One thing that I love about reading is that it allows me to explore the perspective of others safely. It allows me to investigate the world beyond the borders of what I know, and it feels very liberating. So, I seek new experiences through well-written books to expand my knowledge and reality. Often, reading about another's lifestyle demystifies it for me. I recommend this for anyone grappling with the unknown. If you have difficulty wrapping your mind around something, I recommend reading as many firsthand accounts as possible. Submerge yourself in that point of view. Get lost in a new way of thinking for a bit.
Using national observances as a frame of reference to learn more about others is a great place to start. June is Pride Month, so that provided me with an excellent opportunity to explore the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. There are many titles to choose from, ranging from historical texts, research studies on the queer experience, and memoirs. One title on my radar is Pageboy, a memoir written by Elliot Page. Page, formerly known as actress Ellen Page before his transition, was well known for his role in the movie Juno. The film starring other well know actors such as Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, and Jason Bateman, follows the tale of a young woman faced with an unplanned pregnancy and the decisions she makes as a result. I enjoyed this film and others starring Page, including Hard Candy and Inception.
The media has been reporting on Page's sexuality for as long as he's been in the spotlight. This a very odd detail to focus on when there are so many other things to consider, especially given his talent. Elliot uses his memoir to describe the challenges of growing up in the spotlight and having his life dissected since beginning his career at the age of 10. Growing up is hard, and I can't imagine doing it while simultaneously attempting to placate directors, producers, talent agents, and fans. Not to mention the family unit's struggles that we can all empathize with. Many of us are allowed to use our youth as an opportunity to explore our personalities- our likes and dislikes. Page was confined to the requirements of the project of the moment, forced to create the image most likely guaranteed to sell the film to the masses.
Pageboy is an emotional read, to be sure. It's hard to ignore the anger, sadness, and resentment that Page recounts on the pages of his memoir. But, alongside those hard things, it's also a book about redemption and triumph. A coming-of-age story with a slowly building happily ever after. If you love reading about the human experience, you'd likely enjoy this book. If you're interested in tracking down a copy please get in touch. I'll find you one!
Juno by
Into the forest
After a worldwide power outage, two sisters must work together in order to survive in their increasingly treacherous new world while fighting intruders, disease, loneliness, and starvation.