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Alder #1
Changing Majors
Suitemates to friends...to happily ever after?
It’s her first night of freshman year at Alder University, a small Catholic college tucked away in the North Georgia mountains, and Bailey Sullivan is ready to be the girl she has always dreamed of becoming: a girl who loves a boy. She quickly meets Luke, a Southern charmer who gives her hope for a traditional future. But her often destructive and messy attempts at being straight are thwarted when she falls for her far-too-female suitemate, Noelle Parker, from whom she quickly becomes inseparable.
Bailey must traverse the rocky terrain of her friendships, her freshman year of college, and her sexuality to discover not only whom she wants to pursue, but her own identity. For Bailey, learning to be true to herself means being brave enough to let go of the limits on love that are holding her back.
It’s her first night of freshman year at Alder University, a small Catholic college tucked away in the North Georgia mountains, and Bailey Sullivan is ready to be the girl she has always dreamed of becoming: a girl who loves a boy. She quickly meets Luke, a Southern charmer who gives her hope for a traditional future. But her often destructive and messy attempts at being straight are thwarted when she falls for her far-too-female suitemate, Noelle Parker, from whom she quickly becomes inseparable.
Bailey must traverse the rocky terrain of her friendships, her freshman year of college, and her sexuality to discover not only whom she wants to pursue, but her own identity. For Bailey, learning to be true to herself means being brave enough to let go of the limits on love that are holding her back.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 9, 2021
4.5 stars. This great debut explores finding yourself as a young queer person, and I highlighted several passages that resonated with me. Reichardt’s writing is humorous and succinct, and I’ll definitely be reading her future books!
Bailey Sullivan (18-19, half Cuban) is starting her freshman year Alder University, a Catholic college. Bailey is a closeted lesbian and isn’t particularly religious, but since she’s on scholarship from her church, she feels duty-bound to Catholic values. She’s majoring in education because it’s what her family has done, but she doesn’t feel any kind of passion for it. Soon Bailey forms a quick bond with five of her dorm mates, and with the support of those bonds, she begins to bloom into her true self.
When Bailey meets her suitemate Noelle Parker, friendship sparks fly instantly, and romantic sparks soon follow. Noelle has a free-spirited daredevil streak, and she and Bailey have some incredibly entertaining banter! Like Bailey, Noelle is closeted and feels pressure to conform to the pressures of Catholic society, and I liked the conversations they have about this. Due to their difficult personal situations, Bailey and Noelle’s relationship has its ups and downs, but I could feel the love between them.
I thought this book would be more of a romance than it is: the first half of the book centers Bailey’s budding romance with Noelle, but the second half is more focused on Bailey’s personal growth. This isn’t a bad thing, especially since it’s pretty much outlined in the blurb, but I personally wish there’d been more Bailey/Noelle scenes. Noelle is such a magnetic force in the first half of the book, so I definitely felt her presence missing when she had less page time.
I love how this book portrays the messy life of a college student. Bailey is nowhere near perfect, and she makes some mistakes that will have you shaking your head in frustration and/or sympathy. I’m not a fan of young characters who are overly perfect and/or mature, so I appreciated all Bailey’s flaws. Though I wish I’d been half as confident as Bailey when I was in college, I related to many of her internal struggles and she felt like someone I would have known.
I do think that more gender-inclusive language could have been used. At one point a pansexual character was described as liking “both men and women,” and “gender non-conforming” was used when I think “nonbinary” would have worked better. However, I do appreciate the variety of queer identities acknowledged.
Overall, this book is an awesome NA coming-of-age story with a heartwarming romance. Since this appears to be the first book in a series, I hope we’ll get to see the love story of one of this book’s side characters!
content warnings: alcohol (recreational), child abuse/neglect (past), divorce, driving while intoxicated, drug use, graphic sex, guilt, homophobia, misogyny, organized religion, sexual assault/dubious consent (committed by side characters), trauma, vomiting
I received an ARC from Ana Reichardt and Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Bailey Sullivan (18-19, half Cuban) is starting her freshman year Alder University, a Catholic college. Bailey is a closeted lesbian and isn’t particularly religious, but since she’s on scholarship from her church, she feels duty-bound to Catholic values. She’s majoring in education because it’s what her family has done, but she doesn’t feel any kind of passion for it. Soon Bailey forms a quick bond with five of her dorm mates, and with the support of those bonds, she begins to bloom into her true self.
When Bailey meets her suitemate Noelle Parker, friendship sparks fly instantly, and romantic sparks soon follow. Noelle has a free-spirited daredevil streak, and she and Bailey have some incredibly entertaining banter! Like Bailey, Noelle is closeted and feels pressure to conform to the pressures of Catholic society, and I liked the conversations they have about this. Due to their difficult personal situations, Bailey and Noelle’s relationship has its ups and downs, but I could feel the love between them.
I thought this book would be more of a romance than it is: the first half of the book centers Bailey’s budding romance with Noelle, but the second half is more focused on Bailey’s personal growth. This isn’t a bad thing, especially since it’s pretty much outlined in the blurb, but I personally wish there’d been more Bailey/Noelle scenes. Noelle is such a magnetic force in the first half of the book, so I definitely felt her presence missing when she had less page time.
I love how this book portrays the messy life of a college student. Bailey is nowhere near perfect, and she makes some mistakes that will have you shaking your head in frustration and/or sympathy. I’m not a fan of young characters who are overly perfect and/or mature, so I appreciated all Bailey’s flaws. Though I wish I’d been half as confident as Bailey when I was in college, I related to many of her internal struggles and she felt like someone I would have known.
I do think that more gender-inclusive language could have been used. At one point a pansexual character was described as liking “both men and women,” and “gender non-conforming” was used when I think “nonbinary” would have worked better. However, I do appreciate the variety of queer identities acknowledged.
Overall, this book is an awesome NA coming-of-age story with a heartwarming romance. Since this appears to be the first book in a series, I hope we’ll get to see the love story of one of this book’s side characters!
content warnings: alcohol (recreational), child abuse/neglect (past), divorce, driving while intoxicated, drug use, graphic sex, guilt, homophobia, misogyny, organized religion, sexual assault/dubious consent (committed by side characters), trauma, vomiting
I received an ARC from Ana Reichardt and Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2021
Bailey Sullivan has been given a scholarship to Alder University, a Catholic school in Georgia. She has had a tumultuous lead up to college in her family life and wants nothing more than to settle in and get her degree. In her first semester she struggles with finding her place in the world, feeling confused about her sexuality and apathy about her chosen major. She finds a niche that she could possible fit in but will the sacrifices needed to make it work be too much?
This was a great debut novel by Ana Hartnett Reichhardt. I struggled with so many of the same things as Bailey, thinking that I had to fit in and follow the natural order of things and feeling like a failure when that didn’t happen. Some of us need time and experience to really grow into our true selves and Bailey’s internal struggles felt very authentic to that struggle. One nitpick, the age on her fake ID would make her 26 in the year it says the book is set in instead of the ‘barely legal’ it claims her to be. This was a great book though and I will definitely be on the lookout for future books by this author. Do yourself a favor and pick it up, especially if you’re in the mood to revisit your emotions from earlier in your life.
This was a great debut novel by Ana Hartnett Reichhardt. I struggled with so many of the same things as Bailey, thinking that I had to fit in and follow the natural order of things and feeling like a failure when that didn’t happen. Some of us need time and experience to really grow into our true selves and Bailey’s internal struggles felt very authentic to that struggle. One nitpick, the age on her fake ID would make her 26 in the year it says the book is set in instead of the ‘barely legal’ it claims her to be. This was a great book though and I will definitely be on the lookout for future books by this author. Do yourself a favor and pick it up, especially if you’re in the mood to revisit your emotions from earlier in your life.
August 6, 2023
I have to make comparisons here because one book made me turn away from a category altogether because of how abysmal it was turning out to be. Imogen, Obviously is technically the same category as Changing Majors. Both were freshman at uni, coming of age and finding their place in a broader community. However, the biggest difference I could think of is how each individual book was presented. Imogen, Obviously was maybe leaning too much on the gen z audience while Changing Majors was poignant as evidenced by the language used, plain and realistic, thus, able to reach a broader audience than a gen z uni student.
The topics tackled in Changing Majors are typical of coming of age stories, sometimes it even it feels tired to be reading the same issues from different books. However, the author’s magical writing made it possible to be tethered to the main character, Bailey, in an intimate level so that what she was going through made it possible to feel a personal connection and be reminiscent of how it was to be a young queer woman trying to figure out life.
January 23, 2023
This is a YA/New Adult coming out story. Told from Bailey's POV it covers her freshman year at Alder University, a small Catholic college in the Georgia mountains. On day one her "crew" is formed. It includes her roommate Priya (absolute best friend you could ask for), suite mates Noelle and Cassie, and roommates from another floor Matt and Luke. They hang out, eat, play games on the quad, party together and support one another. Bailey comes to realize her sexuality and her attraction to Noelle and it isn't till almost Christmas break that she knows those feelings are returned. But there is more to the story than romance. Bailey finds a passion for a new major and that influences her to try and start a LGBTQ club. But that can have consequences on a catholic campus.
I enjoyed the story and the pacing. It jumps easily from mid-terms to holidays and finals. At the core it is the friendships that you would wish for yourself or your child when starting college. Bailey can be annoying in her impulsiveness and in how she deals with Noelle. There were moments I didn't like her even though I was rooting for her. It doesn't feel like a heavy book although a lot of serious topics are brought out including: LGBTQ rights, sex, consent, underage drinking, driving with an impaired driver, emotional and physical abuse and fear of coming out. The cover says "Alder series" so I will look forward to the next book from there author and see if it follows the gang or others at the University. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the story and the pacing. It jumps easily from mid-terms to holidays and finals. At the core it is the friendships that you would wish for yourself or your child when starting college. Bailey can be annoying in her impulsiveness and in how she deals with Noelle. There were moments I didn't like her even though I was rooting for her. It doesn't feel like a heavy book although a lot of serious topics are brought out including: LGBTQ rights, sex, consent, underage drinking, driving with an impaired driver, emotional and physical abuse and fear of coming out. The cover says "Alder series" so I will look forward to the next book from there author and see if it follows the gang or others at the University. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2024
The story takes place at a conservative Catholic University in Georgia, USA, where our narrator Bailey is unsure of her sexual orientation having grown up in Savannah. She joins up with a group of five other freshmen, two men and three women, and navigates what it all means for her. It does not help that she is there on a scholarship from her local church while having feelings for Noelle. As she tries to get inspired in finding a major and navigating her 'liking' Noelle, she finally discovers Political Science and her passion for deciding to out herself and fight for LGBTQI rights at the University.
A very likeable bunch of students, a good narrator and good storyline. Four solid stars.
A very likeable bunch of students, a good narrator and good storyline. Four solid stars.
November 10, 2021
I honestly didn't know what to expect here. This being my first review for NetGalley feels momentous because of how much I loved Changing Majors.
Bailey is a freshman in a scenic North Georgian Catholic institution called Adler University. There she carves a new home in the college dorm Baker where, in move-in day, she meets 5 other freshmen and they become inseperable (I mean ofc, this is how all legendary friendship starts. It's fate.). Bailey is really just floating, as most college freshmen are. She's choosing to major in education like her mom and grandmother, because that makes sense. But if she's being honest, she doesn't care about it. She also liked a girl in high school but that didn't end well, so she's looking to like a boy in this new life away from home. And she finds a very likeable boy. They would make sense. But she also finds a girl.
[The Baker group (by appearance):
1) Luke, a sweet and smart Southern boy who instantly befriends Bailey
2) Priya, sassy and the best girl. She's Bailey's roommate and will be your favorite character
3) Cassie, the sweet suitemate 🥲
4) Noelle, Cassie's roommate
5) Matt, sometimes an asshole but one time a white butt]
The story is told in a more slice of life kind of way but the pacing never felt slow nor uninteresting. I really enjoyed the build up and Bailey's change in voice when she grew more into herself, although sometimes she takes a couple steps back. Such is life. And that's where this book shines. The story felt real and honest therefore also painful and beautiful. Bailey isn't perfect and she makes a lot of rash decisions or non-decisions. I found myself frustrated by some of the characters' actions, but they were necessary and not unnatural, considering their ages and backgrounds.
Being set in a Catholic institution, there are instances of homophobia, but mostly of the internlized variety. There are elements of past and present emotional abuse from parents, both direct and indirect, and it also touched on topics on consent and masturbation. There was also valid points made about Star Wars (as a fan I'm not even mad). Most of the characters were fleshed out but only for what's required for the story which I find unfortunate. Neverthless, I grew to love the side characters as much as the main and her love interest(s).
The dialogue is funny when it means to be, but also meaningful without being in your face preachy. Religion also played a part, but isn't discussed as intimately but more in the general sense of homosexuality as a sin.
All in all this was a very enjoyable read. I finished it in one sitting and loved (almost) every word.
I'm going to miss this gang.
Bailey is a freshman in a scenic North Georgian Catholic institution called Adler University. There she carves a new home in the college dorm Baker where, in move-in day, she meets 5 other freshmen and they become inseperable (I mean ofc, this is how all legendary friendship starts. It's fate.). Bailey is really just floating, as most college freshmen are. She's choosing to major in education like her mom and grandmother, because that makes sense. But if she's being honest, she doesn't care about it. She also liked a girl in high school but that didn't end well, so she's looking to like a boy in this new life away from home. And she finds a very likeable boy. They would make sense. But she also finds a girl.
[The Baker group (by appearance):
1) Luke, a sweet and smart Southern boy who instantly befriends Bailey
2) Priya, sassy and the best girl. She's Bailey's roommate and will be your favorite character
3) Cassie, the sweet suitemate 🥲
4) Noelle, Cassie's roommate
5) Matt, sometimes an asshole but one time a white butt]
The story is told in a more slice of life kind of way but the pacing never felt slow nor uninteresting. I really enjoyed the build up and Bailey's change in voice when she grew more into herself, although sometimes she takes a couple steps back. Such is life. And that's where this book shines. The story felt real and honest therefore also painful and beautiful. Bailey isn't perfect and she makes a lot of rash decisions or non-decisions. I found myself frustrated by some of the characters' actions, but they were necessary and not unnatural, considering their ages and backgrounds.
Being set in a Catholic institution, there are instances of homophobia, but mostly of the internlized variety. There are elements of past and present emotional abuse from parents, both direct and indirect, and it also touched on topics on consent and masturbation. There was also valid points made about Star Wars (as a fan I'm not even mad). Most of the characters were fleshed out but only for what's required for the story which I find unfortunate. Neverthless, I grew to love the side characters as much as the main and her love interest(s).
The dialogue is funny when it means to be, but also meaningful without being in your face preachy. Religion also played a part, but isn't discussed as intimately but more in the general sense of homosexuality as a sin.
All in all this was a very enjoyable read. I finished it in one sitting and loved (almost) every word.
I'm going to miss this gang.
April 7, 2024
Coming of age, first love, friendship. For a YA and debut, this was an unexpectedly insightful read.
December 21, 2021
Changing Majors is a new-adult, coming-of-age story with a fantastic portrayal of relationships - particularly friendships - at that particular stage in your life when you're just starting out as an adult in the world. The friendship between Bailey and her dorm mates (and then the romantic relationship between Bailey and Noelle) were written in a way where you could feel the connection between the characters and the way they care and value each other. It was heartwarming to read.
When we meet Bailey, she's just starting at Alder University, a Catholic college that her church is paying the tuition for her to attend. Bailey knows she's attracted to women but is trying to fight it, as though it's something that can be helped. I remember going through this phase, as I was also bought up very religious. I felt for Bailey during the novel as although she isn't particularly religious, she feels as though this is a part of her that goes against the Catholic values she's been bought up in and that's such a hard thing to shake when you've been indoctrinated for so long.
This novel features a romance between Bailey and Noelle, but I felt the novel was moreso an account of Bailey figuring things out, coming to terms with being queer as well as the perpetual scary question of what should I want to do for the rest of my life. The time we spend following her is messy and a tiny bit chaotic, but it's a great account of this time in your life and I really enjoyed reading Bailey's story, particularly her personal growth.
Many thanks to Netgalley, the author and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
When we meet Bailey, she's just starting at Alder University, a Catholic college that her church is paying the tuition for her to attend. Bailey knows she's attracted to women but is trying to fight it, as though it's something that can be helped. I remember going through this phase, as I was also bought up very religious. I felt for Bailey during the novel as although she isn't particularly religious, she feels as though this is a part of her that goes against the Catholic values she's been bought up in and that's such a hard thing to shake when you've been indoctrinated for so long.
This novel features a romance between Bailey and Noelle, but I felt the novel was moreso an account of Bailey figuring things out, coming to terms with being queer as well as the perpetual scary question of what should I want to do for the rest of my life. The time we spend following her is messy and a tiny bit chaotic, but it's a great account of this time in your life and I really enjoyed reading Bailey's story, particularly her personal growth.
Many thanks to Netgalley, the author and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
December 16, 2021
When I started this book I had no idea what to expect, to be honest. But the second I started to read, it felt like coming home. I ended up rating this book 4 stars and here is why.
Immediately I fell in love with the friendship that Matt, Luke, Priya, Cassie, Noelle and Bailey have. They meet each other at college and start this new adventure together. They are going through a rollercoaster but at least they do it together. They all value each other for who they are. The group felt so realistic and was fun. Especially the realistic part was important to me. All the characters have their problems, but they find one another and help their friends through the bumps on the road. They had become a second family.
All the characters had such important roles, and I just really like that when it happens in books. Sometimes it feels like characters are just there. They are not that important to the story, but not in this case! Everyone was there for a reason. They all add to the story.
Bailey was figuring out her life in the story. Mainly, what is her sexuality and what does she want in life? Reading this I thought: This is so relatable for so many people. Everyone is figuring out where to go with their life. Want they want. I loved how we were taken on her journey to experiment and grow. I definitely cried a few times. Some parts of the story are very emotional and hit quite hard.
Do keep in mind that religion and sexuality are both an important part of the story. I can imagine that this would be tough to read for some readers.
The book was such a quick read. If I had not been so busy with coursework, I would probably have finished it in one day. Typically, I would read this for instance in the summer at the beach, or when I need a quick and simple read next to my coursework. I do think though that at times the story moved too quickly, which just made it less realistic for me. Also, it felt like things moved so quickly that I barely had the time to process them. Some problems were just resolved too quickly.
Overall, it was a fun, quick, diverse read!
Immediately I fell in love with the friendship that Matt, Luke, Priya, Cassie, Noelle and Bailey have. They meet each other at college and start this new adventure together. They are going through a rollercoaster but at least they do it together. They all value each other for who they are. The group felt so realistic and was fun. Especially the realistic part was important to me. All the characters have their problems, but they find one another and help their friends through the bumps on the road. They had become a second family.
All the characters had such important roles, and I just really like that when it happens in books. Sometimes it feels like characters are just there. They are not that important to the story, but not in this case! Everyone was there for a reason. They all add to the story.
Bailey was figuring out her life in the story. Mainly, what is her sexuality and what does she want in life? Reading this I thought: This is so relatable for so many people. Everyone is figuring out where to go with their life. Want they want. I loved how we were taken on her journey to experiment and grow. I definitely cried a few times. Some parts of the story are very emotional and hit quite hard.
Do keep in mind that religion and sexuality are both an important part of the story. I can imagine that this would be tough to read for some readers.
The book was such a quick read. If I had not been so busy with coursework, I would probably have finished it in one day. Typically, I would read this for instance in the summer at the beach, or when I need a quick and simple read next to my coursework. I do think though that at times the story moved too quickly, which just made it less realistic for me. Also, it felt like things moved so quickly that I barely had the time to process them. Some problems were just resolved too quickly.
Overall, it was a fun, quick, diverse read!
January 18, 2022
This was a really great WLW romantic/coming of age read.
As someone who was in Christian schooling up until 17, I really appreciated what a breath of fresh air this novel is to people who are raised in areas or communities of faith. It explores both not connecting with faith but also there’s characters who are finding new ways to reconnect with faith; I think it’s important both of those sides are told.
Bailey is Irish/Cuban and comes from a background where one step parent was neglectful, it’s important how she grows and heals to a degree throughout, learns to recognise what happened and let more people in.
There’s such an overwhelming sense of friendship in this novel, and whilst some of the friend group are bloody awful (there’s one guy, and we all know a real life version of THAT guy) , others -like Priya- are such a wholesome addition to the novel.
Whilst Bailey is more confident, Noelle is far different, and for good reason. Without giving anything away I felt their story was real -as someone whose very much been in their shows at one point- and was told emotively but in a way that offered comfort to those struggling with faith and identity.
On top of that the spice? The spice was one hell of a bonus! We love some well written spice here.
An awesome, WLW romance read.
As someone who was in Christian schooling up until 17, I really appreciated what a breath of fresh air this novel is to people who are raised in areas or communities of faith. It explores both not connecting with faith but also there’s characters who are finding new ways to reconnect with faith; I think it’s important both of those sides are told.
Bailey is Irish/Cuban and comes from a background where one step parent was neglectful, it’s important how she grows and heals to a degree throughout, learns to recognise what happened and let more people in.
There’s such an overwhelming sense of friendship in this novel, and whilst some of the friend group are bloody awful (there’s one guy, and we all know a real life version of THAT guy) , others -like Priya- are such a wholesome addition to the novel.
Whilst Bailey is more confident, Noelle is far different, and for good reason. Without giving anything away I felt their story was real -as someone whose very much been in their shows at one point- and was told emotively but in a way that offered comfort to those struggling with faith and identity.
On top of that the spice? The spice was one hell of a bonus! We love some well written spice here.
An awesome, WLW romance read.
August 25, 2023
I'm not sure why the college experience is often ignored in sapphic romance--it seems like everything is either YA (high school) or adult--since it's a transformative time in a lot of people's lives. And not even from a queer perspective, but for life in general. So I am here for Ana Hartnett Reichardt's series that takes place at Alder University, a Catholic school in the Georgia mountains, especially if Changing Majors, the first book in the series, is anything to go by.
I think Reichardt (Hartnett Reichardt--which name do I use?) does a great job of dealing with the uncertainty of identity when someone goes away from their families, their communities and, for the first time, is having to grapple who they thought they are/should be vs the independent person they are becoming. Bailey arrives at Alder insecure and uncertain, questioning her religion, her family, her sexuality. Meeting Noelle, who's going through the same angst, only complicates it all. They both make the mistakes you'd expect them to make when having the freedom to confront who they are.
This isn't a perfect book for me. And there are definitely issues with characterization and narrative structure, but this was the first new-for-me book in weeks I genuinely enjoyed reading, so I'm feeling generous.
3.5 but rounding up.
I think Reichardt (Hartnett Reichardt--which name do I use?) does a great job of dealing with the uncertainty of identity when someone goes away from their families, their communities and, for the first time, is having to grapple who they thought they are/should be vs the independent person they are becoming. Bailey arrives at Alder insecure and uncertain, questioning her religion, her family, her sexuality. Meeting Noelle, who's going through the same angst, only complicates it all. They both make the mistakes you'd expect them to make when having the freedom to confront who they are.
This isn't a perfect book for me. And there are definitely issues with characterization and narrative structure, but this was the first new-for-me book in weeks I genuinely enjoyed reading, so I'm feeling generous.
3.5 but rounding up.
December 22, 2021
"we're all just kids, jumping into the deep together, hoping we can swim. it's not so bad when you don't have to jump alone."
✼ a huge thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book!
changing majors is a delightful debut by ana hartnett reichardt! i went in expecting a sapphic romance but left with so much more. beyond the romance (that was so sweet and well done), this is a story about figuring out who you are, and that its never too late to do so. its about learning to accept and love yourself, and to accept that love from others around you too. bailey doesn't always make the right choices but she learns from her mistakes and that was one of my favorite things about this book - seeing people and relationships being portrayed with such accurate and beautiful care.
this is a book that many people will relate to and it will strike a chord in your chest. a fantastic na coming-of-age story, and ana hartnett reichardt is definitely an author to keep an eye on.
please note that this story deals rather heavily with religion and sexuality, so read with caution.
December 10, 2021
Thanks to the author and publisher for the ARC! This was a very sweet book and an easy read. The writing style was interesting, I'm not used to first-person present-tense lol but i think i got used to it by the end. It took me a while to care about the characters and get invested but there were so many sweet moments I enjoyed. Overall decent read
April 6, 2022
Five stars. I've been on a long streak of almost solely reading from authors I know and trust to deliver something solid, but I'm really, really glad I took a chance on this one. It's everything the blurb promises and more. I loved Noelle, I loved her and Bailey together, I loved the conflict and the conflict resolution. I did feel like a couple of the time lapses were questionable, because I could have used a couple more scenes of the two just existing together, learning about each other. They really moved into the relationship fast, especially for two closeted girls at a religious university, but I guess that's what happens when you want a proper break for the characters to exist independently, and still squish the whole story into one university year.
Most of all, I loved Bailey. I was a little worried about her when she was battling the internalized homophobia, but she's an incredibly strong character. She's mature for her age, in that she has these profound thoughts that should come with more experience than she has, but it also doesn't sound like she's an old person struggling to pass as a uni student. That is, there's a perfect balance between mistakes and corrections, silly immature actions and mature ones. Occasionally the writing was a little heavy handed, and it came off as preachy, but I think it worked for the genre.
Speaking of which, this is my new favourite NA book. Partly because I haven't read that many of them, but this book really hit the spot for me. It grappled with a lot of issues relevant to someone like Bailey, and yet it was so comforting and pleasant to read. (I guess I really liked her narrative voice.) New adult is sometimes too chaotic for me, but I think this was the perfect amount of chaos, and very controlled, intentional chaos too.
I'm looking forward to reading more from thus author.
Most of all, I loved Bailey. I was a little worried about her when she was battling the internalized homophobia, but she's an incredibly strong character. She's mature for her age, in that she has these profound thoughts that should come with more experience than she has, but it also doesn't sound like she's an old person struggling to pass as a uni student. That is, there's a perfect balance between mistakes and corrections, silly immature actions and mature ones. Occasionally the writing was a little heavy handed, and it came off as preachy, but I think it worked for the genre.
Speaking of which, this is my new favourite NA book. Partly because I haven't read that many of them, but this book really hit the spot for me. It grappled with a lot of issues relevant to someone like Bailey, and yet it was so comforting and pleasant to read. (I guess I really liked her narrative voice.) New adult is sometimes too chaotic for me, but I think this was the perfect amount of chaos, and very controlled, intentional chaos too.
I'm looking forward to reading more from thus author.
August 30, 2022
I loved this. Bailey is the thoughtful but maturing YA protagonist we need in stories about coming to terms with who you are. I love that she takes the time to examine her patterns and work out what didn't work for her and why and try not to repeat the same mistakes.
November 23, 2021
A queer coming of age story set during college? Yeah I’m gonna read it. And I’m gonna love it. I was rooting for Bailey and Noelle the entire time, both within their relationship and as individual people experiencing growth. Plus, all of the side characters were super lovable and exactly what you’d want in a college friend group.
February 25, 2025
This is a cute read
August 27, 2023
wow, just wow
December 18, 2021
I adore when I find myself yelling at main characters, and I found myself doing that more than a few times in this book. That just goes to show how absolutely real all of the moments felt. I had a visceral reaction to much of the religion vs lifestyle debate and the enormity of injustice and persecution that remains even in 2021. Being in my late 30's I loved getting lost in the chaos that was Bailey finding herself. She was like a deconstructed lego set without a manual and just doing the best her teen mind could do with the blocks she was given. Coming out, finding your people, finding a path or career, finding love, finding a way not to degrade or speak hurtfully to yourself whilst making mistakes? So many wonderful moments to read and get lost in. A coming of age story that makes it easy to reminisce. Oh, to be young again, but this book also makes you take stock and find happiness in having found your own way and own path amidst life's chaos.
May 25, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️
👭🏳️🌈✝️
Book 1 of the Alder Series
Ok, I'm starting off this review with the quote that ripped my soul in two because I felt seen.
"Also, I forgot to mention the tiny insignificant fact that when a guy touches me, it feels like a cockroach meandering over my body, and I can’t do anything but squirm and panic. They’ve always reached for too much, too fast."
This book was everything. I needed this book when I was Bailey's age. I needed this book when I was struggling because of my faith. Of what was expected of me. Of what I did to hide the fact that I was a lesbian. The men I tried to date. The men I tried to have sex with, just to prove to myself that I could do it, that I was straight. I needed someone like Bailey to remind me that "It might not be tonight, might not be tomorrow, but I will be okay. I will never put myself through this again. I choose to love myself."
Not only did this book have me in tears because of how much Bailey reminded me of me, but it was an amazing storyline, had a beautiful and realistic relationship, and it was heartwarming and amazing.
I loved all the supportive friends. The supportive mother. The supportive teacher. I loved everything.
Seriously, Ana Hartnett Reichardt, I can't wait to read more of your books. Thank you so much.
🌶️🌶️
👭🏳️🌈✝️
Book 1 of the Alder Series
Ok, I'm starting off this review with the quote that ripped my soul in two because I felt seen.
"Also, I forgot to mention the tiny insignificant fact that when a guy touches me, it feels like a cockroach meandering over my body, and I can’t do anything but squirm and panic. They’ve always reached for too much, too fast."
This book was everything. I needed this book when I was Bailey's age. I needed this book when I was struggling because of my faith. Of what was expected of me. Of what I did to hide the fact that I was a lesbian. The men I tried to date. The men I tried to have sex with, just to prove to myself that I could do it, that I was straight. I needed someone like Bailey to remind me that "It might not be tonight, might not be tomorrow, but I will be okay. I will never put myself through this again. I choose to love myself."
Not only did this book have me in tears because of how much Bailey reminded me of me, but it was an amazing storyline, had a beautiful and realistic relationship, and it was heartwarming and amazing.
I loved all the supportive friends. The supportive mother. The supportive teacher. I loved everything.
Seriously, Ana Hartnett Reichardt, I can't wait to read more of your books. Thank you so much.
September 15, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Having grown up Catholic, I understand what Bailey is going through. The characters are well defined and lovable. Ana hits on a lot of heavy topics but doesn't get bogged down in them. What a great read!! Next up is Catching Feelings!!
Read
December 9, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings
Misogyny
Homomisia
Sexual assault
Child abuse & neglect recounted
Alcohol consumption
Drug use
Emesis
Misogyny
Homomisia
Sexual assault
Child abuse & neglect recounted
Alcohol consumption
Drug use
Emesis
January 20, 2022
Definitely a book to recommend for a lot of readers out there as it follows Bailey who's starting college, finds her friends, path in life, love and all those thing we went through in our early 20's. Bailey comes from catholic family in a small community and the local church is sponsoring her college career. This aspect makes it hard for Bailey to come out as a lesbian and forge her own path.
Apart from the fact that I didn't have a catholic upbringing and am not of the same mindset when it comes to church and being queer, I can understand the difficulties that arise, both within yourself as with your family. Due to the first person pov it was too much for me to read through all her internal judgments and doubts purely based on a religious background without irritation. People who have been in similar situations will recognize a lot though and probably feel more of an emotional connection to the book. So, not a book for me, but I think for many readers out there it's a great fit.
***Thank you Netgalley and Bold Stroke Books for giving me the chance to read and review this book***
Apart from the fact that I didn't have a catholic upbringing and am not of the same mindset when it comes to church and being queer, I can understand the difficulties that arise, both within yourself as with your family. Due to the first person pov it was too much for me to read through all her internal judgments and doubts purely based on a religious background without irritation. People who have been in similar situations will recognize a lot though and probably feel more of an emotional connection to the book. So, not a book for me, but I think for many readers out there it's a great fit.
***Thank you Netgalley and Bold Stroke Books for giving me the chance to read and review this book***
January 26, 2022
This was a great freshman novel from Ana Reichardt. (Yes, I chose the word freshman because they are in college.)
Bailey Sullivan has been awarded a scholarship to Alder University, a Catholic University, from her church. She is generally apathetic towards school, and her has trouble finding her place. When she makes a connection to another closeted student, one of her suitemates Noelle, she starts to grow and heal. This is one of those books where you are forced to remember that for a lot of people being gay still comes with consequences. As someone whose wife has told them all about growing up in a very Catholic house, in relation to their coming out, my heart broke for these girls.
This is a true coming out story of a young gay person finding their place in world ,and how to live in it.
Bailey Sullivan has been awarded a scholarship to Alder University, a Catholic University, from her church. She is generally apathetic towards school, and her has trouble finding her place. When she makes a connection to another closeted student, one of her suitemates Noelle, she starts to grow and heal. This is one of those books where you are forced to remember that for a lot of people being gay still comes with consequences. As someone whose wife has told them all about growing up in a very Catholic house, in relation to their coming out, my heart broke for these girls.
This is a true coming out story of a young gay person finding their place in world ,and how to live in it.
June 24, 2022
I’d been excited to read this book for a while now, but at first it felt very similar to “Her Name in the Sky” and I’m not too sure if those similarities were coincidental or not. The very fast pace at which the two main characters moved with their relationship at first gave me a bit of whiplash and didn’t feel realistic, but as the story went on, I ended up really enjoying this story. It was so nice to see the queer community mentioned and represented, and the word lesbian to actually be used multiple times. Also loved what ended up being very realistic rep. I loved Bailey’s growth into herself and her determination to make change in her community, even the way her friends rallied behind her. Just a really nice story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2024
What a book.
It gets so many emotions out of me.
Their innocence, the romantic feelings, the friendship that all of them have, the uncertain feelings about family, religion and beliefs. The way this book is written is just perfect. I was looking forward for a book like this and after all this time I get to give a 5 star review. I'm not an easy person to please when it come's to the books I read but this is why I feel so happy when I read something so special. This book is not romance. It's a book about a girl who becomes an adult. It's a book about self knowledge and acceptance. There is a romantic story in it but it's not the main topic of this book and although I am a sucker for good romance I'm not upset about the lack of it because what I read was really good.
It gets so many emotions out of me.
Their innocence, the romantic feelings, the friendship that all of them have, the uncertain feelings about family, religion and beliefs. The way this book is written is just perfect. I was looking forward for a book like this and after all this time I get to give a 5 star review. I'm not an easy person to please when it come's to the books I read but this is why I feel so happy when I read something so special. This book is not romance. It's a book about a girl who becomes an adult. It's a book about self knowledge and acceptance. There is a romantic story in it but it's not the main topic of this book and although I am a sucker for good romance I'm not upset about the lack of it because what I read was really good.
June 3, 2022
This was a great freshman novel from Ana Reichardt. (Yes, I chose the word freshman because they are in college.)
Bailey Sullivan has been awarded a scholarship to Alder University, a Catholic University, from her church. She is generally apathetic towards school, and her has trouble finding her place. When she makes a connection to another closeted student, one of her suitemates Noelle, she starts to grow and heal. This is one of those books where you are forced to remember that for a lot of people being gay still comes with consequences. As someone whose wife has told them all about growing up in a very Catholic house, in relation to their coming out, my heart broke for these girls.
This is a true coming out story of a young gay person finding their place in world ,and how to live in it.
Bailey Sullivan has been awarded a scholarship to Alder University, a Catholic University, from her church. She is generally apathetic towards school, and her has trouble finding her place. When she makes a connection to another closeted student, one of her suitemates Noelle, she starts to grow and heal. This is one of those books where you are forced to remember that for a lot of people being gay still comes with consequences. As someone whose wife has told them all about growing up in a very Catholic house, in relation to their coming out, my heart broke for these girls.
This is a true coming out story of a young gay person finding their place in world ,and how to live in it.
September 10, 2024
This book took on a lot of storylines, some of which landed more solidly than others for me. It is definitely cringey at times. Part of that is the writing, and part of that is because college is cringey.
A fun read with some engaging points, although I'm not likely to revisit it.
A fun read with some engaging points, although I'm not likely to revisit it.
December 2, 2021
3.5 stars
December 4, 2021
Such a fun read! This is a strong debut by a new author and I'm really looking forward to the rest of the series.
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