Bloom: Creating a life I love

by Mary Fowler

Mary Fowler is already a global football superstar with the Matildas, but there's so much more to the person behind the headlines and highlight-reel goals.

Bloom is a mix of deeply personal experiences that have shaped Mary, behind-the-scenes insights from the Matildas' World Cup run, performance-mindset tips, positive affirmations and journaling prompts.

Mary puts her soul on the page and shares her journey to creating a life she

-Being the author of her own story
-Surrounding herself with people she trusts
-Practising gratitude and accepting herself for who she is
-Turning off social media and connecting with nature
-In the darkest moments, being brave enough to ask for help

This is Mary Fowler - in full bloom.

Genres: Memoir

Audible Audio

Published November 18, 2025

Reviews

[emma (taylor’s version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

mary i love you sm !!!!! fave footballer for a reason <3

[May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Fowler is an inspirational young lady, mature beyond her years. I should note that the book wasn’t exactly as I was expecting, when I started reading I realised it is targeted toward young teens to early 20s. This would be a great gift for a young daughter/niece/friend learning to navigate the world. However I still enjoyed the book and Mary’s reflections are still very relevant and inspiring for anyone at any age.

[Adam B · Rating 4 out of 5]

After listening to Mary on a couple of podcasts talking about not just her ACL injury but also her outlook on life I was extremely keen to read her book.

The insights and reflections Mary provided were amazing and I often found myself highlighting lines that I could use for my own self reflection or can relate to.

I would recommend this book to anyone who priorities self improvement in their life through reflection, not just lovers of the Tillies or people who have done their ACL 🫠.

[Ali Bama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed hearing Mary Fowler narrate this short (4hr) audiobook, an interesting mix of her football journey so far, and a wellbeing guidebook of sorts. In this book, Mary reveals some of the mental health struggles she has faced, and includes wellbeing tips such as journaling, positive affirmations, daily routines etc. She has reflection points at the end of each chapter for the reader to engage in.

Mary openly acknowledges that she is still young, and has a way to grow, but that she hopes to share her experiences to help other people who may be struggling with mental health. I agree. I think this would be a great read for teens to early 20s women who have an interest in football. I think there'd be a lot they could relate to and maybe not feel so alone, try out some suggestions and address negative thoughts, etc.

As an older female who loves soccer, I most enjoyed hearing about her football experiences and the 'behind the scenes' insights.

[Róisín · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feels weird to give a star rating to a memoir like this, but it was genuinely a good read. Only thing I hated was referring to Nathan Cleary as her 'crush' idk was icked out by that

[Tracey Bicknell · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn’t bad but it felt like it was a surface read. There is so much more under the surface that she could’ve delved into. I like how she tries to get you to reflect on your own life & path etc. wholesome.

[Natasha (jouljet) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A memoir journalling from one of our young superstar Matildas, chronicling her journey from early junior days, to the pinnacle so far at the home Women's World Cup. But apart from football, she also shares her path of self acceptance and love, to be an incredibly impressive and grounded young woman.

A very vulnerable reflection on her profession and internal life so far, Mary included so much of herself, her doubts and lowest points, and her quest to prioritise family, love and her sense of her own self worth. Inspiring for all people, but surely a powerful read for any young people experiencing challenges, and trying to find a way to work through difficulties.

Her path to football is outlined, from gaining her Matildas cap as a 15 year old, to international contracts, and that epic Women's World Cup. The journal finishes as she is recovering from her recent ACL surgery.

Certainly wise and in tune with her own mental health needs beyond her years, Mary has worked on herself, her outlook, championed her mental health, and working out her why. A read to inspire, from a reluctant role model of Australian sport.

[Imogen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the book I wish existed when I was a young footballer player navigating identity, mental health and growing into yourself. I adored Fowler’s vulnerable honesty about her mental health struggles, personal insights into her family, friendships and dating life as well as the experience of 23 Women’s World Cup. The mix of propulsive storylines and reflective journal prompts set this book apart for its rare balance of autobiography and self-help. I listened to this as an audiobook, and thoroughly enjoyed the narration from Fowler, who comes across as a kind, calm, graceful yet fierce athlete. I believe it’s best enjoyed by listening to a chapter a day to allow space and time for reflection. Whilst I still enjoyed this book today, it’s clearly targeted at teens and young adults. For this reason, I didn’t fully resonate with all her ideas but I believe this book would make a wonderful gift for young adults in that demographic, and I will be recommending it to the young girls / teens I teach.

[Sascha C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Fowler is someone I have always looked up to, and reading this book made me admire her even more. Bloom: Creating a life I love covers Fowlers life growing up, her love for her family and friends, and challenges she went through being a professional footballer at such a young age. I admire how raw and honest she is in her book, sharing her physical and metal struggles. However, it isn't a sad book, as she has a very positive outlook on life. The way Fowler communicates her emotions shows she is a deep thinker and seems very mature for her age. I would recommend this book specifically to teen girls trying to navigate their way in the world especially those with big sporting career ambitions, or anyone who injoyes self reflection and self improvement.

[Beth Sorensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet and easy listen. Narrated by Mary Fowler herself, it was an insight into her football career, mental health struggles and personal relationships.

Her narration and reflective points after the chapters felt more targeted at young people but it was still a nice listen considering my interest in the Matildas and women’s football.

[Lauren Crevatin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved getting to know more about Mary. A great book to read on your late teens and early 20’s. I learnt and related to a lot of things she talked about throughout the book. I also love the addition of the journal prompts for each chapter.

[Lottie C · Rating 5 out of 5]

6⭐️

I wasn’t sure I would like or relate to this because the author is quite young, but I thought that this was very intelligently done and teenage me would’ve loved it.

[Anneliese Steinhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Read this book via audio and you can hear it in Mary’s voice that she is just a kind human. 🫶🏼

[Izzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook x

Felt like I was reading someone’s personal diary, appreciate the openness and honesty through.

[Aimee F · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, and Mary’s philosophy on and off the pitch. Great for any young person to read to reflect on life.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, pleasantly surprised by this read ! Also I was only today years old when I realised we are about the same age ??