Reviews

Juliet Takes a Breath: The Graphic Novel by Gabby Rivera

tati23's review

hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

amanda_lee's review against another edition

4.0

I adored this! The artwork was gorgeous and the colour scheme was perfect.

I loved Juliet’s story and her growth. She’s recently come out and exploring what it means to be a feminist.

The graphic novel was such a fun read and I recommend it.

neph42's review against another edition

2.0

I really wanted to like this, because I'd heard such good things about the book and I love graphic novel adaptations. Perhaps the source material was better suited to exploring the nuance of some of the topics in this version; I do think it felt like much was "missing," despite me not knowing what exactly those things could be. The art was gorgeous. The interest was there. I just felt underwhelmed by it as a whole.

waterbear0821's review against another edition

emotional funny inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

I liked both the story and the illustrations but I wish I’d just read the novel. Also, it seemed incredibly dated, which I suppose is common when the topic is cultural change. Things change fast. 

queenkoko's review against another edition

4.0

I must read the original novel that this is based off of. This graphic novel checks off all of my favorites when reading a story. Lesbian, person of color (this time a Puerto Rican from the Bronx... I am Puerto Rican from Queens, oh did I RELATE), and a real story coming of age story. Juliet's mother reminded me of mine, close minded. I related to her home life and the need to escape. Her journey to find herself spoke to me because it was all relatable.

I took off a star because I felt as if I was missing a chunk of a story which is why I want to read the original.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

by_the_wade's review against another edition

emotional inspiring reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

i read this for YA Lit and i am def not the target audience but i enjoyed it

emkauffman2's review against another edition

emotional hopeful fast-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault

gabriellessrs's review against another edition

3.0

I haven't read the book that originated this graphic novel, but I feel oddly relieved for not doing it. Although the visual aspect of it is very appealing, with vibrant colors and relatable human looks, the plot itself did not move me as I thought it would.
Representativity here is assured, but it was not enough to keep me engaged with Juliet's breath. She is beautiful, empowered, has her insecurities, but wants to learn and respect plurality. As she meets all kinds of people, she also gets closer to her heritage and fellow minorities that she has now understood to belong to. Even with all of that emotional growth, events and situations are a bit dull and kind of lackluster.
I was not waiting for a hero's journey, but I was not down for a flourished yet average slice of life either.

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I appreciate the publishers and NetGalley kindness for sending me a copy of this comic book. Although I received this material for free, the content in this review reflects the opinions of my own.
Overall rating: 3/5
Device used: Adobe Digital Editions on Desktop
Language: English, advanced level of ESL
Reader's discretion is advised: yes, there are mild swearing and sexual undertones

maya23's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

i loved the art work and the color palettes used in this story, it was absolutely stunning! i think if i hadn’t known this was adapted from a full length novel before diving in, i would’ve rated it higher. i couldn’t stop thinking about how rushed everything felt and overall the pacing was a bit odd. i think it definitely could’ve been fleshed out some more. however, i still enjoyed the story and seeing Juliet embrace herself and her sexuality was both empowering and heartwarming.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Homophobia and Racism

madison_gleason's review against another edition

DNF@49%
A little bored might return to it in the future.