23a " To be yourself in a world that is ------ trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. (10) -o-s-a---y. 41a a diamond, or other precious gem, cut with a flat surface(5)--b-e.
24d "the burned hand --- best JRR Tolkien. (7) s-a-m-d-c. 36d The outbuildings and cattle yards surrounding a farmhouse(8)---a-i-g.