure made it harder to follow the timeline of events."

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🌟 George M. Johnson is also the author of "All Boys Aren't Blue," which was one of the most challenged books in U.S. schools in 2021 📚 The memoir celebrates Black boyhood and family, particularly focusing on the author's relationship with their grandmother, whom they called "Nanny" 🏆 Johnson's work as a journalist and activist has appeared in Teen Vogue, Entertainment Tonight, NBC, The Root, Buzzfeed, and The New York Times 💫 The book explores themes of gender identity, as Johnson identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, offering representation for LGBTQ+ youth 🌺 "Nanny's" garden, which features prominently in the book, served as both a literal and metaphorical space for growth, healing, and family bonding