We’re about halfway through Pride Month, and and today’s post is about Asexual and Aromantic Characters! Outside of Gay and Lesbian literature, which I discussed last week, the representation of other areas gets smaller. Which is sad! However, I think authors and publishers are slowly working together to fix this problem. We’re definitely seeing more than we saw a few years ago. Especially in this particular area.
For those of you that don’t know, someone who identifies as asexual is someone who doesn’t feel sexual/physical attraction to other people. Aromantic is similar, but with romantic attraction. There are varying levels of this; you can read more from the Asexual Visibility and Education Network! If you’re interested, there are lots of great resources there to learn as much as you want.
It’s more difficult to do Own Voices for this area, so I’ll do my best! But I’ll also try to pick out the best representations that are out there, too. And I think more are being published this year, which is great!
Asexual and Aromantic Characters
A quick note: many characters who identify as aromantic tend to also identify as asexual, though this isn’t always the case. But there’s lots of overlap in these books!
Beneath the Citadel by Destinay Soria
I’m staring at this book on bookshelf currently, which has been there for about a year. I desperately need to read it! Marketed as a sort of fantasy heist book, there’s lots of representation in this book, and it honestly sounds right up my alley. Maybe I need to squeeze it in this month!
The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee
Felicity, the main character of this book, is on the ace-aro spectrum, according to reviews. I haven’t actually read this series yet (this is the second book), but it’s about pirates and adventure and fun. Plus, everyone who’s read it has raved about it. Still on my TBR!
Radio Silence by Alice Oseman
I have yet to read this book too (I’ve already talked about the ones I’ve read in previous posts 😂), but it’s also been on my radar for forever! Frances connects with Aled, but when their trust is broken, the two are forced to face secrets from their past.
Summer Bird Blue by Akemi Dawn Bowman
This book follows the story of Rumi who’s struggling with the sudden death of her sister. Throughout the book, she’s also struggling to figure out her sexual orientation, specifically where she fits on the asexual spectrum. She also thinks she’s somewhere on the aromantic spectrum! You’ve been forewarned, though: this book will probably make you cry.
Tash Hearts Tolstoy by Kathryn Ormsbee
After getting some big hits on her vlog show, Tash is ready for the big time. It’s what she’s been dreaming about, after all. She didn’t expect to fall in love with an equally famous internet star–but what will he do when he finds out she’s asexual? A great contemporary look at a teen already comfortable in her identity.
Jughead No. 1 by Chip Zdarsky and Erica Henderson
Riverdale fans might be like, what? But in the comics, Jughead Jones is asexual, and I think aromantic? There was hope that they would keep this in the television adaptation, but alas, they did not. Still holding out for those asexual representations in mainstream media.
Thank you for this list. I’m adding it to my TBR.
You’re welcome!! I’m glad you found some new books 🙂
This is a great list! You’re right though: it’s really hard to find books with ace/aro rep. I’m happy that we’re definitely seeing more of these books as the years go by, but I’m definitely not satisfied yet! I would also recommend Let’s Talk About Love – it’s still on my TBR, but the main character is asexual and biromantic, and I’ve heard only wonderful things about this book. Happy reading!
I’ve heard of that one too, it’s also on my TBR! I hope the trend of publishing these books continues. I can’t wait to see what else comes out in the next few years! 🙂