Juliet Takes a Breath--"How could anything as huge as feminism be universal?"

Title: Juliet Takes a Breath

Author: Gabby Rivera


LGBTQ+ Representation: Main character and many others are lesbian, and supporting characters are bi and queer.


What it’s about (in 75 words or fewer): Juliet is thrilled when she, a self-described "closeted Puerto Rican baby dyke from the Bronx," lands an internship with her favorite, feminist author Harlowe Brisbane. Coming out to her close-knit family right before leaving does not go well. In Portland, Oregan, Juliet enjoys researchin (and the cute girl-librarian), but the mostly white, lesbian feminist scene is not quite what Juliet expects. Will a trip to visit extended family help Juliet define feminism for herself?


What I think (In my ranting, I totally spoil 2/3 of the book. To avoid spoilers, click on read more, scroll down to the six rainbows, and read after that): Juliet's story takes place in 2003, in the summer after her first year of college; I thought "that's not that long ago!" but then realized it was almost twenty years ago. Wow.

I like that Juliet researched at the library to research all these women and topics on random bits of paper that Harlowe has written on and thrown into a box. I had never heard of Lolita Lebron, for example. I knew of Del Martin, but she's worth reading about again. Banana Republic is not just an overpriced, preppy clothing store. Kira the cute librarian who bakes and drives a motorcycle? Sign me up! (Okay, not really because I'm terrified of riding on motorcycles. But still, she sounds hot!)

What if it's Us--"The universe wouldn't get us together for just one summer, right?"

Title: What if it's Us

Authors: Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera


What it’s about (in 75 words or fewer): Arthur is working as an intern in New York City for the summer when he meets Ben, a New York native, at the post office. Arthur believes in fate and the power of the universe. Ben is a more jaded--after all, he was at the post office to mail back his ex-boyfriend's stuff. When they reconnect via mixed connections, they begin dating. Are they destined for a great summer romance, or a short forgettable fling?


What I think (in 250 words or fewer): I read and enjoyed all of Albertalli's other books, which made me feel warm and fuzzy. I enjoy following Silvera on Twitter, but his books are so sad--one upset me so much I couldn't even; one I'm scared to read because of THE TITLE, and the third is in my TBR pile, but I'm determined.

I fully admit I am procrastinating reading some wonderful, well-written Silvera books because I know how much I cry, and I cry at almost everything. It's exhausting!