Pageboy

January 1, 2023

Currently starring in the hit series The Umbrella Academy, Page is not just an Academy Award-nominated actor but a notable trans advocate. His much-anticipated memoir shares his thoughts on love, gender, mental health, relationships, and life in Hollywood. With a 750,000-copy first printing.

Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 15, 2023
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.

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Starred review from July 14, 2023

Page delves deeply into both his past and his pain in this highly anticipated memoir. An actor since the age of 10, Page leaped to indie stardom in the 2007 film Juno and then climbed to further mainstream success. All the while, he was privately grappling with his sexuality and gender. Problems were made worse by the enforced conformity of studios and the intrusive lens of the media. It was not until 2014 that Page came out as queer, and in 2020 as trans. The author's story is no easy read; his struggles with dysphoria and self-harm and incidents of harassment, stalking, and sexual assault make for a raw and vivid account. But depictions of his worst memories are balanced with the palpable joy of transitioning and the support and love he received from friends and community. It's a powerful portrait of Page himself and his experience. VERDICT Page's fame as both actor and an LGBTQIA+ figure already makes this volume of interest to numerous library communities, but institutions should also consider adding it to collections as important insight at a time when transgender narratives are increasingly sought after.--Kathleen McCallister

Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.