Product Description
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 six 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 day. Just once, he felt, while he still could, he had to know how 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

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 55 reviews)

Where is the beef? In the pages of this book.

What an incredible story, lots of substance, real and enlightening. Finally a story close to my own. Very well written, entertaining as well as full of substance. The best book I've read this year!
September 22, 2008

Validation, and Then Some

The following is an excerpt from an email I sent to Alice about her book. I realised after writing it, it would make a good, if encapsulated, review.

"I know you are one busy person, and that little nugget of realization has kept me from writing you. However, your book is so enjoyable, so validating, and so full of life that I couldn't stand holding off writing you any longer. I haven't even finished it yet, but nonetheless, I had to express my thanks and my admiration to you for writing it - and baring your soul in the process."

The book is not just about being a crossdresser, but it explores Alice's path to realization, how she dealt with that realization, and how she leads her life as a result. It is written in a gregarious, friendly style, with lots of insight and detail, and is one tough book to put down once the first page has passed! It's intent is not as a "self-help" book, rather a peek into a life, but if you have any questions about your "identity", it is a must read. It is a "must read" even if you don't. Wonderful book!
August 13, 2008

First of Its Kind

I was surprised when I discovered a few years ago that no one had ever written a contemporary crossdressing memoir. Although there had been many transsexual memoirs and drag queen diaries, no one had ever written the story of a "heterosexual crossdresser."

Thus begins Alice in Genderland, and it's the story of one such individual who walks a path of exploration and ultimately discovers he's more bi than heterosexual and ends up finding fulfillment on both sides of the gender fence.

After introducing us to the rather unorthodox life he leads today, this Harvard-educated psychiatrist takes us back to an upper middle-class childhood punctuated by fantasies of being female and occasional forays into sisters' closets.

Like many crossdressers, he spends much of his early adulthood in denial, making excuses to himself for his behavior. But gradually he begins his journey toward self-acceptance, through books, counseling, and interactions with many colorful characters in and around the transgender community.

Alice in Genderland is an intelligent, well-written book that takes readers inside the life of a crossdresser who has done it all and lived to tell. Unlike so many transsexual stories that consist of intense struggle and costly triumph, Dr. Novic's tale is exciting and mostly upbeat. Richard/Alice forges ahead from one misadventure to the next, ending up with a life that many would envy and/or judge.

Though clearly not for anyone troubled by negotiated non-monogamy, Alice in Genderland is an educational and inspiring story for those wondering where they fit in the gender spectrum, those that love them, and those that are simply curious.
July 08, 2008

Self indulgent

I came across this book as part and parcel of my research for gender studies. But to say this book is self-serving would be an understatement. The author essentially tries to justify how HE got to the state he is in now: a manipulating two-timing philanderer who wants the right to do whatever he pleases despite his marital vows. On the plus side, it does give some insight into those who desire to crossdress, that is for the good. However, he decides to bend (break ?) responsible boundaries and continue his explorations while married. I am amazed his wife tolerates this kind of life, one wonders if she has the words 'Welcome' printed on her forehead.

Moral implications aside, there is no question this book is revealing and no-holds bar. However, from the dearth of feedback from women and wives of crossdressers, I do not think many of the positive reviewers here have had the guts to show it to their wives and/or SOs. I suspect there would be more than this minority of less than positive reviews.

The conclusion of this memoir is troubling as the author does not really have a way forward from his current life, which is to say the least, pretty deadend on the gender side. Time catches up with us all. What happens when 'Richard' loses his looks ? Will his life be less fulfilled for not having a man in his life ? This book is a vanity piece mixed in with some insight but people will only see what they want to see to have their fantasies fulfilled.
June 26, 2008

Brilliant, powerfully inspirational, and captivating!

I am so, so impressed with the way Richard/Alice Novic openly shared their personal journey ... expressed in a friendly, easy, intriguing conversational approach. Sensitive, honest, and revealing as the events in this true-life story are presented. Funny, witty, warm, and heartfelt. I am deeply thankful, and feel blessed, that I had this marvelous opportunity to "meet" and "get to know" a very special, unique, remarkable, lovely soul that entrusted and confided extraordinarily profound life landmarks to me. There is great, enjoyable energy from the first page all the way to the last ... and if you are like me, you will want more. Could there, possibly, be another book in the works ... some time in the future?

It is immensely inspirational and powerful, as Richard/Alice shows we can all create the sort of life we want, and need, conquering any obstacle or challenge, large or small. Be it transgender issues you personally confront, or any number of other conflicts, we discover it is very possible to find happiness, fulfillment, and joy in life.

I love it when good and happy things come to wonderful, generously caring and magical souls. Richard/Alice, thank you so muchly for sharing your amazing true-life story. My heart is joyfully dancing for you!
May 13, 2008

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