We Are Not Broken Summary
George M. Johnson

We Are Not Broken Overview

George M. Johnson’s We Are Not Broken is a personal young adult memoir. As Johnson explains, the memoir is a tribute to their grandmother, Nanny. Each chapter is devoted to a particular “Nannyism” or a Nanny wisdom. Starting at early childhood - and ending with Nanny’s death a few decades later, this book follows the life lessons learned that Johnson experiences growing up with three brothers. Within each of these stories, Johnson also incorporates explorations of racism, homophobia, misogyny in America - explaining the historical context and inheritance of these oppressions. Johnson also includes explicit personal traumas including sexual assault and abuse. The young adult memoir explores the themes of Black joy, trauma, and ancestors.