The Girls Who Grew Big A Novel by Leila Mottley

 Book Excerpt:

"Adela Woods is sixteen years old and pregnant. Her parents banish her from her comfortable upbringing in Indiana to her grandmother's home in the small town of Padua Beach, Florida. When she arrives, Adela meets Emory, who brings her newborn to high school, determined to graduate despite the odds; Simone, mother of four-year-old twins, who weighs her options when she finds herself pregnant again; and the rest of the Girls, a group of outcast young moms who raise their growing brood in the back of Simone's red truck.

The town thinks the Girls have lost their way, but really, they are finding it: looking for love, making and breaking friendships, and navigating the miracle of motherhood and the paradox of girlhood.

Full of heart and life and hope, set against the shifting sands of these friends' secrets and betrayals, The Girls Who Grew Up confirms Leila Mottley's promise and offers an explosive new perspective on what it means to be a young woman."

Title:  The Girls Who Grew Big

Author:  Leila Mottley

Publisher:  Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor | Knopf

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Four

Review:

"The Girls Who Grew Big" by Leila Mottley

My Insight:

"The Girls Who Grew Big" is a profoundly moving and captivating tale that follows the lives of three young teenage mothers in a small Florida town. Each mother brings a unique perspective shaped by her distinct upbringing, creating a rich tapestry of experiences. The narrative delves deeply into the complexities of pregnancy, birth, motherhood, abortion, and miscarriage, woven together with heartfelt prose that resonates long after you turn the final page. The author paints vivid portraits of these young women's struggles and triumphs, allowing readers to feel their joy, sorrow, and resilience. However, given its sensitive subject matter, this poignant story may not resonate with everyone; therefore, it's essential to consider whether it aligns with your reading preferences.

Thank you, NetGalley and Knopf, for providing me with an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.