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Accepting Me
Sixteen-year-old Shane's friends are constantly talking about their boyfriends or girlfriends, and about sex. His parents keep asking him why he doesn't date. Shane isn't interested in romantic relationships at all and can't see what the fuss is all about. All he wants is for his family and friends to understand and accept him the way he is.
30 pages, ebook
First published December 20, 2012
3 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
About the author
Jo Ramsey
37 books41 followersJo Ramsey has been telling stories since she could talk, and has been writing them down since age five, when someone finally showed her how to make those funny little squiggles on paper. Out of desperation to keep Jo occupied, her kindergarten teacher encouraged her to write stories based on books in the classroom library, and the writing addiction was born.
When Jo was a teenager, she started writing young adult fiction, and still has some of the stories she wrote during junior high and high school. And no one else will EVER see them! Many of her stories involved “normal” teenagers who ended up doing or seeing extraordinary things. Her main influences were Susan Cooper and Madeleine L’Engle.
Although Jo never stopped writing entirely, real life interfered for a while after she graduated college. She worked as a special education teacher, married, and had two offspring. During that time, writing was both an escape and therapy. Continuing the themes from her earlier stories, Jo wrote for the teens she knew who were struggling with academics and with their lives, hoping that someday they and others like them would read and find encouragement from those stories.
Jo’s first young adult novel was published in 2010. Although her books vary widely in plot and characters, they all have one thing in common: The belief that anyone is capable of being a hero, whether to others or in their own lives, no matter who they are or what they’ve been through.
Jo lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three cats, one of whom, like Jo, has refused to grow up.
When Jo was a teenager, she started writing young adult fiction, and still has some of the stories she wrote during junior high and high school. And no one else will EVER see them! Many of her stories involved “normal” teenagers who ended up doing or seeing extraordinary things. Her main influences were Susan Cooper and Madeleine L’Engle.
Although Jo never stopped writing entirely, real life interfered for a while after she graduated college. She worked as a special education teacher, married, and had two offspring. During that time, writing was both an escape and therapy. Continuing the themes from her earlier stories, Jo wrote for the teens she knew who were struggling with academics and with their lives, hoping that someday they and others like them would read and find encouragement from those stories.
Jo’s first young adult novel was published in 2010. Although her books vary widely in plot and characters, they all have one thing in common: The belief that anyone is capable of being a hero, whether to others or in their own lives, no matter who they are or what they’ve been through.
Jo lives in Massachusetts with her husband and three cats, one of whom, like Jo, has refused to grow up.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 9, 2013
3.65 stars
I decided to read Accepting Me on a whim, trying to break out of a major reading slump that shows no signs of letting up. Its definitely different and I'm glad it caught my eye. If you're in the mood and want to find out what life is like as an asexual or what it means then I suggest you read it, I had no idea, completely oblivious here. I liked Shane and his family's struggle to understand him, it came across as sincere and its an encouraging portrayal of Shane's frustrations and acceptance of his sexuality. A very thoughtful and lovely account, recommended.
I decided to read Accepting Me on a whim, trying to break out of a major reading slump that shows no signs of letting up. Its definitely different and I'm glad it caught my eye. If you're in the mood and want to find out what life is like as an asexual or what it means then I suggest you read it, I had no idea, completely oblivious here. I liked Shane and his family's struggle to understand him, it came across as sincere and its an encouraging portrayal of Shane's frustrations and acceptance of his sexuality. A very thoughtful and lovely account, recommended.
March 4, 2013
A well-written short, this story mainly explains asexuality rather than telling a complex story...but that's the point. It sheds light on something most people aren't familiar with and it does it in an intelligent, honest, entertaining way.
May 1, 2013
You know those kids' books, like Jennifer Has Two Daddies? Where the plot is unimportant and it's all about teaching that familes come in all flavours?
Well this is like a YA version of that, for asexuality. There is no plot, rather, Shane's family learn about asexuality and to accept him as he is.
For this purpose, it's a great idea. I would have liked more substance to it, but as a PSA book it's fine. I'm probably not the target market here :)
Well this is like a YA version of that, for asexuality. There is no plot, rather, Shane's family learn about asexuality and to accept him as he is.
For this purpose, it's a great idea. I would have liked more substance to it, but as a PSA book it's fine. I'm probably not the target market here :)
November 7, 2014
Being an asexual, I am devouring all the fiction stories I can find about an asexual character. This is a topic that is only beginning to gain worldwide notoriety. I loved the Shane character! I identified with him so much! His struggles brought vivid memories to life, and it is so nice to realize once and for all that there are people like me on the planet, that I'm not a freak, and most of all, not alone. Thank you to Jo Ramsey for this wonderful addition to a small list of fiction. :)
December 27, 2012
*WARNING: Spoilers in this review.*
Favourite Character: Tyler.
Wow. When I thought of sexuality I kind of just thought of gay, lesbian, straight and trans*. This short story has definitely opened my eyes to other sexualities and people.
It was really hard for me to find a favourite character in this one- unfortunately I didn't know much about anyone to compare to the others. But I settled with Tyler. He just seemed understanding as soon as he heard that Shane was asexual. The others seemed to be wary and question him. I didn't feel that Tyler did that.
Looking on the side at the 'Popular Shelves' next to the book description I saw one of the tags were m/m. So that was what I prepared for, but it wasn't (Obviously).
Wasn't my favourite short story, but good enough to keep me entertained and really informative and different.
Note: I don't think I'll add this to my 2013 reading challenge, so I finished this book on the 3/1/2013
Favourite Character: Tyler.
Wow. When I thought of sexuality I kind of just thought of gay, lesbian, straight and trans*. This short story has definitely opened my eyes to other sexualities and people.
It was really hard for me to find a favourite character in this one- unfortunately I didn't know much about anyone to compare to the others. But I settled with Tyler. He just seemed understanding as soon as he heard that Shane was asexual. The others seemed to be wary and question him. I didn't feel that Tyler did that.
Looking on the side at the 'Popular Shelves' next to the book description I saw one of the tags were m/m. So that was what I prepared for, but it wasn't (Obviously).
Wasn't my favourite short story, but good enough to keep me entertained and really informative and different.
Note: I don't think I'll add this to my 2013 reading challenge, so I finished this book on the 3/1/2013
July 27, 2015
Really nice short story not much about coming to terms with sexuality, but about coming out and asking others to accept it. I definitely related to multiple parts of this, although the family seemed to be "too perfect" from a narrative point of view. But overall I'm happy I read it!
April 6, 2015
A nicely done short story about a kid discovering that's it's OK to be asexual and trying to explain how he feels to other people.
A lot of people don't understand or get what it means not to be interested or attracted in a sexual or even romantic way to other people. Though this a short story, the author sets up the scenario nicely, giving us a taste of what it's like to be constantly nagged about or teased for not having or being interested in a partner and how annoying it can be to have people constantly going on and on about their SO/boy/girl/etc.-friend.
This is the second book I've read by Jo Ramsey and I think I'll be looking for more of her stories to read.
Thank you to Preston of the Complaint Department for the recommend!
A lot of people don't understand or get what it means not to be interested or attracted in a sexual or even romantic way to other people. Though this a short story, the author sets up the scenario nicely, giving us a taste of what it's like to be constantly nagged about or teased for not having or being interested in a partner and how annoying it can be to have people constantly going on and on about their SO/boy/girl/etc.-friend.
This is the second book I've read by Jo Ramsey and I think I'll be looking for more of her stories to read.
Thank you to Preston of the Complaint Department for the recommend!
March 31, 2016
"Being gay was more acceptable than not being anything."
This resonated with me more than I thought it would. I remember when LGBTQA had the A standing for asexual - then it changed to asexual/ally - then most people assumed it was ally - then the acronym changed again. This short novella does a great job of revealing the way asexuals are marginalized by those closest to them. Those people rarely mean it maliciously, they just don't understand. Asexuals face erasure of their sexuality in the LGBTQ* community still, and among friends, and that needs to change.
This resonated with me more than I thought it would. I remember when LGBTQA had the A standing for asexual - then it changed to asexual/ally - then most people assumed it was ally - then the acronym changed again. This short novella does a great job of revealing the way asexuals are marginalized by those closest to them. Those people rarely mean it maliciously, they just don't understand. Asexuals face erasure of their sexuality in the LGBTQ* community still, and among friends, and that needs to change.
August 24, 2014
It's great to see a book about asexuality, which is in disgracefully few books really. The description of asexuality is really clear, and it displays the struggle of having an uncommon sexuality on top of the normal tribulations caused by being a teen. His family were so brilliant too!
October 18, 2017
This was very short. It may be of interest to those with little understanding of ace (people on the asexual spectrum) or people who are questioning or are ace, with little contact to others' stories. Just be aware this is one way that an ace may feel. Others may want a family.
December 24, 2014
I like stories about queer teens, especially when they go beyond the L and G. This story made me wish it was longer so i wouldn't have to say goodbye to the characters so soon. Recommended.
July 1, 2018
This isn't a novel, it doesn't have much plot in it. I'd say it's more of an educational short story written in this light format that's easy to read so the information doesn't feel forced.
And it hit me right in the feels. The last page was so hard to read because my vision was blurred with tears but in a good way. It made me hopeful.
I just wish we all got such accepting family and friends, but unfortunately, it doesn't happen so often in real life. Maybe if more people read stories like this one and tried to understand and accept people who are different - maybe then one day we got to live in a better world.
I would recommend this story to anyone who wants to learn a bit about asexuality and try to understand what asexuals might be feeling. But before you go in, remember: everyone is different.
And it hit me right in the feels. The last page was so hard to read because my vision was blurred with tears but in a good way. It made me hopeful.
I just wish we all got such accepting family and friends, but unfortunately, it doesn't happen so often in real life. Maybe if more people read stories like this one and tried to understand and accept people who are different - maybe then one day we got to live in a better world.
I would recommend this story to anyone who wants to learn a bit about asexuality and try to understand what asexuals might be feeling. But before you go in, remember: everyone is different.
September 15, 2020
Though the writing and information was very basic. It was a very quick read. The writing for me wasn't too simplistic so I was able to speed through pages. The family is pretty patient with Shane. I actually really liked Shane, he is pretty melodramatic and sometimes even rude but it makes sense with him as a teenager, still I know that a lot of people don't like those types of characters. For me he was relatable. This book unintentionally helped me to be more forgiving of others. The author had a few characters say a few things that at first came of as insulting or even Acephobic or arophobic but then the characters would understand later or make an effort to understand so It felt redemption. I went from adore the mom to feeling irritated by her to impressed by her.
I do think Shane is aro ace but in the book he is only said to be Asexual.
I do think Shane is aro ace but in the book he is only said to be Asexual.
April 3, 2016
Title: Accepting Me
Author: Jo Ramsey
Publisher: Featherweight Press
ISBN: 978-1-60820-824-1
Buy Link: http://www.featherweightpublishing.co...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
All Shane wants for Christmas is acceptance.
Sixteen-year-old Shane's friends are constantly talking about their boyfriends or girlfriends, and about sex. His parents keep asking him why he doesn't date. Shane isn't interested in romantic relationships at all and can't see what the fuss is all about. All he wants is for his family and friends to understand and accept him the way he is.
Summary:
It is always sad to hear about how isolated young people can sometimes feel and it is made worse when they are somehow different form their piers. Shane didn't need or want to get involved with anyone romantically and when others asked him about it he didn't know how to explain it to them. Even his parents didn't really understand until he tried to explain it to them. The way his parents stepped and helped him find the answers he was searching for was inspiring. Everyone is searching to find out who they are, but with the help of their family and friends it makes it easier to find their way.
Author: Jo Ramsey
Publisher: Featherweight Press
ISBN: 978-1-60820-824-1
Buy Link: http://www.featherweightpublishing.co...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
All Shane wants for Christmas is acceptance.
Sixteen-year-old Shane's friends are constantly talking about their boyfriends or girlfriends, and about sex. His parents keep asking him why he doesn't date. Shane isn't interested in romantic relationships at all and can't see what the fuss is all about. All he wants is for his family and friends to understand and accept him the way he is.
Summary:
It is always sad to hear about how isolated young people can sometimes feel and it is made worse when they are somehow different form their piers. Shane didn't need or want to get involved with anyone romantically and when others asked him about it he didn't know how to explain it to them. Even his parents didn't really understand until he tried to explain it to them. The way his parents stepped and helped him find the answers he was searching for was inspiring. Everyone is searching to find out who they are, but with the help of their family and friends it makes it easier to find their way.
June 5, 2015
Not going to deny, I was a little disappointed by this. Admittedly, I went into it thinking that it was a full novel, so discovering it was just a short story disappointed me a little. But it reads like an explanation of what asexuality is, and feels like it was just taken out of a novel where more stuff was happening. The main character's best friend just seems like a way to bring relationships into it and to show the main characters views on relationships.
However, as an asexual person, it did get the feeling of being ace and what asexuality is. It's not a badly written story, but I've been craving a full novel with complex characters and sub plots that just so happens to have an ace protagonist and deals with their story.
However, as an asexual person, it did get the feeling of being ace and what asexuality is. It's not a badly written story, but I've been craving a full novel with complex characters and sub plots that just so happens to have an ace protagonist and deals with their story.
August 10, 2014
I feel like I'm cheating adding this to my goodreads goal considering the length. Most of the stars are for the subject matter, considering asexuality is never written about openly. However the writing style is a little flat and I wish there was more substance.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews