What a joy it was to read Juliet Palante's (and Gabby Rivera's, given the many autobiographical details in this book) coming out, coming of age, and her eventual come up on the world. One of the biggest misconceptions about a book like this is that it's not for you if you don't have anything in common with the protagonist. Well, let me tell you something: I am not queer nor a person of color (though I am a NYC tri-stater and part of a Puerto Rican family by almost-marriage), but Ms. Rivera writes with such down-to-earth realness that you will relate to Juliet's world no matter who you are. This novel is a revelation for people who long to see themselves on pages, and it's an eye-opener for people like me who have lived a life of whiteness: it takes microaggressions and makes them center stage so they can't be missed. Your heart pounds with her heart, your breath measures her breath; Juliet's world is vibrant and leaps off the page. The secondary characters will lift you and break your heart, and you will cheer for Juliet. Get ready to laugh out loud and wipe away a few tears. I would love to see how this book translates to the screen... it's screaming for a Netflix series or movie. Bravo, Juliet, you're on your way!