July 26, 2002

Book Review - Alice in Genderland: A Crossdresser Comes of Age

Alice in Genderland tells the story of Dr. Richard Novic, Harvard-educated psychiatrist and crossdresser. No memoir like it has ever been published. Most of the time, he is a man at the office or a husband and father at home. But one evening a week, she is a woman about town, shopping, dining, dancing, and dating a man for over five years. And it’s all out in the open.

Although he now leads a richly expressive life, Dr. Novic suffered since childhood with a secret, a desire he was in no way equipped to handle, but one that eventually burst through his denial, a few months before his wedding date. Just once, he felt, while he still could, he had to know what it felt like to be a woman.

Like Alice in Wonderland, his curiosity led him to fall headlong down a rabbit hole, through desperate straits, mind-opening surprises, heart-rending changes, and boundless love. By the time he was back on his feet, he was a different person, living a lifestyle he hadn't known existed. Anyone who has struggled to figure out who they are and how they want to live will see themselves in this powerful life story.

Praise for Alice in Genderland

“Few know the transgender scene like GIRL TALK magazine’s Alice Novic. This exciting new memoir by her male alter ego takes us along with him and the people he loves, as he encounters and explores each twist and turn around him and within him. As much Lewis and Clark as it is Lewis Carroll, Alice in Genderland blazes a new trail in the world of crossdressing.”

—Linda Jensen, contributing writer, Transgender Forum

“Alice bravely explores the limits of gender, sexuality, and relationships—a sexy, poignant, and often hilarious memoir of transgenderism.”

—Vernon A. Rosario, M.D., author of The Erotic Imagination, clinical faculty, UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute

“Alice in Genderland is a fascinating story, well worth reading.”

—Vern L. Bullough, Ph.D., author of Crossdressing, Sex, and Gender, past president of the Society of the Scientific Study of Sex

July 23, 2002

Book Review - Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies with Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Clients

This book provides a framework for affirmative, empirically supported cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients. Guidelines for competent assessment and treatment are integrated with practical descriptions of widely used CBT applications. In addition to presenting powerful treatment tools for depression, anxiety, and other problems encountered by gay and straight clients alike, the book offers clear-cut guidance on helping individuals and couples cope with the stresses of sexual minority status. Rich case illustrations bring to life the diversity of lesbian and gay communities, highlighting commonalities as well as differences among the issues that clients bring to therapy. Filling a crucial gap in the literature, this is an important resource for therapists in a range of settings, from CBT newcomers to experienced practitioners. Appendices include resources and sample client and therapist forms.

July 21, 2002

Book Review - Beyond Diversity Day: A Q & A on Gay and Lesbian Issues in Schools (Curriculum, Cultures, and (Homo)Sexualities)

Beyond Diversity Day is a handbook for teachers, counselors, administrators, policy makers, parents, and students who want to understand and affirm sexuality differences; promote and protect the well-being of all students; and reduce bigotry, self-hatred, and violence. In question-and-answer format, Arthur Lipkin offers advice to nurture positive relationships among glbt youth, their families, and the schools; welcome glbt families in the school community; support glbt educators; and incorporate sound and appropriate glbt-related curricula across disciplines. Written by a veteran high school and university teacher and staff developer, Beyond Diversity Day weaves sound scholarship with vivid real-world examples from classrooms and the media. It offers a compelling blueprint for working with diverse students and for improving schools.