Challenge Corner discussion

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?

Just started this but the audio quality on Scribd is awful ^^'

Boo! I'm sorry :(

It's okay I got used to it :)

Ch 7 - (view spoiler)[I'm liking the story so far, it sucks that August's parents wants him to still be a girl in order to help him pursue his acting dream. (hide spoiler)]
Ch 14 - (view spoiler)[ At least August's aunt supports him so that's nice. (hide spoiler)]
Ch 23 - (view spoiler)[August can't connect with the character and Joshua is being an asshole to tell him not to come. Even if it's to make him progress in acting or so he says, the way he does it doesn't feel right. (hide spoiler)]
Finished - (view spoiler)[It was a cute song, didn't expect that bit of romance but it was sweet and I'm glad he found his chosen family even though his parents didn't change and probably never will. (hide spoiler)]

Ch 5 (view spoiler)[ I feel bad that August's mom and her boyfriend are so unaccepting and told him to not transition. At least he has his aunt to stand by him.

I know he's a good actor, but he needs to step it up in class if he wants to succeed there. (hide spoiler)]

Kelly wrote: "Ch 7 - [spoilers removed]
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@ch 7 (view spoiler)[ Yeah, it kills me that some parents invalidate their child's feelings like that. (hide spoiler)]

Starting this now!

Whoo!

Ch 1-7: (view spoiler)[I'm really hoping his mom and stepdad become more open to everything. I hate that August has to act one way whenever he talks to them. Luckily, his aunt is the one he's with and I love that. I also like the soldier/war piece he performed but I feel like some of his classmates took it one way when he wanted a different outcome. But he's getting better performance wise. (hide spoiler)]

Kelly wrote: "Ch 7 - [spoilers removed]
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Comment @ Ch 7, ugh yes. I'm not a fan of that right now. Hoping things change soon!

Aly wrote: "Ch 5 ..."

Yes, to all of this. Secretly hoping they change their ways and accept him. Also excited to see what comes next performance wise!

Alaina wrote: "Ch 1-7: [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I feel like he'll probably have to convince his mom to relinquish custody to his aunt and then go low contact. She doesn't seem interested in changing her mind, especially if she's considering conversion therapy (hide spoiler)]

Ch 8-14: (view spoiler)[I'm secretly excited for him to play Rizzo. Not going to lie. I do still feel bad that it's to please his mom by playing a girl. (hide spoiler)]

Kelly wrote: "Ch 7 - [spoilers removed]
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Comment @ Ch 14, I love his aunt so freaking much!

Aly wrote: "Alaina wrote: "Ch 1-7: [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

Ooo that's interesting. If it does happen, it would definitely be for the best. Still sad to think she would never change her mind though.

Ch 14 (view spoiler)[ I can't understand because I'm not transgender, but it seems like if you transitioned from a girl to a guy you wouldn't want to play a girl role? But props to August for nailing the audition.

This cast is all drama lol. Dating the same guy, arguing and giving the cold shoulder, it kills me.

I hope August's aunt is okay. I'm worried about her. (hide spoiler)]

Kelly wrote: "Ch 7 - [spoilers removed]
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@ch 14 Yeah she's pretty great

Alaina wrote: "Ch 8-14: [spoilers removed]"

Haha he seems like he's going to nail it

Alaina wrote: "Aly wrote: "Alaina wrote: "Ch 1-7: [spoilers removed]"

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Ooo that's interesting. If it does happen, it would definitely be for the best. Still sad to think she would never chang..."

Maybe in an epilogue or something? That would be nice

Aly wrote: "Ch 14 ..."

I love the cast. They crack me up.

Aly wrote: "Alaina wrote: "Aly wrote: "Alaina wrote: "Ch 1-7: [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

Ooo that's interesting. If it does happen, it would definitely be for the best. Still sad to think she wo..."

Yes, let's hope!

Ch 15-21: (view spoiler)[I don't like the person who asked what his name was before August. Like mind your business fool. I'm also not a fan of this play or whatever it is. (hide spoiler)]

Kelly wrote: "Ch 7 - [spoilers removed]
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Comment @ Ch 23, yeah, I'm not a fan of that.

Ch 22-Finish: (view spoiler)[That ending was cute. I'm still pissed about his parents though. (hide spoiler)]

Kelly wrote: "Ch 7 - [spoilers removed]
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Comment @ Finished, yes to the happy ending and found family vibes.

Alaina wrote: "Ch 15-21: [spoilers removed]"

Yeah, the play is horrible and the director can suck it

Ch 21 (view spoiler)[ Joshua (the director) seems to hate trans people. He wrote a play where the only trans person kills themselves, cast a cis straight boy to play the role, and asked for August's dead name. Fuck that guy for real. I hope the play fails and August gets out. (hide spoiler)]

Aly wrote: "Ch 21 [spoilers removed]"

Preach girl.

End (view spoiler)[ I'm glad August let himself feel his feelings and realized that he is sad about his parents and that's okay. He started to have some acceptance and I think therapy will help.

Even though I was mad at the play, I hope it helps show the evil of conversion therapy and August has success from his role. (hide spoiler)]

Alaina wrote: "Ch 22-Finish: [spoilers removed]"

Yeah, they're so horrible and I hope one day they realize how badly they messed up

Aly wrote: "End .."

Definitely hoping for the best - he deserves it!