A Book by Tobly McSmith that Truly Spoke to Me: Act Cool
Written by Nick Lopez
There are many books that I've read in my life that have spoken and really resonated with me. But this book by Tobly McSmith beats them all by a milestone. Act Cool is written by a transgender male and is about a transgender male going off to college to pursue his love in theatre and acting, but comes across some difficulties when doing so. Friendship, relationship drama, and family issues, are all struggles that Augustus “August” Greene faces throughout the book.
All August wants is to “live as a boy, grow up to be a man, and act in front of a large audience.” As said on the back of the book cover. And that quote by itself is what made me know that this would be a great book.
August is enrolled into a performance arts school and is constantly faced with issues such as dealing with his transphobic parents. His parents come to watch some of the shows he’s in and they even have dinner together where things get heated.
His parents are not supportive of him whatsoever and for this reason August has to go by his deadname (the name given to him at birth which he later changed) and dress feminine when meeting his parents. August also plays a female character in his first show which he isn’t bothered by. In the book he said his parents are going to come watch it so he needs to play a female role. Whenever the topic of August being trans is brought up his parents are in utter disappointment and actively show that they do not accept him.
August, his parents, and his Aunt Lil, whom he’s living with, all have dinner together after his last show. August again has to dress up in feminine clothing. He has a barrette in his hair, a shirt with tiny yellow flowers, and a long blue jean skirt. His parents and his aunt are all having dinner when one of his castmates sees him and comes up to him. His castmate, Kelsey, says, “August!” and walks over to him.
When I read this scene my heart dropped. I was so scared to see what would happen next. I honestly had to close the book for a moment and take a deep breath. Kelsey didn’t know about August's parents so I can’t be upset at her but it was still a moment where I felt second hand embarrassment for August. August gets Kelsey to walk away and his parents aren’t happy. “We asked one thing of you, to not come up here and pretend to be a boy.” His father, Randy, says. They then proceed to argue. August luckily has Aunt Lil to back him up and protect him.
His parents refer to him being transgender as a “sickness”. Which makes my blood boil. Being trans is not a sickness. It's not a mental issue. It’s who someone is. It’s someone’s identity. His parents leave eventually and August and Aunt Lil are left at the table alone.
Tobly McSmith has another book called Stay Gold which is also about a transgender guy who moves to a new high school and falls for a cheerleader. I haven’t read this one but after reading Act Cool, it’s definitely on my list.
“I am August Greene. I’m transgender. I’m an actor. I have a dream.” A line by August said at the end of the book. There is truly no other quote good enough to describe myself. This book was made for me and I was meant to read it. This is the first book I’ve read by a trans author and about a trans character and it is incredible. It really sets my expectations through the roof for other books surrounding trans teens navigating life with a dull support system.
I never expected to have such a huge relation with this book as I ended up having. I see myself in August more than anything. August’s only dream is to pursue acting and live as a boy with zero complications. And that’s my dream too. There’s nothing more I want in this world than to be seen by everyone on stage or on the big screen and to be seen as a man. Not a day goes by that I’m not reminded of the girl I used to be or should still be, or the name I used to have.
There are many people like August out there in the world. There are teens and even adults who are scared to come out or are not in a safe space to come out. Many people don’t have a strong support system to be themselves around. Whether that's their parents, friends, or relatives. Because of a poor support system, people often feel isolated and alone.
When someone is trans, gay, lesbian, or something else, we need to make sure they feel safe with us and let them know that we’re here for them. If you’re someone like August or myself, I suggest you take some time out of your day to read this book. I learned so much from reading Act Cool and I’m certain that you will too.
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