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crybabybea's review against another edition
3.75
I will say this felt a bit unedited, especially near the end. Page repeats himself pretty often (one of the most memorable being his constantly feeling like he needs to "shit blood") which isn't too terrible but was something I noticed. I didn't factor this into my review, but the audiobook also felt a bit lesser quality; there were multiple times that lines were repeated because takes weren't edited properly, and there were random drops in audio quality that weren't awful but definitely noticeable.
This is overall an inspiring, heartfelt story but there is a healthy mix of heartbreak as well. I was especially moved by the way Elliot told his experience with homophobia, internal and external, and how that kept him from finding his identity for so long. I also found the perspective of trying to navigate queerness while also trying to navigate celebrity culture and his career as an actor super intriguing.
I think if you go into this knowing it's not going to be a typical memoir with a clear, linear timeline, you will enjoy it, and especially if you are already a fan of Elliot.
Graphic: Eating disorder, Sexual violence, Cursing, Dysphoria, Sexism, Homophobia, Bullying, Gaslighting, Lesbophobia, Misogyny, Rape, Self harm, Body shaming, Emotional abuse, and Sexual assault
runbeck's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Stalking, Sexual assault, Lesbophobia, Sexual content, Medical content, Transphobia, and Body shaming
Minor: Excrement, Gaslighting, Drug use, Alcohol, Deadnaming, Eating disorder, Outing, Pandemic/Epidemic, and Suicidal thoughts
mels_reading_log's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual violence, Transphobia, Homophobia, Medical content, Mental illness, Sexism, Body horror, Eating disorder, Gaslighting, Sexual content, Alcohol, Hate crime, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual harassment, Toxic friendship, Deadnaming, Sexual assault, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Outing, and Suicidal thoughts
melsage1823's review against another edition
4.0
This was one of my most hyped reads from the moment I got it and for the most part it did deliver. It was very powerful and stuck with me deeply, it was a roller coaster and despite Elliots story being out of order it truly did strike a cord. I hate it to say it but I think it's underrated, yeah the non linear narrative spoils the flow of the book but its still really good especially with how authentic and Elliot is, in every chapter he writes. It was beautiful and struck me hard especially when he shared what it was like being in the closet.
It's very brave and bold that Elliot writes a memoir unapologetic to his style and doesn't do writes it in a way the reader will expect. Its very interesting and emotional.The storytelling style may not be everyone's cup of tea but it's still very engaging. That being said though there is some critiques I feel nesscary to share.
First the length, whilst some memoirs I have felt too long others have felt too short and this is one that falls into that trap of being too short. I feel like we had a journey with Elliot going from discovering his Sexuality to accepting his gender identity. There's a lot of moments that felt like he could have further fleshed out to give more context. I get it's his life and his life is personal but I feel like several chapters should have been extended in order to have the punch land easier and add to the flow of the books. The snipets felt like they need slowing down so readers could better absorb the story. If it wasn't for my reading journal I would have really struggled to absorb Elliots journey and the events he shares.
Secondly the style. I have a love hate relationship with the writing style Elliot Page has chosen to use. His explanation is powerful and fresh but in my opinion it doesn't really work in prose form. It makes the novel feel too sporadic and random, the only time the novel flows very well is the last few chapters which all sort of connect. The ending chapters are great but the beginning and the middle are all tangled and messy. I really think I would love this story more if it had the expected style of a memoir or a story. Elliot's trying to tell a story but due to how out of order everything is it's super hard to process. The style tries to be engaging and get across Elliots intention but instead it all spins into something clumsy and clunky. I do appreciate it for being really unique though.
If it wasn't for those two things this honestly would be a five star read. First I have to praise the fact that Elliot shares his whole experience and not just his trans experience. People might complain but despite being in the past it was important Elliot talked about his sexuality and his experience coming out back then. Its like if you told me to not talk about my experience discovering I was Bi just because I now discovered I'm Aro-Ace. Everyone's experience is valid and important especially if they've lived it. It made it feel like I was reading someone's genuine journey and that the missing puzzle piece was found. The most intresting aspect of Elliot sharing his full coming out journey is that it showed the different experiences that come from being a queer woman and a trans man. It is very educational and informative because of this.
Next I have to praise the authenticity and honesty. Memoirs are very honest and raw but they don't have to be. It's very admirable and good. Elliot is very honest throughout all of the novel and shares with the readers perfectly his experience in a way that suits him. He unapologetically is himself as he writes and as a result it allows the reader to connect with the audience. It's also really talented the way he's able to authentically pour his personality into the Pages and make sure the world can know his story. I also love how he is so honest about the abuse he faced from his family and that he doesn't sugar coat any of the experiences he went through. It's very easy to sugar coat and down play your truama but Elliot realistically addresses it and how it shaped him and his adult life. If you want an authentic memoir full of personality than this one is definitely worth giving a try.
Finally I have to praise the creativity and inventivity. As stated in the authors note Trans Experiences aren't linear so even if it's a bit clunky I really appreciate how Elliot has reflected that in his writing. All the stories shared are little fruits that make up the Elliot Page tree. It's hard to process without a reading journal but it's very engaging reading the sort of flashback recollections. It's even more effective if you read the audiobook narrated by him. Privy to Trans people's experiences Elliot tries to make the Memoir different from the typical norm expected of celebrity memoirs. Reflecting the whole message of the book and reflecting how his experience is different from other people. He also flows the book in a way that every chapter title connects to a story he retells. Wait till you get the context of Heavenly Daddy it's so worth it 😂. Elliot has decided to own his Memoir and I'm here for it.
A fantastic memoir that shows the scrambled journey of Elliot Page and his perseverance in accepting his gender identity. Its a very reflective and emotional novel that will fit even harder if you are queer or trans yourself. Might not be everyone's cup of tea but it's a hundred percent worth giving it a chance
Graphic: Homophobia, Transphobia, Self harm, Dysphoria, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Eating disorder, Stalking, and Alcohol
Minor: Medical content, Car accident, and Sexual harassment
stevia333k's review against another edition
4.25
Anyways, after a while certain parts about being trans were like oh good my transfemme self isn't alone.
The relationships though & the shadow work kinda went over my head because I'm aromantic but the workplace accident (because of how wreckless the directors were to black & queer lives) helped connect me to the kind of stuff he meant, so I am thankful he included workplace incidents like that.
Also the memoir isn't told as chronologically, so basically if you're taking notes then I recommend trying to make a character list sort of glossary since the time dimension doesn't sort them, but some segments are like public letters.
Graphic: Homophobia, Adult/minor relationship, Terminal illness, Dysphoria, Kidnapping, Medical content, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Rape, Toxic relationship, Vomit, War, Medical trauma, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexism, Confinement, Death, Body shaming, Gaslighting, Xenophobia, Fire/Fire injury, Infidelity, Cancer, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Stalking, Torture, Violence, Blood, Hate crime, Sexual content, Transphobia, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Animal death, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual harassment, Suicidal thoughts, Lesbophobia, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Gore, Grief, Body horror, Pandemic/Epidemic, and Self harm
whiptaill1z's review against another edition
4.75
Graphic: Self harm, Child abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual harassment, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Stalking, Transphobia, Homophobia, Dysphoria, Gaslighting, Mental illness, Bullying, and Deadnaming
cats33's review against another edition
4.25
Graphic: Medical content, Pandemic/Epidemic, Sexism, Deadnaming, Outing, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Toxic relationship, Transphobia, Dysphoria, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Bullying, Child abuse, Gaslighting, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Blood
kiwichill's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Outing, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Self harm, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Body shaming, Deadnaming, Transphobia, Drug use, Cursing, and Misogyny
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Eating disorder, Gaslighting, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Medical content
abicaro17's review against another edition
2.75
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Deadnaming, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Medical content, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual violence, Child abuse, Confinement, Adult/minor relationship, Lesbophobia, Misogyny, Outing, Rape, Sexual assault, Alcohol, Body shaming, Homophobia, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Bullying, Cursing, Eating disorder, Stalking, Transphobia, and Violence
crags617's review against another edition
3.5
Graphic: Homophobia, Emotional abuse, Eating disorder, Transphobia, Lesbophobia, Dysphoria, Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Self harm