Mia Bloom is a communications major and specialist that uses her expertise to travel to meet diverse women and gender non-conforming individual. She is queer and loud about her identity. She begins her adventure looking for a sense of self and adopts habits to unlearn as she engages with different groups of people. I was hesitant at first as a Latina if I could trust Mia – but she truly makes the effort to learn people’s struggles and project those voices. She comes from a place that is actively trying to unlearn toxicity and showing the steps, it took her to get to the place she is today.
The memoir is a story about Mia but also a collection of interviews and photographs of the people she meets along the way. The map illustrations in between chapters were a terrific addition to really get a sense of how far along Mia was travelling through various chapters. Each chapter begins with a location and mileage numbers. The frustrations of living on the road come through as she learns she wants stability after spending much time on the road. The experience has lead her to find her voice, project marginalized voices, and find her identity.
The photo with her cat at the end was a cute addition and the photography included in the memoir is taken by the author herself. They are placed appropriately to accompany the stories she is telling along her travels. Mia’s diction is cutesy but eloquent and fits her personality throughout her narrative. A genuine voice speaking from the heart with their own voice. A queer narrative for people who stray from social norms to speak on their hearts and passions. My only gripe with this memoir is that we did not get more of Mia’s voice through her interactions with others! Thank you Netgalley and Indigo River Publishing for an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely fell in love with this book. It’s a heartfelt, honest exploration of resilience, identity, and the power of real stories told by real people. The themes of healing and rediscovery resonated deeply with me. It’s about moving through pain without rushing, about finding joy without shortcuts or gimmicks. The way this book honors vulnerability while celebrating power and possibility is so refreshing and uplifting. This isn’t just a story to read; it’s one to live alongside. It’s a tribute to those who dare to bloom on their own terms, and I found myself inspired to do the same.

The memoir/biography is a story about Mia but also includes a collection of interviews and photographs of the people she meets along the way during her adventure. The map illustrations in between chapters were a terrific addition to really get a sense of how far along Mia was travelling throughout the story. Each chapter begins with a location and mileage numbers and I found this to be so fun and insightful. The frustrations of living on the road come through as she learns she wants stability after spending much time on the road. This experience has lead her to find her voice, project marginalised voices, and find her identity, this is such a beautiful and raw book which had me feeling teary eyed at times

The first chapter felt like a whirlwind of backstory, a mix of sadness and laughter. I genuinely smiled reading about how your parents embraced who you are, even when they had no idea what pansexuality meant. There’s something so tender and hopeful in that. It already feels like I’m getting to know Mia.

Quote: “Funny how you can want so badly to get away from someone, and want to keep them close at the same time.”
Isn’t it?

As we travel, we meet so many beautiful people, each with their own story. Some are deeply heartbreaking, yet end up mostly beautiful. I loved all the pictures that were included, it made the story feel more grounded.

In my notes, I wrote: “Tracie is a bad b*tch”, and I still stand by that. I’ll leave it right here.
There were so many moments that made me pause and reflect. After every couple of chapters, I needed a moment to breathe and take it all in.

I’m glad I got to meet Mia and everyone she met along the way.
Thank you for taking us with you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Indigo River Publishing for the ARC read,
and Anna, if you're out there, I’ll take your advice:
I need to roll in the grass more. 🌿

This heartfelt memoir follows Mia on a road trip across the country as she shares personal stories, interviews with people she meets, and photos from her journey. The mix of her own experiences and the voices of others makes the book feel honest and real. I really liked the map drawings and chapter headings with locations and mileage as they made it easy to follow her path and make you feel like you're traveling with her. The blend of storytelling, photography, and travel details gives a full picture of her adventure. I did find myself wanting to hear a bit more of Mia’s voice in her interactions with others, but the overall story remains thoughtful and heartfelt. A solid 4-star book. Thank you to NetGalley and Indigo River Publishing for an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

The book is deeply personal, as it weaves Mia's own experiences with those of others to create a narrative about healing, self-discovery, and embracing joy in your life.

This was so beautifully written, I loved it so much. The pain, decisions and acceptance leading up to the roadtrip were heartfelt and true and the different stories of people met along the way were heartbreakingly lovely. I can't wait to see where Mia goes next.

Book Review: As We Bloom: Wisdom from Extraordinary Everyday Women and Gender Nonconforming People by Mia Bolton

As We Bloom is a vibrant celebration of everyday wisdom, beautifully weaving together personal narratives, striking photography, and profound insights about growth and identity. Mia Bolton, a life coach and writer, curates an inspiring collection that honors the diverse experiences of women and gender nonconforming individuals, offering readers both reflection and empowerment.

Key Themes and Strengths:

Amplifying Underrepresented Voices
The book centers stories often overlooked in mainstream narratives, presenting a tapestry of resilience, self-discovery, and authenticity. Each contributor’s journey challenges societal norms while affirming the beauty of individuality.

A Visual and Literary Journey
The inclusion of travel photography enhances the reading experience, creating a sense of movement and metaphor. The images—whether open roads, candid portraits, or quiet landscapes—mirror the book’s message: growth happens along the way, not just at the destination.

Actionable Wisdom
Bolton’s background as a life coach shines through in the book’s reflective prompts and practical takeaways.

How would I describe this book?
-A soulful road trip in book form—where every story is a mile marker toward self-acceptance.
-Proof that the most extraordinary wisdom comes from ordinary lives.
-Perfect for fans of Humans of New York with a feminist, inclusive twist.

Personal Reflection
As someone who loves road trips, I was particularly drawn to how Bolton uses travel imagery to symbolize personal transformation. The photos add depth to the narratives, making the wisdom feel tangible and lived.

Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Indigo River Publishing for the advance review copy. As We Bloom is a timely and heartfelt reminder that growth is a journey, and every voice matters.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Ideal for: Readers who enjoy memoir-style collections, discussion groups exploring identity and resilience, or anyone seeking inspiration from real, relatable stories.

Thank you to NetGalley and Indigo River Publishing for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

This book was far more powerful than I expected and also so hopeful. I love how Mia truly just embraced it all, and embraced the people that she learned from - she went for the ones that live boldly, that are authentic and unapologetically themselves. She met and learned from the ones not afraid to stand on their own, not afraid to break the molds. I loved the power in reading these raw and emotional stories - they were absolutely incredible.

There's no "fixing" in this book because none of these beautiful souls are broken. Instead this is about finding yourself when it really matters, when it really counts - it's about embracing the mess and chaos and showing up. Always showing up.

This book reads almost like a private diary would - the reflections all feel far more personal than I'd expect with a memoir (but maybe I just don't know - I haven't read many memoirs, yet, I'll admit). I loved how ultimately it was about uplifting diverse voices.