Juliet Takes a Breath
"F***ing outstanding."--Roxane Gay, New York Times bestselling author
“Rivera captures both the disappointments and the possibilities that come with realizing that your life’s solution cannot be figured out by someone else.”—The New York Times Book Review
Juliet Milagros Palante is a self-proclaimed closeted Puerto Rican baby dyke from the Bronx. Only, she's not so closeted anymore. Not after coming out to her family the night before flying to Portland, Oregon, to intern with her favorite feminist writer--what's sure to be a life-changing experience. And when Juliet's coming out crashes and burns, she's not sure her mom will ever speak to her again.
But Juliet has a plan--sort of. Her internship with legendary author Harlowe Brisbane, the ultimate authority on feminism, women's bodies, and other gay-sounding stuff, is sure to help her figure out this whole "Puerto Rican lesbian" thing. Except Harlowe's white. And not from the Bronx. And she definitely doesn't have all the answers . . .
In a summer bursting with queer brown dance parties, a sexy fling with a motorcycling librarian, and intense explorations of race and identity, Juliet learns what it means to come out--to the world, to her family, to herself.
“Rivera captures both the disappointments and the possibilities that come with realizing that your life’s solution cannot be figured out by someone else.”—The New York Times Book Review
Juliet Milagros Palante is a self-proclaimed closeted Puerto Rican baby dyke from the Bronx. Only, she's not so closeted anymore. Not after coming out to her family the night before flying to Portland, Oregon, to intern with her favorite feminist writer--what's sure to be a life-changing experience. And when Juliet's coming out crashes and burns, she's not sure her mom will ever speak to her again.
But Juliet has a plan--sort of. Her internship with legendary author Harlowe Brisbane, the ultimate authority on feminism, women's bodies, and other gay-sounding stuff, is sure to help her figure out this whole "Puerto Rican lesbian" thing. Except Harlowe's white. And not from the Bronx. And she definitely doesn't have all the answers . . .
In a summer bursting with queer brown dance parties, a sexy fling with a motorcycling librarian, and intense explorations of race and identity, Juliet learns what it means to come out--to the world, to her family, to herself.
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Community Reviews
I had heard of this book and thought about reading it, but I didn’t enter on my TBR list. I recently joined a book club for which Juliet Takes a Breath was the selection of the month. At first I was going to wait month to start reading their selections. I’ve had a busy month at work and had barely started the book for another book club that I lead. It seemed that everywhere I looked someone was talking about Juliet so I decided to take the plunge. I’m thrilled that I did.
It is a quick read; Gabby Rivera’s writing style is engaging. I wanted to keep reading. Work and fatigue were the main reasons that I would put the book down.
I enjoyed the development of Juliet and the complexity of the characters. I highly recommend this book.
It is a quick read; Gabby Rivera’s writing style is engaging. I wanted to keep reading. Work and fatigue were the main reasons that I would put the book down.
I enjoyed the development of Juliet and the complexity of the characters. I highly recommend this book.
In this coming of queer age adolescent novel, the main character Juliet gets the chance to have a research internship with her role model, Harlowe Bristowe. Discovering the queer society and her freshly coming out status, Juliet discovers her true self and desires. It is a good read for those trying to figure out their footing in the new age world.
I absolutely LOVED this book. I not only enjoyed the story of Juliet, Ava, Harlow and other characters (I especially identified with Juliet's mama), but I also learned so much about the history of the LGBTQ+ community!
Though marketed as a young adult novel, this breezy story is not “fluff.” It is a story for all of us as we navigate the world. Despite her self-doubts, questions, and confusion, Juliet is a character full of hope, optimism, joy, and courage. She is ready to be reborn, breathe, and live with honesty and authenticity.
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