A review by linkedstories
Juliet Takes a Breath: The Graphic Novel by Gabby Rivera

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!