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olipop607's review against another edition
5.0
As I always say I am not an own voice here so please go check out own voices reviews. I may be a lesbian but I am not a poc so please go check out those reviews first.
I read the original novel this graphic was based on back when it first came out and I loved the novel so of course I had to check out this. I knew the story would be the same so my rating is really based on the art and how bits chosen best reflected the novel.
The art was beautiful in so many ways. I love seeing books where the main character is not the same skinny white girl we see in most books. The way Juliet was drawn especially brought a smile to my face. All of the characters looked perfect to be honest but as a plus size girl I loved seeing her owning her body. I also love some of the more artistic touches done during certain more emotionally scenes. Using not just facile expressions but also background to really convey the emotions Juliet was feeling.
I really enjoyed how this managed to be condensed but also had all of the most important scenes. Seeing them visually was such a rich experience. I felt let I was really soaking in the story this way. Honestly this was just a fantastic graphic novel both as a visual for an equally fantastic book and as just a stand alone for those who may not read a full novel.
I read the original novel this graphic was based on back when it first came out and I loved the novel so of course I had to check out this. I knew the story would be the same so my rating is really based on the art and how bits chosen best reflected the novel.
The art was beautiful in so many ways. I love seeing books where the main character is not the same skinny white girl we see in most books. The way Juliet was drawn especially brought a smile to my face. All of the characters looked perfect to be honest but as a plus size girl I loved seeing her owning her body. I also love some of the more artistic touches done during certain more emotionally scenes. Using not just facile expressions but also background to really convey the emotions Juliet was feeling.
I really enjoyed how this managed to be condensed but also had all of the most important scenes. Seeing them visually was such a rich experience. I felt let I was really soaking in the story this way. Honestly this was just a fantastic graphic novel both as a visual for an equally fantastic book and as just a stand alone for those who may not read a full novel.
beyondsolitaire's review against another edition
3.0
Not bad, didn't totally grab me either. I wonder if I should have read the novel version instead, because it felt like a lot was elided to make the graphic novel work. That said, the art is fantastic, and the issues the book raises are important.
linkedstories's review against another edition
5.0
This graphic novel brought tears of joy to my eyes. Bronx native Juliet Milagros Palante does a summer internship with white feminist Harlowe Brisbane in Portland, Oregon. Juliet has just come out to her conservative mother and she's struggling to find herself in her Puerto Rican roots and her queerness. Juliet comes to recognize the broken promises in Harlowe's limited (and harmful) perspectives on feminism and race; meanwhile, she finds love and support among new friends. I was so taken with Juliet's search for a place of ease in herself, a place of joy and comfort and community. The graphic novel is saturated with warm colors, and Juliet feels so full and alive on the page. I have, to my shame, yet to read the novel. But I can't wait!
shgmclicious's review against another edition
So first of all, I read the original, purple-covered novel soon after it came out, and I have no idea what, if anything, was adjusted for the reissued YA that came later, which is what most people have read?? I also barely remember the content or the plot. But I think this is so so so so good just on its own, whether you know the source text or not. I love the art--the style, the colors, the storytelling--and it's just such a good depiction of how frustrating even the best white women are, and there are such amazing family relationships, and even if a lot of Harlowe and even the other characters are people I would probably not vibe with IRL, they feel so real and wonderful, and the whole thing is just so good!
mlhahn's review against another edition
5.0
A many-layered coming of age story. A book that has/will/could change lives. Hopefully even some white cis ones.
mconant's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I absolutely loved this book. It's an easy-to-read graphic novel that conveys so much knowledge about how white feminism hurts everyone (including white women), and the power of intersectional community and writing. Juliet has a time of growth where she is able to build community with people who see and care about her as her authentic self. Pick up this book for an empowering story and lots of authors that you will need to go research immediately!!
tealightfully's review against another edition
3.0
To say I was excited about one of my favorite books being turned released as graphic novel, is an understatement. Juliet Takes a Breath was easily one of my favorite books of 2018. It had depth, soul, growth, it tackled and confronted tough issues about our "heroes" when they're the ones who hurt us, it dealt with the BIPOC and Latinx experience of being queer both on its own and in comparison to being queer and white. It had relationships of all kinds, love of all kinds, conflict that was relatable, arcs that were equally heartbreaking and heart soothing. I loved it.
The graphic novel fell short, in my opinion. The illustrations are enchanting and capture the personality of Juliet so well. For everything else, I felt the story had been gutted a bit. Stripped of what gave it breath, so to speak. If I hadn't read the book already, I would feel that the characters lacked background that gives them soul. It lacks the packed punch that makes the whole story powerful and emotional. The graphic novel adaptation reads so rushed and watered down.
The other major con is the representation of Portland is a bit inauthentic in many places. I think that is just a personal nitpick because I lived in the city for nearly a decade so I approach it with a more critical eye than I would most other settings.
It is still a good story, it is an important one, and contains narratives and discussions we need to be having. Would I recommend this one to my friends or followers? Not until after they've read the novel version so that they can get the complete story.
In summary:
The graphic novel fell short, in my opinion. The illustrations are enchanting and capture the personality of Juliet so well. For everything else, I felt the story had been gutted a bit. Stripped of what gave it breath, so to speak. If I hadn't read the book already, I would feel that the characters lacked background that gives them soul. It lacks the packed punch that makes the whole story powerful and emotional. The graphic novel adaptation reads so rushed and watered down.
The other major con is the representation of Portland is a bit inauthentic in many places. I think that is just a personal nitpick because I lived in the city for nearly a decade so I approach it with a more critical eye than I would most other settings.
It is still a good story, it is an important one, and contains narratives and discussions we need to be having. Would I recommend this one to my friends or followers? Not until after they've read the novel version so that they can get the complete story.
In summary:
paulen's review against another edition
4.0
Not for middle schoolers, or even young high schoolers, but a good read.