Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from BOOM! Box via NetGalley. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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Title: Juliet Takes a Breath
Author: Gabby Rivera
Artists: Celia Moscote
Upcoming Release Date: December 1, 2020


Synopsis: A NEW GRAPHIC NOVEL ADAPTATION OF THE BESTSELLING BOOK! Juliet Milagros Palante is leaving the Bronx and headed to Portland, Oregon. She just came out to her family and isn’t sure if her mom will ever speak to her again. But don’t worry, Juliet has something kinda resembling a plan that’ll help her figure out what it means to be Puerto Rican, lesbian and out. See, she’s going to intern with Harlowe Brisbane - her favorite feminist author, someone whose last work on feminism, self-love and lots of other things will help Juliet find her ever elusive epiphany.  There’s just one problem—Harlowe’s white, not from the Bronx and doesn’t have the answers. Okay, maybe that’s more than one problem but Juliet never said it was a perfect plan... Critically-acclaimed writer Gabby Rivera adapts her bestselling novel alongside artist Celia Moscote in an unforgettable queer coming-of-age story exploring race, identity and what it means to be true to your amazing self. Even when the rest of the world doesn’t understand.

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Review: First, there's an Animorphs reference so this book brought me in very early. I wasn't familiar with the original novel before reading this graphic novel. I didn't even discover this was an adaptation until after I had read the book, so no need to have any prior knowledge to enjoy this graphic novel.

This is a unique Coming Out story. Juliet is traveling to Portland from NYC to intern with a feminist author. There's a lot of weird white lady shit in this book. People are held accountable. Juliet finds her own queer community.

This book has such beautiful colors. The people are drawn in all sizes and colors, making every body look gorgeous. 

White people need to read this story! As a white cis gay man, I recognize that I need to read more queer stories from different perspectives than my own. This book gives representation to non-white-centered queer communities. I love seeing these kind of graphic novel stories getting hype. I give this book a 5/5.


--PAUL