Meet New Books
Book Cover

The Year We Fell Down

Book 1 in the series:The Ivy Years

Save:
Find on Amazon

The Year We Fell Down by Sarina Bowen follows Corey, a college freshman adjusting to life in a wheelchair after an accident. She forms a deep connection with Hartley, a hockey player healing from a broken leg, despite the complications of his relationship with his girlfriend. The story is told from both Corey and Hartley's perspectives, showcasing their personal growth, friendship, and the challenges they face in a college setting. The writing style is described as simple, compelling, and emotionally engaging, offering a refreshing take on a college romance with elements of character growth and self-discovery.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, particularly Corey, who showcases resilience, and Adam, who evolves emotionally throughout the story.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is engaging and emotionally impactful, employing straightforward storytelling combined with authentic emotional depth.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on the developing friendship and romantic feelings between two injured athletes residing in adjacent dorm rooms, addressing themes of resilience and adaptation.

Setting:

The setting is a college designed for accessibility, providing a backdrop for the characters' experiences and growth.

Pacing:

The pacing balances character growth and relationship development, with some complaints regarding slower narrative sections.
It was move-in day at Harkness College, and parents of the new frosh were oohing and ahhing all around campus. As the official tour guides will tell you, three of the last six presidents held at least...

Notes:

The Year We Fell Down is the first book in The Ivy Years series by Sarina Bowen.
Corey Callahan is one of the main characters who navigates life in a wheelchair after a serious accident.
Adam Hartley, her neighbor, has a temporary leg injury.
The story is set in a disabled student dorm at Harkness College, modeled after Yale.
Corey's character is portrayed as strong and determined, facing her disability head-on.
Corey encounters everyday challenges, like visibility in dining halls and moving around parties.
The book addresses serious themes and showcases character growth throughout their experiences.
The relationship between Corey and Adam develops from friendship to romance, despite initial romantic barriers.
The author, Sarina Bowen, received praise for her storytelling and character development.
The narrative includes both characters' perspectives, providing deeper insight into their thoughts and feelings.
A notable aspect of the story is Corey’s rejection of being treated differently due to her disability.
The author explores the challenges faced by people with disabilities in everyday settings, making it relatable.
Although the book contains some classic tropes, the disabilities of the main characters provide a unique twist.
The series includes multiple books that also focus on college experiences and hockey.

Has Romance?

The book contains a significant romantic storyline that develops throughout the narrative.

From The Publisher:

The sport she loves is out of reach. The boy she loves has someone else. What now? She expected to start Harkness College as a varsity ice hockey player. But a serious accident means that Corey Callahan will start school in a wheelchair instead. Across the hall, in the other handicapped-accessible dorm room, lives the too-delicious-to-be real Adam Hartley, another would-be hockey star with his leg broken in two places. He's way out of Corey's league. Also, he's taken. Nevertheless, an unlikely alliance blooms between Corey and Hartley in the "gimp ghetto" of McHerrin Hall. Over perilously balanced dining hall trays, and video games, the two cope with disappointments that nobody else understands. They're just friends, of course, until one night when things fall apart. Or fall together. All Corey knows is that she's falling. Hard. But will Hartley set aside his trophy girl to love someone as broken as Corey? If he won't, she will need to find the courage to make a life for herself at Harkness - one which does not revolve around the sport she can no longer play, or the brown-eyed boy who's afraid to love her back.

Ratings (21)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (5)
Liked It (7)
It Was OK (4)
Did Not Like (1)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (61):

Read It (20)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (20)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (19)
 
Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.