Juliet Takes a Breath

Read in one sitting. I loved Juliet from her first letter at the start of the book. Might be one of favorite books of the year. Wonderfully complex characters, lots of queer found family content (and also wholesome birth family content.... I'm a sucker for families), nuanced critiques of white feminism and biological essentialism, delicious moments of romance (and heartbreak), the demonstrated danger of meeting your heroes, a singular and funny and sweet voice (though also a very YA voice for those who prefer other styles), and an all around beautiful capture of what it is to be 19 and figuring so much stuff out.

I have read very few books with an almost 100% queer cast and it was so fun to be in this world (which also was almost devoid of male characters). Harlowe Brisbane also occupied a complex dual role of mentor/idol and antagonist, and the conflict there has no easy resolutions, which feels true to life. Most of all, Juliet is a beautiful character learning how to claim her own space and her growth throughout the novel is warming to witness.