Book Review: The Girls Who Grew Big by Leila Mottley
There’s something undeniably magnetic about a story that dives deep into the complexities of girlhood—and Leila Mottley’s The Girls Who Grew Big is just that. I picked this book up a few months ago, and it’s taken me this long to grapple with its emotional resonance. There were moments when I found myself staring at the ceiling, wiping tears away, as the heart-wrenching stories unfolded before me. This book is a raw exploration of motherhood, friendship, and the all too real path of young women navigating life’s tumultuous waters.
At its core, The Girls Who Grew Big takes us on a poignant journey with three vibrant characters: Simone, Adela, and Emory. Each girl faces the immense challenges of teenage motherhood, each burdened with their own ghosts and dreams. I felt particularly drawn to Simone, who, as a sixteen-year-old mother of twins, navigates the treacherous waters of young love with a boy named Tooth—a character who, frankly, made me want to throw my Kindle across the room with his reprehensible behavior. The way he looked at Simone’s placenta shattered my heart; how could anyone treat the mother of their children with such disregard? It was infuriating yet brilliantly written, as it made me root fiercely for Simone’s growth and resilience.
Then there’s Adela, a competitive swimmer whose dreams are tragically interrupted by her unexpected pregnancy. I loved her connection to the ocean—her escape and solace amidst the turmoil. Yet, her manipulative streak was frustrating, compelling me to want to shake her and say, “Just be honest! The truth is a gift!” Emory, on the other hand, captivated me with her determination to balance motherhood with aspirations of attending Stanford. She embodies the struggle of young women who often bear the brunt of adult decisions made too soon.
The writing style is nothing short of exceptional. Mottley writes with a poetic cadence, blending raw emotion with vivid imagery that perfectly encapsulates the everyday struggles and fleeting joys of the girls’ lives. It felt like a dance—fluid yet bombastic—and the pacing allowed me to sit with each character’s pain and triumph, ingraining their stories into my heart. Mottley’s ability to depict the harsh realities of young motherhood is both inspiring and heartbreaking. As she writes, “If you don’t believe in miracles, how are you supposed to believe your ma loves you from a far-off place you don’t know nothin’ about?” Her words resonated with me, echoing the interconnectedness of love and loss.
Mottley captures the essence of girlhood perfectly, threading together themes of betrayal, support, and community. The bond formed among the girls, despite secrets kept and tempers flared, was both beautiful and realistic. Just like sisters, they relied on each other in a world that often looks down on them. And even within the poorest of settings, they dared to dream.
I wholeheartedly recommend The Girls Who Grew Big to anyone looking for a poignant, thought-provoking read. If you’re a fan of powerful stories about resilience, friendship, and the complexities of young womanhood, this book is for you. It shattered my heart yet somehow rekindled a yearning for a future filled with love and motherhood. Mark your calendars for June 24, 2025—you won’t want to miss Mottley’s incredible storytelling. If you’re ready to sob and feel deeply, this book will surely tug on your heartstrings. Such an extraordinary journey awaits!