Books with asexual representation

To celebrate International Asexuality Day, I'm sharing a list of some of my favourite books featuring asexuality.

Finding books that authentically represent the spectrum of asexuality can be incredibly meaningful for readers seeking to see their experiences reflected on the page. Whether it’s demisexuality, greysexuality, or aromantic asexuality, literature is slowly but surely becoming more inclusive of these identities.

In honour of International Asexuality Day (6th April), I’m sharing five book recommendations featuring asexual representation across contemporary genres (no fantasy here!).

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1. Radio Silence by Alice Oseman (Demisexual Representation)

Alice Oseman beautifully crafts a story of friendship, identity, and self-discovery in Radio Silence. Frances Janvier, a hardworking academic overachiever, befriends Aled Last, the creator of a mysterious podcast. As their bond deepens, the novel subtly explores Frances’ demisexuality, offering authentic and heartfelt representation for readers who feel a connection to this part of the asexual spectrum. Beyond the romance-free narrative, Radio Silence champions the beauty of platonic love and creative passion.

2. Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire (Asexual Representation)

Though it has speculative elements, Every Heart a Doorway is more of a dark literary exploration of belonging and identity than traditional fantasy. Nancy, one of the protagonists, identifies as asexual. Her portrayal is handled with care and sensitivity, emphasizing that asexuality is a valid and empowering identity rather than a lack of something.

3. The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee (Asexual representation)

Felicity Montague, the protagonist, is portrayed as asexual while striving to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor in a male-dominated 18th-century society. Her journey challenges societal norms and expectations, showing that asexuality is not a barrier to ambition, adventure, or fulfilling relationships. Lee’s historical fiction offers an engaging, empowering, and refreshingly feminist take on representation.

4. Tash Hearts Tolstoy by Kathryn Ormsbee (Asexual representation)

After her web series goes viral, Tash faces the challenges of newfound fame while navigating her asexuality, relationships, and personal identity. Her experience is portrayed with thoughtfulness and realism, reinforcing that asexuality is about a lack of sexual attraction rather than an absence of emotional or romantic connections. The novel also explores Tash’s struggles with coming out and her journey to self-acceptance, making it an important and heartfelt read.

5. That’s What She Said by Eleanor Pilcher (Demisexual/Graysexual representation)

I know, it’s a bit of a cliché to include my own book, but my Substack is called Market Your Marketing for a reason! I specifically wrote That’s What She Said to feature a prominent demisexual character in adult fiction, rather than coming-of-age YA. The story follows Beth (Demi) and Serena (Bi), two best friends embarking on a journey of self-discovery when Beth decides to explore her sexuality more deeply.

Some critiques have suggested that my novel has a young adult feel, but I believe that’s because discussions around sexuality have been so heavily pigeonholed into young adult fiction that it feels unusual to explore them in adult narratives. But do we really have it all figured out by the time we reach our twenties? I certainly didn’t, and honestly, I’m still not sure I do. But I’m far more comfortable in my sexuality now than I was at 18, 25, or even last year. And isn’t that the real journey?

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International Asexuality Day is a reminder that asexual identities deserve visibility, in literature as well as in all areas of life. Whether you identify somewhere along the asexual spectrum or simply want to broaden your understanding, I hope you’ll read and enjoy these books; they offer thoughtful and genuine portrayals that help normalise diverse experiences and they’re really great reads!