Juliet Takes a Breath

Product Information

I loved how Gabby did not shy away from toxic masculinity, the problematic religious views of homosexuality, and racism. Everything about this book is absolutely fantastic, from its insightful skewering of second wave feminism to its critical analysis on the LGBTQIAP+’s gatekeeping to life in Portland, Oregon, home of hippies and hypocrites. At first glance, she seems like the embodiment of everything Juliet wants: an icon, a mentor, a woman who accepts her flaws and works on them.

I haven't read the original novel but this graphic novel had me so hooked and so in love, that it made me want to read it, even though I now obviously know the basic storyline. OH OH OH and I almost forgot: the almost embarrassing amount of realism that queer women become completely useless in the presence of other beautiful lady-identified individuals. but starting off with the glorious revelations the mc felt towards these concepts made me feel so soooo uncomfortable. But the overall joy and warmth of the story made it very worth a read, and I’d imagine it to be empowering, too. And overall, throughout the first 3/4 of this novel, she's teaching Juliet how to be an angry, man hating "feminist.I also didn’t like her thoughts about the Native American genocide being an accident, and how Harlowe and Maxine’s poly relationship meant her crushes on Kira and Maxine, while still loving Lainie, was okay - it felt like she was trying to justify emotionally cheating to me, while not being open with all parties. We have suffered from the brutality of an inherently violent system that favors maleness over womanhood.

She goes to become the intern of a powerful feminist guru, and discovers the brilliant women of color propping the guru up (and holding her accountable, for the most part). The most surprising thing about this book is that Harlowe herself isn't written as this "exclusionary" bad white feminist that everyone is meant to hate; I mean 98% of her dialogue is ridiculous but she's written as this weird but well-meaning hippie woman that Juliet admires, and who tries but makes mistakes. Juliet's story is incredibly important, she's a chubby, latina queer women who finds her voice, her discovers and claims her own sexuality and spaces. Still, it was a fun read and I really enjoyed reading about Juliet's journey and her finding herself. I always find her way to tell stories so fresh in the comic industry but Juliet’s story resonates with me in a different way.

Complementing the excellent storyline of finding wonderfully strong friendships through empathy, relatability, and shared identities, are other themes highlighting the importance of communication in a deteriorating relationship and of discovering new feelings for someone.