Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Listen to the Intro
Pageboy summary
Elliot Page
A Memoir
17 mins
Brief summary
Pageboy by Elliot Page is a powerful memoir that chronicles the author's journey of self-discovery and coming out as transgender. It is a deeply personal and inspiring story that sheds light on the transgender experience.
Table of Contents
Pageboy
Summary of 5 key ideas
Audio & text in the Blinkist app
Key idea 1 of 5
Early dysphoria and childhood isolation.
Elliot Page was born in Nova Scotia, Canada, on February 21, 1987. Assigned female at birth, he was named Ellen before transitioning. His parents, Martha Philpotts, an educator, and Dennis Page, a graphic designer, divorced before Elliot was two. After splitting his time between parents, Elliot moved in with his father and his new wife at the age of six, settling into a spacious townhouse near the Northwest Arm, Halifax.
However, home didn’t always provide the safety and warmth one would hope for. Elliot’s stepmother, Linda, encouraged her own children to tease and mock him. Was it because Elliot rejected her gourmet cooking? No. It was most likely because he was different from his step-siblings.
From a young age, Elliot felt uncomfortable with the label “girl”. His preference for “boy’s” toys, clothes, and male friends made his mother uneasy. Reflecting on his childhood, Page cherishes the moments he spent alone with his mother. Yet, during social occasions, he was expected to put on dresses – to conform. This imposed conformity caused ongoing discomfort and a sense of betrayal. Both parents expected him to outgrow this “phase,” with his mother eagerly awaiting his transformation into a “young lady.” But it wasn’t going to be that simple.
At age 8, Elliot was heartbroken when forced to leave the co-ed football team. The switch from boy to girl occurred without warning, leading to increased dysphoria and relentless discomfort. The profound sense of not belonging weighed heavily on Elliot’s heart. He grew to despise feminine clothing, seeking solace in what he called “private play.” He would spend hours constructing forts, developing intricate stories, and playing with action figures. In solitude, he could be his authentic self.
He found freedom and openness within the realm of his imagination. No topic was off-limits, including romantic scenarios. He composed letters to a fictional lover and signedthen signing them as “Jason”. In public, his short hair and demeanor let him pass for a boy, but puberty and the requirement to grow out his hair for acting roles swiftly reversed the effect. Elliot also had a close friend named Anna, with whom he shared precious moments. They walked, played video games, and watched movies together.
Elliot yearned to share his feelings, but it wasn’t to meant to be. Even a casual touch was too much for his crush to bear. An unsettled home life and a burgeoning queer identity led to confusion and constant introspection. Despite these challenges, there was one thing Elliot was certain of: his desire to act.
Want to see all full key ideas from Pageboy?
Key ideas in Pageboy
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Pageboy about?
Pageboy (2023) plunges you into the candid and compelling world of Elliot Page's life. Navigate through stories of self-discovery, transformation, and fortitude that shaped his remarkable journey.
Pageboy Review
Pageboy (2022) tells the heartwarming story of Elliot Page's journey towards self-discovery and gender identity. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- With candid honesty, it explores the complexities of gender identity, offering a unique and important perspective on the subject.
- Pageboy delves into the personal struggles and triumphs of the author, allowing readers to connect on a deep and emotional level.
- Through vulnerable storytelling and introspective reflections, the book provides an intimate look into Elliot Page's life, captivating readers from beginning to end.
Who should read Pageboy?
- Members of the LGBTQ+ community
- Allies, advocates, and identity explorers
- Fims buffs and cinemagoers
Categories with Pageboy
Book summaries like Pageboy
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
33 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Pageboy FAQs
What is the main message of Pageboy?
The main message of Pageboy is a celebration of self-discovery and embracing one's true identity.
How long does it take to read Pageboy?
The reading time for Pageboy varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Pageboy a good book? Is it worth reading?
Pageboy is an inspiring and empowering read that sheds light on important issues. It is definitely worth your time.
Who is the author of Pageboy?
Pageboy is written by Elliot Page.
What to read after Pageboy?
If you're wondering what to read next after Pageboy, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Proximity by Robert C. Wolcott & Kaihan Krippendorff
- Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
- The 4-Hour Body by Tim Ferriss
- The 33 Strategies of War by Robert Greene
- Moby Dick by Herman Melville
- Sula by Toni Morrison
- No More Mr. Nice Guy! by Robert A. Glover
- The Secret Language of the Body by Jennifer Mann & Karden Rabin
- The Life-Changing Power of Sophrology by Dominique Antiglio
- Lawrence in Arabia by Scott Anderson