"Juliet Takes A Breath is a beautiful book about finding your own place within your communities. In early 2000s Portland, a young Bronx-born Latina lesbian faces the consequences of coming out and the shortcomings of feminist and queer communities centered around white voices.
It's a story about fallibility, the dangers of putting your heros up on pedestals, and the importance of learning to grow. It's a story about finding your voice and striking out on your own, but most importantly, it's a story about learning how to say sorry."
Publisher Dial Books
Publication Date 2019
Section Young Adult / Gender Studies / Gay & Lesbian / All Staff Suggestions / Suggestions for Kids
Format Hardcover
ISBN 9780593108178
Juliet Milagros Palante is a self-proclaimed closeted Puerto Rican baby dyke from the Bronx. Only, she's not so closeted anymore. Not after coming out to her family the night before flying to Portland, Oregon, to intern with her favorite feminist writer—what's sure to be a life-changing experience. And when Juliet's coming out crashes and burns, she's not sure her mom will ever speak to her again.
But Juliet has a plan—sort of. Her internship with legendary author Harlowe Brisbane, the ultimate authority on feminism, women's bodies, and other gay-sounding stuff, is sure to help her figure out this whole "Puerto Rican lesbian" thing. Except Harlowe's white. And not from the Bronx. And she definitely doesn't have all the answers. . .
In a summer bursting with queer brown dance parties, a sexy fling with a motorcycling librarian, and intense explorations of race and identity, Juliet learns what it means to come out—to the world, to her family, to herself.
