Reviews

Juliet Takes a Breath: The Graphic Novel by Gabby Rivera

silbrite's review against another edition

funny informative lighthearted medium-paced

2.25

brujakatt's review against another edition

fast-paced

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

3.75

bedroominarles's review against another edition

emotional hopeful tense fast-paced

3.5

niajacobsen's review against another edition

5.0

Love love loved this. The illustration was beautiful, the message important and all the queerness was hot and healing

applepie10's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

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

4.75

myblackbookish_life's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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

4.5

Oh I love this one

boookswithbrooke's review against another edition

emotional reflective fast-paced

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

4.0

alysses's review against another edition

4.0

The artwork is gorgeous. I think I will pick up the full length novel next.
I do wish the editor would have caught the missing z in maiz and the l that should have been there instead of the r in pernil. I don't know if this was done on purpose because Puerto Ricans tend to "eat" letters in certain words or pronounce l as r (because there are influences other than Spanish at play that folks tend to forget to mention all the time) but it bugged me. On paper folks know how these words are spelled and spell them as they should be. It bugs me because Puerto Ricans are always slammed for their Spanish.

Anyway, this was a great graphic novel and should definitely be picked up.

eldritchreader's review against another edition

3.0

Trigger warnings:

Spoiler

racism, homomisia, bimisia, adultery, sexual harassment & assault, body shaming

Note: I have not read the full-length novel Juliet Takes a Breath.

An important story about becoming confident in yourself, immersing oneself into the LGBTQIA+ community, intersectionality and found families. Rivera has created a powerful story and further adapted it into something succinct, engaging and powerful.

I can not think of another story that gives such a raw and genuine insight into the LGBTQIA+ community, but also the damage of ignoring intersectionality that exists and impacts on the group.

Not only does Rivera weave an impactful story, Moscote illustrates the narrative in a way that brings the characters and their relationships to the forefront. The stark, colourful imagery provides an engaging contrast with the emotional tension this story instils.

Overall, this is a wonderful, accessible title for many young readers.

Note: Review copy received via NetGalley. This does not impact opinions within this review.

blog • trigger warning database • more links

Happy reading! ❤

makoshark98's review against another edition

challenging funny hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5