With Ace Week just around the corner, it’s time to talk asexuality. As you may already know, I identify as ace. And although, in hindsight, it’s been a part of my identity all my life, it’s something I’m still coming to terms with. So when this book popped up on NetGalley, I jumped at the opportunity to request it. And without further ado, here’s my review of How to Be Ace: A Memoir of Growing Up Asexual by Rebecca Burgess.
Many thanks to Jessica Kingsley Publishers and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
How to Be Ace: A Memoir of Growing Up Asexual
by Rebecca Burgess
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Date of Publication: 21st October 2020
Genre: Graphic Novel/Non-Fiction (Memoir)
Format: eBook (184 pages)
Rating: ★★★★
Content Warnings
references to rape and sexual assault
harassment
death threats
acephobia/aphobia
OCD
anxiety and panic attacks
My Review
We all want to see more of ourselves reflected in books, right? Well, this was that book for me. As an ace with anxiety and endometriosis, I’ve never seen so much of myself reflected in one book. And since it’s own voices representation, I can live knowing that someone out there understands. That’s kind of wonderful, you know?
Additionally, How to Be Ace is relatable, enjoyable, supportive and educational. It’s also incredibly inclusive! The author makes it explicitly clear that asexuality is a spectrum – not a one-size-fits-all. And within that, there’s a clear message that all ace identities are equally valid.
I also loved how relatable this was. From the amplification of sexuality at university to the raging aphobia that exists in our very sexual society, it’s all covered here. For example, it was refreshing to see the inclusion of the resistance that aces experience. It’s that little reminder that you aren’t alone and that you aren’t the problem. I thought this was handled very sensitively in that respect.
Personally, I wish this book existed in my late teens. It would have made the next decade of my life so much easier to navigate. It’s not preachy at all – just personal, relatable and supportive. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who thinks they might be on the asexual spectrum. There’s even a list of helpful resources at the end which is great.
Highlights
- Own voices representation for asexuality, OCD and anxiety
- List of resources
- Not overly educational
- Relatable
Read This If You…
- Are ace or think you might be on the asexual spectrum
- Want to educate yourself on what asexuality is
So that’s my review of How to Be Ace by Rebecca Burgess. I hope that you’ve enjoyed it! Please do pick up a copy if this has piqued your interest and let me know what you think if you do.
For more information on asexuality and support if you’re ace, check out the following online resources:
19 Comments
This is such a great review. I love books that you can relate to on a personal level.
Thanks Kelly Diane! 🙂
How refreshing it is to see books representing own voices! I appreciate the candidness of your review and I hope that we will continue to see more of these books, especially those targeted for the teen years.
Thanks Jodie! I completely agree with you. The way I see it is that if understanding is the first step towards acceptance then the more books like this that exist, the better. It could help a lot of teens come to accept their own identities. 🙂
Great review! I will keep my eye out for this book.
Thanks Cassandra! 🙂
Thanks for sharing your review Hayley. My sister also identifies as Ace so I’ve sent her a link to your review. She’s also a bookworm and always looking for recommendations!
Its so good to see more support becoming available for teens especially.
Thanks Ellie! I hope she finds it as helpful and encouraging as I did. 🙂
What a fantastic review. It’s always so powerful when you find a book that really speaks to you, isn’t it? This sounds incredible, thanks for sharing.
Thanks Lindsey, it definitely is a wonderful experience! 🙂
Amazing review, Hayley! I’m so glad you got to see yourself in a book. That’s so great and sounds like the rep is fantastic.
Thanks Stephanie! The rep really was amazing! 🙂
I love books that help us reconnect with our younger selves or help us see our childhoods in new light. It is beautiful that authors are writing about topics that we may not have had access to in our childhoods.
Hopefully, books like this will help struggling teens or people who just want to see their community reflected in writing!
Completely agree, Jaya! It’s definitely great for teens but also a delight to read as an older ace. 🙂
I loved reading your review of this book Hayley, this does definitely sound like an interesting book to read which is clearly highlighting a lot of topics and issues we see in everyday life!
Thanks Lucy! 🙂
I really enjoyed reading your review. I am glad to hear that you found this book relatable and that it did such a good job of representing ace people. Since I don’t know a lot about being ace and other lgbt+ struggles, I will be sure to check this one out once it’s released.
Thanks Sarah, hope you find it helpful! 🙂
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