Book excerpt: Ari Wexler, a trans guy in his late twenties, is barely scraping by. His family life is a mess, he feels like a failure when it comes to love, and his job at a college music library is on the rocks. His relationship with Itche Mattes, his doting best friend, helps him get through the days. Then a famous actress comes to town and sweeps Itche off his feet, leaving her dreadful sidekick to step on Ari's toes. As Ari's despair grows, a fascinating music project falls into his lap, and he's faced with a choice: to remain within his comfort zone, however small and stifling, or to take a risk that could bring meaning and joy to his life.