50 LITERATURE Literature along the way Look at the book cover on the right and jot down any words or ideas that come to mind. Compare your ideas with those of your classmates. Which words or ideas do you have in common? Do you notice a trend in your associations with the picture? Would you have different associations if the cover showed a boy and the title read “If I Was Your Boy”? What does it mean to be true to yourself? Why is acceptance important in society? Discuss these questions with a partner, then share your thoughts with the class. Read the first extract from the novel, then discuss the following questions with a partner: 1 Where do you think this scene is taking place? 2 What do you find interesting or surprising? Choose a sentence part from the extract to explain your answer. 1 2 3 “Hardy?” the nurse said. “Andrew Hardy?” I stood and took a few steps towards the door. The horrible twisting in my gut that normally accompanied the sound of that name was barely present. I was too excited about what was about to happen. “Andr– Amanda?” Mom said. I turned and saw her standing with her hands clasped, a look on her face like she was afraid this was the last time she would ever see me. “Do you want me to come with you?” “No, thank you,” I said. I hugged her and backed away again. “I think I need to do this by myself.” I turned back to the nurse and followed her into a bright, white hallway. She had me stand on a scale and clucked reproachfully1 when she saw how underweight I was. Then she had me sit on the papercovered examination bed and took my blood pressure, which was normal, and asked me the usual questions. Did I have any allergies? No. What medications was I taking? Wellbutrin and Lexapro2. Did I have any ongoing medical problems? Not really. “So what brings you to us today?” the nurse said finally. Now read on and discuss the questions below extract 2. 4 1 reproachfully: vorwurfsvoll 2 Wellbutrin and Lexapro: antidepressant medications 1 “My therapist referred me,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. I hesitated in saying the rest. “I have, um, gender identity disorder. I’m … I’m transgender.” I tore absent-mindedly at the paper seat cover and took a deep breath. “I need to start hormones.” “Okie dokie,” the nurse said, scribbling one last note before smiling and closing my file. “You just sit tight and Dr Howard will be with you shortly.” I fell back on the bed, stared at the ceiling, and crossed my hands over my heart. It was really happening. It was really, finally happening. I wasn’t going to grow hair on my chest and back. My voice wasn’t going to deepen any more than the little bit it already had. My shoulders weren’t going to widen. 2 Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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