Scan barcode
A review by bookwormsandbiblios
I Am Ace: Advice on Living Your Best Asexual Life by Cody Daigle-Orians
5.0
I first discovered Cody on TikTok, so when I saw his book was available on NetGalley, I leapt at the chance to review it. As a new reviewer, I didn't hold out much hope I'd get it, but I had to try because his unique content resonated with me. I was thrilled when I received a copy; that excitement didn't diminish after finishing the book.
I Am Ace is great for people who are interested in learning about asexuality. It spends a lot of time validating it as an identity, and it doesn't try to "other" it as something that needs to be overcome. My only slight critique is that it doesn't talk much about aromanticism, but it makes sense, given that the author is polyamorous. There's also a plethora of resources available at the end, which is terrific for those who want to explore further.
The book is very informative, but since they are writing about their own experience as an asexual person, it doesn't feel academic or clinical, which is especially important since society tends to pathologize asexuality. Instead, it covers everything from what it means to be an asexual person, common misconceptions about asexuality, and how it's experienced differently by each person who identifies as such. It also does a fantastic job of discussing how asexuality fits into the larger umbrella of queerness.
One of my favorite things about this book is how it mirrors their online content. They are very honest, open, and vulnerable in their writing. It feels like they are speaking to the reader as a friend or mentor. There are many analogies and anecdotes, but what stood out to me was the story at the end. I feel like there is often a lot of focus on coming out, but not as much on stepping in to the queer community. That can be a big scary step that can be made easier by the compassion of other queer persons. Paul was that for Cody, and now Cody does that for others with his platform and this book.
I would recommend this to anyone who is looking to learn more about asexuality, who is ace or who has an asexual partner.
I Am Ace is great for people who are interested in learning about asexuality. It spends a lot of time validating it as an identity, and it doesn't try to "other" it as something that needs to be overcome. My only slight critique is that it doesn't talk much about aromanticism, but it makes sense, given that the author is polyamorous. There's also a plethora of resources available at the end, which is terrific for those who want to explore further.
The book is very informative, but since they are writing about their own experience as an asexual person, it doesn't feel academic or clinical, which is especially important since society tends to pathologize asexuality. Instead, it covers everything from what it means to be an asexual person, common misconceptions about asexuality, and how it's experienced differently by each person who identifies as such. It also does a fantastic job of discussing how asexuality fits into the larger umbrella of queerness.
One of my favorite things about this book is how it mirrors their online content. They are very honest, open, and vulnerable in their writing. It feels like they are speaking to the reader as a friend or mentor. There are many analogies and anecdotes, but what stood out to me was the story at the end. I feel like there is often a lot of focus on coming out, but not as much on stepping in to the queer community. That can be a big scary step that can be made easier by the compassion of other queer persons. Paul was that for Cody, and now Cody does that for others with his platform and this book.
I would recommend this to anyone who is looking to learn more about asexuality, who is ace or who has an asexual partner.