Ace of Hearts - by Cooklin (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Starred Review from Booklist, "this powerful account will comfort those who grew up feeling broken."

What does love look like when you are not interested in sex?

Growing up, Caitlin Cook knew the recipe for social success from watching television and reading books: two best friends, two enemies, and a boyfriend. So she arranged her life accordingly: making friends and dreaming of the boys she met in school.

But she felt that inside, something was wrong with her. Because though she wanted to get close to people, every time she experimented with sex, she just felt bored.

This graphic novel follows Caitlin Cook, who is asexual but does not yet fully realize it. From evangelical purity politics to the footloose college campus, Caitlin navigates different worlds each with their own sexual orthodoxies, and clumsily attempts to fit into each of them. A thoughtful and immersive coming-of-age memoir about one girl's struggle to figure out and then claim her asexual identity.

Review Quotes

"The road to understanding an asexual identity can be long and full of uncertainty. I hope this book shines a light through the confusion into self-knowledge and happiness."--Maia Kobabe, author of Gender Queer: A Memoir

"This powerful account will comfort those who grew up feeling broken."--Starred Review Booklist

On Booklist's list of Best Graphic Memoirs of 2026

"Reflective and honest. Bringing fascinating insight into the complex relationship between asexuality and US culture."--Rebecca Burgess, author of How to be Ace

"Warm, vulnerable art that pops off the page, radiating the powerful message that the bravery to see yourself is the way home to true love."--Cara Gormally, author of Everything Is Fine, I'll Just Work Harder

"Frank yet compassionate, Cooklin's journey is her own but will resonate with others who have worried about being broken or never finding the partner they wish for."--Molly Muldoon, author of A Quick and Easy Guide to Asexuality

"A story that stays with you long after you've finished it. It feels like being hugged by a long-lost friend. Read this book. It's going to live rent-free in your heart."--Erika Moen, co-creator of Let's Talk About It and Oh Joy Sex Toy

"A deeply tender memoir, at times heartbreaking, but always filled with empathy for cooklin's younger self and never shying away from her truth."--Natalie Norris, author of Dear Mini

"[The] forthright debut . . . documents [the author's] asexuality and its impact on romantic relationships throughout her life. . . . and unabashedly vulnerable and informative account."--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Cooklin is an award-winning cartoonist and graphic journalist. She is the author of Anhecomics, where she tells nonfiction stories that celebrate the complexity of humanity while challenging flawed systems. She holds an MA in Mass Communication from California State University, and lives in Vancouver, Washington with her partner and their cat.