Juliet Takes a Breath (2020)

Synopsis

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…

From: Simon & Schuster

Notes on This Title

This title is a graphic adaptation of Gabby Rivera’s 2016 prose novel of the same name.

This title opens with a sequence depicting sexual harassment.

Awards

32nd GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Comic Book - Nominee

Reviews

“The pitch-perfect cast of characters she meets up with in Portland, imbued with a particular self-congratulatory brand of activism, provide ample fodder for humor and conflict. Moscote’s exuberant art celebrates Juliet’s curves and curls. The color palette is heavy in pinks, purples, peaches and deep blues—capturing heartbreak, summer crushes, and the sunrise of new beginnings.” (Source: Publishers Weekly)

“One of the best aspects of this book that is a major improvement over the original novel is that Juliet is given more time and space to interact with other queer people of color. For instance, Max is a Black, polyamorous butch lesbian who attempts to counsel and guide Juliet with her partner Zaira, another Black queer person.” (Source: Women Write About Comics)

Interviews

NPR: “Life, Love, Coming Out And Culture Shock In ‘Juliet Takes A Breath’

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