Queer Latina New Adult First Novel Published by RAB

“Even if Holden Caulfield was born in the Bronx in the 1980’s,

he could never be this awesome.”

–Inga Muscio, author of Cunt

Riverdale, NY – January 28 9, 2016 – The just-published queer first novel, Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera features a young, newly out Puerto Rican protagonist, Juliet Milagros Palante. Obsessed with her first feminist book, Juliet contacts the author, Harlowe Brisbane, and sets up a summer internship. Out of the Bronx, and off to Portland, Oregon, Juliet confronts white feminism and coming out to her family while navigating the world of queer politics.

Juliet Milagros Palante is my new hero. Rivera pours her heart into ours with this story. Juliet Takes a Breath shows us that we must be vulnerable to survive the learning and un-learning necessary to become who we are, especially when we carry many identities on our strong, soft shoulders.

Phoenix Danger, co-creator of Phresh Cutz, Brooklyn

Rivera explained why she wrote this book, “I never experienced a character like Juliet Palante in my life. Not in a book or a movie. There were no brave, kinda awkward, thick-bodied, girl-loving Latinas from the Bronx in literature or media. And so, I'm super honored that she gets to run free and be out in the world. Riverdale Ave Books made my queer brown dreams come alive by publishing my first novel, Juliet Takes a Breath.”

Riverdale’s Publisher Lori Perkins said, "I am truly proud to be publishing this novel. It brings first wave feminism and fourth wave feminism together, and all the issues we juggle, to the forefront in a really positive way.”

“Rivera cuts your heart right open with the most original young lesbian character I've read in years, seamlessly weaving together racial politics, awkward teenage romance and a queer coming-of-age that manages to both center on and transcend the identities it represents."
Riese Bernard, CEO of Autostraddle

About the Author

This is Gabby Rivera’s first published novel. Gabby has worked with Autostraddle for almost five years. In that time, she’s written about feminism, kissing girls, Nicki Minaj, radical politics and falling in love with queer brown communities. She is currently working for a national non-profit organization dedicated to serving LGBTQ youth populations. She’s fostered LGBTQ youth groups, QTPOC healing spaces, and taught as a multi-media artist for arts and social justice-based organizations. She was born and raised in the Bronx.