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A review by hobbithopeful
Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
An essential queer read for anyone and everyone, both extremely thought provoking and insightful. Juliet Takes a Breath encapsulates the poc queer experience and captures the difficulties of dealing with racist white queers. (Who don't think they're racist!)
So much of this book feels alive with rage and feeling and want for change. It quite honestly felt like Gabby Rivera was looking into my brain and pulling out my emotions and fears.
I have lived in the north and I have lived in the south and when I tell you that Rivera hit the nail on the head in regards to white queers and just how they act and talk is so incredibly accurate. (The personal hygiene thing was so real, like why can't they just use deodorant and shower every day!)
Harlowe is the epitome of a white "savior" who is doing more harm than good and instead of taking ownership she instead for most of the book victimizes herself. I have met people like this in real life. They are totally amazing until they let slip a phrase or do something incredibly racist and you're just like...WAIT EXCUSE ME. And then if you try to confront them about it....let's just say it never goes well.
So much of this book follows Juliet forming her own thoughts and beliefs and discovering how much more there is to the world. I really loved the relationship she had with her cousin, and how in the end she is learning how to find community and her people. Wherever she ends up, I just know she's going to be okay.
SERIOUSLY Y'ALL. READ THIS BOOK. It will change how you view feminism, queerness, just challenge your worldview entirely.
So much of this book feels alive with rage and feeling and want for change. It quite honestly felt like Gabby Rivera was looking into my brain and pulling out my emotions and fears.
I have lived in the north and I have lived in the south and when I tell you that Rivera hit the nail on the head in regards to white queers and just how they act and talk is so incredibly accurate. (The personal hygiene thing was so real, like why can't they just use deodorant and shower every day!)
Harlowe is the epitome of a white "savior" who is doing more harm than good and instead of taking ownership she instead for most of the book victimizes herself. I have met people like this in real life. They are totally amazing until they let slip a phrase or do something incredibly racist and you're just like...WAIT EXCUSE ME. And then if you try to confront them about it....let's just say it never goes well.
So much of this book follows Juliet forming her own thoughts and beliefs and discovering how much more there is to the world. I really loved the relationship she had with her cousin, and how in the end she is learning how to find community and her people. Wherever she ends up, I just know she's going to be okay.
SERIOUSLY Y'ALL. READ THIS BOOK. It will change how you view feminism, queerness, just challenge your worldview entirely.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Cultural appropriation
Minor: Homophobia