Pageboy: A Memoir

CW: sexual assault, rape, eating disorder, gender dysphoria, gay and trans bashing

3.5 stars. I was not a fan of Page's nonlinear narrative style, and the comma splicing drove me crazy. But given the recent hate legislation and vitriol towards trans people, I give him all of the stars for putting his story out there. Thank god he has a strong support network of friends, because I'm sure the release of this memoir will awaken more trolls.

Most of the news coverage I've seen about the book foregrounds the gossipy parts. Who is the world-famous movie star who told Page that “gay doesn't exist” and that he was just afraid of men? Who is the still-closeted actress with whom Page had a two-year affair? However, Page's memories of her childhood with an abusive stepmother, narcissistic father, and well-intentioned but still hurtful mother (“No, you can't be a boy. But you can do anything a boy can do!”) are the most interesting and chilling to me. Similar events are likely happening right now to millions of other kids who don't feel right in their own bodies, but lack the support and perhaps even the language to openly express themselves.