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 favourite 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.
There was much I loved about this book, but also much that frustrated me. I loved Juliet, her voice, her growth, seeing white feminism parodied. But a major character is cissexist and TERFy for most of the book, and it doesn't seem to bother anyone. It's finally addressed briefly (thank you, Ava), but nowhere near enough to satisfy. This would make an interesting book club pick because there's a ton to discuss, and it's a fast read.
Reading updates
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23 November, 2017:
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23 November, 2017:
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