In his memoir, Elliot Page comes to terms with the confines of both the Entertainment industry and his more traditional/conservative upbringing in Canada. He was trapped, unable to express or enjoy his most authentic self. There is a rare intimacy to the storytelling that exposes the pain and growth Page experiences on his way to becoming the person he is today.
This is not a gossip-ridden story to appease the looky-loos who want juicy, sordid details about being trans. Thankfully! In this book, we are on Page’s journey of discovery and self acceptance – as a person more than a gender. I struggled to connect with it a bit because it jumps around, almost like you’re popping into wistful memories as Page realizes “huh this moment probably shaped me.” I do, however, appreciate that it reveals how a string of smaller, everyday moments shape our sense of self. This book is the culmination of Page finding his true self and being ready to celebrate it with the world. In the end, I don’t think Page’s journey unraveled in a straight line, so neither should his retelling of it.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
Pair with: Talea Fireside smokey lager
Peaches to Apples 