How to Be Ace - by Rebecca Burgess (Paperback)

About the Book

Brave, witty and empowering, this graphic memoir follows Rebecca as they navigate their asexual identity and mental health in a world obsessed with sex. From school to work to relationships, this book offers an unparalleled insight into asexuality.

Book Synopsis

PRISM AWARDS FINALIST 2021
GREAT GRAPHIC NOVELS FOR TEENS - YOUNG ADULT LIBRARY SERVICES ASSOCIATION (YALSA) 2022

"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."

Growing up, Rebecca assumes sex is just a scary new thing they will 'grow into' as they get older, but when they leave school, start working and do grow up, they start to wonder why they don't want to have sex with other people.

In this brave, hilarious and empowering graphic memoir, we follow Rebecca as they navigate a culture obsessed with sex - from being bullied at school and trying to fit in with friends, to forcing themselves into relationships and experiencing anxiety and OCD - before coming to understand and embrace their asexual identity.

Giving unparalleled insight into asexuality and asexual relationships, How To Be Ace shows the importance of learning to be happy and proud of who you are.

Review Quotes

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.-- "Happily Ever Homebody"

Informative and heartfelt. Rebecca's journey gives voice to asexual experience, combined with feelings surrounding growing up which the majority can relate to. How to Be Ace strikes a fine balance between memoir and information.-- "Broken Frontier"

About the Author

Rebecca Burgess is a full-time autistic illustrator who identifies as asexual. Their comics have featured in The Guardian, and they love telling stories. How To Be Ace is their first book.