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. 🌿

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.