“Sexuality is more than sexual orientation, and attraction is more than sexual attraction, yet humans can act as though sexual interest is the only reason we find ourselves compelled by others.“– Angela Chen
The acceptance of asexuality as a sexual identity may be new but asexuality has been around for centuries including in Indian mythology. Unfortunately, there are not many books that explore it. And barely any media representation, particularly in India.
We began a conversation on asexuality last month as a part of Blogchatter‘s #CauseAChatter campaign where I discussed what exactly is asexuality, the asexuality spectrum, and the popular misconceptions about it. We continue with must-read non-fiction picks including some graphic novels. For teens and adults alike.
Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, And The Meaning Of Sex
by Angela Chen
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“Aces are assumed to be unsure and always on the brink of finding the person who will change everything.“
Ace by Alexa Chen can be considered the book to read if you want to know more about asexuality, whether you are asexual or not. It explores what it means to be asexual in a world that’s obsessed with sexual attraction.
The book goes beyond defining the asexuality spectrum. Compulsory sexuality. Feminism, sexual liberation, and asexuality. Disability and assumed asexuality. Desires and passion. Through interviews and analysis, this part memoir is thought-provoking and is indeed an eye-opener.
I highly recommend you pick it up.
A Quick & Easy Guide To Asexuality
by Molly Muldoon And Will Hernandez
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True to its name, A Quick & Easy Guide to Asexuality is a primer for those who wish to learn more about asexuality. Beautifully illustrated and divided into pertinent sections, the graphic novel explores the misconceptions, the asexuality spectrum, and what it means growing up asexual.
At just 73 pages, it can be read in one sitting. The book is available on Kindle Unlimited. All the more reason to pick it up pronto!
How to be Ace: A Memoir of Growing Up Asexual
by Rebecca Burgess
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“When I was in school, everyone got to a certain age where they became interested in talking about only one thing: boys, girls and sex. Me though? I was only interested in comics.”
Teenagers and high school. On the brink of adulthood and exploring one’s sexuality. But also a time when aces struggle to fit in or are forced into relationships.
How to be Ace is a witty graphic memoir that explores the author’s journey from school to work to relationships. Experiencing anxiety and OCD before coming to embrace their sexuality.
The Invisible Orientation: An Introduction to Asexuality
by Julie Sondra Decker
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“You haven’t found the right person yet.” “You’ve probably had a traumatic experience.” “This is just a phase.” Asexuality is an invisible orientation in a world where every individual is expected to be a sexual being interested in sex.
The Invisible Orientation: An Introduction to Asexuality outlines what asexuality is, counters misconceptions, provides resources, and puts asexual people’s experiences in context as they move through a very sexualized world. This book is a must-read.
There are also a few upcoming releases to look out for. I have received the advanced review copies for both and would be sharing my thoughts on them soon.
Ace Voices: What it Means to Be Asexual, Aromantic, Demi or Grey-Ace by Eris Young is a “love letter to the ace community”, exploring what it means to be on the asexuality spectrum. Providing support, information, and personal stories for a-spec people, their families and friends. The book comes out on December 21, 2022.
I Am Ace: Advice on Living Your Best Asexual Life by Cody Daigle-Orians is an advice book for asexual teens. A guide for young asexuals or those questioning to understand asexuality as an identity. The book is out on January 19th, 2023.
Do you have non-fiction book recommendations on asexuality? Do share about them in the comments below. Understanding Asexuality – Non-Fiction Book Recommendations @blogchatter #CauseAChatter #Inclusivity #LGBTQIA+ #BookChatter #BohoPonderings Click To Tweet
This post is part of Blogchatter’s CauseAChatter
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Baked Happily Ever After.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a very small percentage of the sale at no cost to you.
Photo credit: Canva.com
October 26, 2022 @ 2:14 pm
The books on your list are always interesting and of very different theme and genre. Asexuality is a very misunderstood topic and these books look like they are perfect to understand and explain the concept. Adding to my TBR.
October 26, 2022 @ 9:21 pm
The books recommended by you are sure to create a proper understanding of the subject of asexuality.
October 28, 2022 @ 10:17 am
I’ve got only one word to share when it comes to this topic and that is…RESPECT. While this may not be the common teachings in your religion or even accepted by other society but with respect, we can all still live in a civil way and be happy as individuals.
October 28, 2022 @ 6:26 pm
Being a book lover and readers I appreciate reading different genres of book which helps us get a diverse knowledge base. Your list of books on given topic is something that will surely going to give me the chance to enhance my knowledge on asexuality
October 29, 2022 @ 9:11 am
Misconceptions abound about those who identify as asexual. Your book suggestions are excellent resources for learning more about asexuality.
October 29, 2022 @ 2:51 pm
Waw suggestions, not only does it interest the reader but also provides in debt info.
October 29, 2022 @ 6:01 pm
Ritu – I applaud the depth and width of topics you pick for book reviews . ACE thyme in particular is a less known topic, where the focus these days is on LGBTQ+ spectrum. Thanks for bringing this up to the forefront. It helps us broaden our understanding and it helps create empathy.
October 29, 2022 @ 6:20 pm
A well researched post. I used to think asexuality is more about celibacy. I am going to start with Ace by Angela Chen although I have proxy read it thanks to you.
October 29, 2022 @ 10:18 pm
Your reading list always amaze me. Topic is bold and should discuss. The books you recommend seems to be good for read.
October 30, 2022 @ 12:30 am
Such a thoughtful topic. Reading your review, I feel that I need to broaden my horizons and knowledge about asexuality.
October 30, 2022 @ 3:23 pm
I had really liked your blog on asexuality Ritu, it was so informative and an eye opener in many ways. Now these recommendations are the next step. I only wish I could read like u… my TBR is getting longer n longer😛
October 30, 2022 @ 5:00 pm
You’ve chosen a great topic to write about, Ritu. Asexuality is not known ans understood although it is a form of orientation too. Glad to see so many amazing books written about it.
October 30, 2022 @ 9:09 pm
This is something of my type, although I wouldn’t want to share much but I will say that these references are the one that I am willing to check out.
October 30, 2022 @ 11:58 pm
There is a lot of chatter around asexuality and it is much needed too as there is a lack of understanding or misconceptions. Iam sure the books will throw more light on the topic as most of your recommendations have proven to be great.
October 31, 2022 @ 12:42 pm
First the blog on asexuality and now book reccos. really commendable that you are touching on topics that are generally considered taboo in Indian society. We really need to learn so much more about people and their sexual preferences.
October 31, 2022 @ 1:38 pm
You are my book blogger goals, Ritu, honestly! Such amazing recommendations and what level of detail in the descriptions, plus the themes you address. Awesome, awesome, awesome!
January 22, 2023 @ 3:35 pm
I really admire that you bring attention to lesser-known subjects through your amazing book recommendations. Keep it up!