
Act Cool
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3 months free
Buy for $24.29
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Narrated by:
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Shaan Dasani
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By:
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Tobly McSmith
Named a Rainbow Book List title
A trans teen walks the fine line between doing whatever it takes for his acting dream and staying true to himself in this moving, thought-provoking YA novel from the acclaimed author of Stay Gold.
Aspiring actor August Greene just landed a coveted spot at the prestigious School of Performing Arts in New York. There’s only one problem: His conservative parents won’t accept that he’s transgender. And to stay with his aunt in the city, August must promise them he won’t transition.
August is convinced he can play the part his parents want while acting cool and confident in the company of his talented new friends.
But who is August when the lights go down? And where will he turn when the roles start hitting a little too close to home?
©2021 Tobly McSmith (P)2021 HarperCollins PublishersListeners also enjoyed...




















There were a couple of parts that pulled me slightly out of the story (one of the background high schoolers was called out as being the Bachelorette, the classes felt like college classes), and I felt that the author was going for more of a college vibe while not wanting to sacrifice the hypothetical control August's parents would have over him as a minor. Overall though I enjoyed the plot and the characters. I felt that Ana was being set up as a slight commentary to people that get involved and more passionate about trans issues than trans people themselves, and was hoping for some resolution between her and August regarding the discomfort August felt at a couple of her comments, which either I did not see or I missed. I enjoyed August's growth overall, and it was fun following him through the story.
There were also a couple of parts where I feel like August was taking sidebars to specifically name drop and explain specific resources in the text itself, and some of the characters talked in a more manner of fact and knowledgeable way about certain issues and tips, it felt like they were dropping character to drop advice and adages I've heard a lot in the community. Not a bad thing though, just felt a bit odd.
There were also a couple of parts where the narrator seemed to not read ahead before delivering a line, a character would be said to be yelling a line and the narrator would deliver it in a singsong voice, or the text would say the character was upset but the narrator sounded a cheerful neutral, but it was only a couple of parts, on the whole Shaan did a wonderful job.
Overall I had a good time! Not the perfect book for me, but solid and worth the purchase and listen if you're looking for a pleasant, trans sensitive, and spunky New York romp where everything ends up ok.
Solid and Grounded Wish Fulfillment
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representation matters
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Also really appreciated the resources and trigger warnings at the beginning. One of the most valuable things I've ever seen an author add.
Would recommend
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Superficial and dull
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