I first heard of Gabby Rivera when she was a guest on Brene Brown’s “Unlocking Us” podcast where they talked about “how and why it’s so important for us to see ourselves as the hero in the hero’s journey,” Marvel superheroes, food and joy. I enjoyed the conversation so much that I added Gabby’s novel to my list of books to read. I’m sorry I waited six months to read “Juliet Takes a Breath.”

“If there’s room in your world for a closeted Puerto Rican baby dyke from the Bronx, you should write me back.”

The book opens with Juliet writing to an author whose book changed her life. Juliet wants to be a summer intern for the woman. What follows is Juliet’s journey as she comes to accept herself and begin to find and exert her voice.

I really, really enjoyed this book. It is charming, funny, topical and an enjoyable read. I do not want to give any spoilers, but I highly encourage you to read this novel. I was my first book about a Puerto Rican lesbian, but i will read more of her work as it is published. If one never steps out of her comfort zone, her views never expand.