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A review by rachelnevada
Ace and Aro Journeys: A Guide to Embracing Your Asexual or Aromantic Identity by The Ace and Aro Advocacy Project
I've read a lot of books on asexuality (like at least 5 + several zines + some fiction) and Ace and Aro Journeys is the best book I've read when it comes to practical advice about asexuality or aromanticism.
Written by members of The Ace and Aro Advocacy Project (TAAAP), Ace and Aro Journeys is both well-researched and intentionally inclusive of a wide variety of community members. The book's structure is inspired by the Asexual Identity Model proposed by Robbins, Low, and Query in their article "A Qualitative Exploration of the 'Coming Out' Process for Asexual Individuals." This means that following three introductory chapters (The Basics, Community History and Culture, and Identity Development), there are seven chapters dedicated to each stage of identity development-- Ignorance, Discovery of Terminology, Identity Confusion, Exploration and Education, Identity Acceptance, Coming Out, and Identity Integration. Each chapter is written in clear, plain language and is accompanied by bullet points that help the reader digest information and asses whether or not information is relevant to them. Throughout each chapter, there is a strong emphasis on practical advice and figuring out what works best for you; a sentiment that is supported by their robust appendix. For example, Chapter 9 on Coming Out lists several different ways for ace and aro people to come out, with an exhaustive exploration of the pros and cons for each way, as well as an acknowledgement of how coming out as ace or aro might differ from other queer communities.
Unlike other introductory guides (like Ace by Angela Chen and Sounds Fake But Okay by Kayla Kaszyca and Sarah Costello), Ace and Aro Journeys appears to be written for ace and aro people. For example, the guide skips over defining basic community terms (though a glossary is provided for those that need further context) and often addresses ace and aro people directly. My favorite addition is a Ace/Aro Coming Out 'Bingo' card available in the appendix.
This is the book I would hand to baby ace and aro people who understand parts of their sexual and/or romantic orientation, but who remain curious about what that means for their future and their relationships. Definitely a must read!
Written by members of The Ace and Aro Advocacy Project (TAAAP), Ace and Aro Journeys is both well-researched and intentionally inclusive of a wide variety of community members. The book's structure is inspired by the Asexual Identity Model proposed by Robbins, Low, and Query in their article "A Qualitative Exploration of the 'Coming Out' Process for Asexual Individuals." This means that following three introductory chapters (The Basics, Community History and Culture, and Identity Development), there are seven chapters dedicated to each stage of identity development-- Ignorance, Discovery of Terminology, Identity Confusion, Exploration and Education, Identity Acceptance, Coming Out, and Identity Integration. Each chapter is written in clear, plain language and is accompanied by bullet points that help the reader digest information and asses whether or not information is relevant to them. Throughout each chapter, there is a strong emphasis on practical advice and figuring out what works best for you; a sentiment that is supported by their robust appendix. For example, Chapter 9 on Coming Out lists several different ways for ace and aro people to come out, with an exhaustive exploration of the pros and cons for each way, as well as an acknowledgement of how coming out as ace or aro might differ from other queer communities.
Unlike other introductory guides (like Ace by Angela Chen and Sounds Fake But Okay by Kayla Kaszyca and Sarah Costello), Ace and Aro Journeys appears to be written for ace and aro people. For example, the guide skips over defining basic community terms (though a glossary is provided for those that need further context) and often addresses ace and aro people directly. My favorite addition is a Ace/Aro Coming Out 'Bingo' card available in the appendix.
This is the book I would hand to baby ace and aro people who understand parts of their sexual and/or romantic orientation, but who remain curious about what that means for their future and their relationships. Definitely a must read!