Reviews tagging 'Pandemic/Epidemic'

Pageboy by Elliot Page

81 reviews

just_curious34's review against another edition

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hopeful reflective fast-paced

4.0

A queer coming-of-self story, an autobiography of a 35 year old. 

It was a quick read, alternating between seemingly universal queer stories and Elliot inadvertently name dropping stars that played an important role in his life. 

I enjoyed this book. It was a very fast read for me, perhaps because I really enjoyed reading the representation I felt he gave to different parts of my queer life.   

But at the same time, in many ways, many of the stories feel very surface level. It felt like when there was something that was difficult, such as when he was to blame for a failed relationship, Page would often lose the words or change the subject (most commonly in the middle of the book). While this is his right as the author, this book feels like it was written to help Elliot process his pain that’s still very fresh, rather than impart his wisdom after the fact. I’d be curious what this book would look like if he wrote it in 10+ years.


Content warning: Page talks pretty openly and graphically about his sex life over the years. It is part of what makes this book very queer, but may affect who you recommend the book to. 

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lizzisok's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful informative reflective sad tense fast-paced

5.0


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callidoralblack's review against another edition

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emotional

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sierrabowers's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

I feel like it’s almost impossible not to give a memoir 5 stars, simply because it is someone else’s life experience, and how am I to judge that? But this one was very good. It highlights the importance of being kind to everyone, especially those in the LGBT+ community. I enjoyed hearing Elliot narrate his own audiobook because I could hear the emotions in his voice throughout the book. 

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usuallyaudio's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

4.25

I loved hearing Elliot Page's journey, espicially it read by the author. It was very introspective and heart wrenching to hear his struggles, and being able to peek behind the curtain of the film industry as a young LGBT+ individual. His stories were sincere, and he kept identities anonymous for those who didn't want to be named. 

The timeline jumped around somewhat, and only once was I unsure when a story was taking place. I am so happy for Page that he felt safe, secure and confident enough to share his story, but am so sorry he had to go through as much as he did. Page also graciously  acknowledged his privilege, and how it helped him quickly receive medical/gender affirming care once he was finally ready to reach for it. I hope this memoir can help others feel seen, and can help to create safer spaces and foster healthy relationships. I really look forward to what he will do next!

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brandie_abbie19's review against another edition

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dark hopeful sad medium-paced

3.5


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emma_b_rhodes's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5


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hollalorenz's review against another edition

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challenging emotional inspiring reflective fast-paced

3.5


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rionstorm's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

3.75

I love reading about other transmascs :) This is definitely self indulgent, but then it is a memoir so no better place i guess. 
In between the long list of his ex-partners there's some really honest and vulnerable stuff about being trans that i resonated with a lot, and that I'm glad that other people, cis and trans, will get to read. I also really liked how he explained why he was using his previous name at times, and clearly laid out that he wasn't comfortable with others doing that. 

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savvyrosereads's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced

5.0

Rating: 5/5 stars

A memoir from Academy Award nominated actor Elliot Page about his life, including his career and his journey to coming out as trans.

I’ve been on a huge celebrity memoir kick lately, and this is one of the best I’ve read all year. Pageboy is raw and vulnerable and honest, and made me simultaneously so sorry for all Elliot has gone through and so glad he can now live his truth.

The narration of the audiobook was also fantastic, and delivered in a way that really added to the presentation of the story. Overall, if you’re interested in memoirs, I highly recommend this one.

CW: transphobia; homophobia; eating disorder; body horror/dysmorphia; sexual content; drug use; mentions of suicidal thoughts and self harm

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