Pageboy A memoir

In this deeply personal memoir, actor Page explores gender, queerness, and the often-painful journey toward becoming his true self. Raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Page began acting as a teen, but his breakout role as a pregnant teenager in the 2007 movie Juno brought him mainstream fame and an Academy Award nomination. But beneath the success was a feeling of not belonging, especially in situations where Page didn't conform to traditional gender expectations. Although the memoir is nonlinear, there are glimpses throughout of the experiences and soul-searching that led to his coming out as gay in 2014 and as a trans man in 2020. Page's narration draws listeners into his life with its raw, emotional quality, especially when he describes challenging situations. But there's also unfettered joy--his description of his elation following top surgery and finally feeling at home in his body is deeply moving. "In many ways, my narrative is still unfolding," Page says at the end of the audiobook. It's a conclusion that will leave listeners looking forward to his next chapter. VERDICT Page's honesty and vulnerability is striking, and watching him find happiness as he grows into his true self is inspiring.--Nanette Donohue

An Oscar-nominated actor and activist shares his story. Page (b. 1987) made headlines when he came out as queer in 2014 and again when he let the world know that he was a trans man in 2020. The latter revelation was Page reintroducing himself on his own terms. The former was more complicated. In 2008, just after 20-year-old Page had shot to fame as the title character in the indie hit Juno, journalist Michael Musto used his column in the Village Voice to insinuate that Page was queer. At a time when he should have been enjoying his breakout film's critical and commercial success, Page was enduring prurient public scrutiny and intense private pain. This dynamic was familiar to the young actor, as was the speculation about his sexuality. The author started acting professionally at the age of 9, but he had already learned to play a part. From his childhood as a "tomboy" to his days as a closeted celebrity, Page yearned to be someone other than the person others expected him to be. Anyone looking for a dishy tell-all should look elsewhere. While the author describes his romances with other boldface names and shares anecdotes about unnamed Hollywood figures that will undoubtedly lead to speculation, he is primarily interested in examining what it was like for him to grow up--and become famous--repressing his authentic self. He remembers the heartache of unrequited crushes and the impossibility of forming authentic relationships while living a lie. He recounts bullying and abuse, from his peers and from his family. He reveals how his body dysmorphia led to self-harm and disordered eating. He testifies to the lifesaving power of gender-affirming care and a loving community. Page is clearly aware not everyone who wants to transition has his resources, but he also understands that representation matters and that telling his truth might make it a little bit easier for others to live theirs. An affecting and timely memoir. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.