A review by conspystery
I Am Ace: Advice on Living Your Best Asexual Life by Cody Daigle-Orians

hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

I’d like to thank Netgalley, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, and Cody Daigle-Orians for allowing me the opportunity to read I Am Ace early in exchange for an honest review! 

I Am Ace is a much-needed guide to asexuality and the variety of experiences that may come with it. It presents its subject with authentic care; the level of careful research and self-exploration that went into this book is evident in every word. I especially appreciated its attention to detail. Whether it’s covering the basics or specific idiosyncratic knowledge about asexuality, the book is exceptionally nuanced while maintaining straightforward understandability. That balance of detail and clarity makes this book a great read for anyone, regardless of their pre-existing familiarity with asexuality; it’s didactic but also extremely reassuring and validating. 

As well as exploring asexuality in general terms, the book recounts the author’s personal experiences with asexuality to help the audience understand the actual lived reality of being ace, which is a crucial factor in I Am Ace’s depth. Where many didactic books like this run the risk of detachment, I Am Ace is beautifully genuine. The author’s care for the subject radiates through every word aided by the personal anecdotes and facets the whole book with a sense of purpose and extreme care-- for the newly-discovered aces or questioning people reading this book, it’s impossibly valuable to have hope for the future, something the author clearly understands well. Such authenticity adds tangible presence to the book’s level of support and respect for its audience. 

Ultimately, I Am Ace goes beyond being a comprehensive guide-- it is a reassurance of hope. It is such a valuable resource from its level of detail to its unwavering tone of validation and support to its honesty and authenticity in communicating about asexuality. This book is a crucial read for anyone, regardless of their connection to asexuality. 
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