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The Evolution of a Girl
The Evolution of a Girl is a collection of poetry and prose taking the reader from girl to woman; from heartbreak and anger to transformation and rebirth. It speaks of the strength we find when learning to accept ourselves and the unbreakable softness that comes from unyielding self-love. The Evolution of a Girl is a book for those who are hurting, for those who are healing, and for those who are ready to try again.
- GenresPoetryNonfictionFeminism
284 pages, Paperback
First published November 10, 2018
128 people are currently reading
3435 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
May 4, 2021
This was an absolutely brilliant and beautiful book of poetry! My mom and I read poetry together every morning (she lives in Oklahoma, I live in Florida) and we have read many poetry books but none quite like this. I loved the journey Dunbar took us on and especially loved the power she exuded toward the end. There were many poems I couldn’t help but share online and people would respond to my story saying how much they needed to see it. Healing and nurturing, this is one book of poetry you must read this year.
January 27, 2020
This book includes a lot of beautiful and inspirational paragraphs, one of my favourite is
"did you hate
that part of you
before someone told you
you should"
"did you hate
that part of you
before someone told you
you should"
March 7, 2019
The poetry in this book was so relatable, I was often shocked at how Bowman could take similar experiences and write with such beauty, clarity, and wisdom.
January 2, 2022
this is one of those books where you finish it and then you literally never think of it again
October 19, 2023
Absolutely brilliant and beautiful, this book of poetry by Dunbar is a captivating journey that left me mesmerized from start to finish!!! It's fascinating how I could relate to the themes and emotions explored within its pages, the book is a wellspring of inspiration, I truly needed to read this book
I highly recommend it to my girlies ✨✨✨
I highly recommend it to my girlies ✨✨✨
June 1, 2020
What a voice! I started following L.E. Bowman on Instagram after looking for quotes and liking some of her poems.
Don’t think that because a lot of her poems are short that you’ll read it quickly. Poetry shouldn’t be put on a timetable. In fact, what I would suggest is to read at least one other book while reading this one. Read a few poems and then reflect and them move on to something else entirely.
I think only in smaller bites can any of us truly appreciate the poet’s soul.
Don’t think that because a lot of her poems are short that you’ll read it quickly. Poetry shouldn’t be put on a timetable. In fact, what I would suggest is to read at least one other book while reading this one. Read a few poems and then reflect and them move on to something else entirely.
I think only in smaller bites can any of us truly appreciate the poet’s soul.
February 22, 2023
I loved the flow of the poetry, the words were empowering and I love the encouragement of poetry that doesn't rhyme. Definitely worth the read I loved it 💖
August 14, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
February 28, 2024
First third 5 stars, middle third 4 stars, last third 3 stars.
May 7, 2024
I follow this author on Instagram and a lot of her poetry resonates, so I bought her book. I really enjoyed this beautiful, relatable collection.
May 9, 2024
Took me a long while to read cause it was so hard to see through my tears
June 1, 2024
I don't typically read poetry. Although I used to write quite a bit of it decades ago. This book, though, resonated so much with me. I encourage all women to read this, young and old. I cannot wait to check out L.E. Bowman's other writing.
January 20, 2025
A healthy dosage of both devastating and uplifting poetry. :) Already starting it over again.
June 12, 2023
"I put my pieces back
So beautifully
I can't help but thank those
Who broke me apart"
This is such a beautiful and powerful book loved every second of it. Made me cry at certain places 😅 the poetry is amazing and the artistry that has gone in to everyone is evident. Also the illustrations give new life and such a sense of wonder. To this book.
So beautifully
I can't help but thank those
Who broke me apart"
This is such a beautiful and powerful book loved every second of it. Made me cry at certain places 😅 the poetry is amazing and the artistry that has gone in to everyone is evident. Also the illustrations give new life and such a sense of wonder. To this book.
April 26, 2022
It’s just the same recycled garbage that’s been posted on 12 year old girls’ Instagram stories for the past 10 years. I’ve read and studied some beautifully delicate literature, this cannot be described in the same way. It’s cliche, boring and predictable. I’ve seen it all before.
June 28, 2023
I have a hard time rating a lot of poetry books because some poems are so beautiful and resonate with me, and some just fall flat or seem too superficial (for lack of a better word). Idk, I truly loved a fair amount of the poetry in this book and then other parts just weren’t for me 🤷🏻♀️
May 17, 2022
this is one of the most beautiful poetry books I have ever read, every poem is so brilliant and really struck something within my soul.
March 31, 2022
when i say “you have the read the bad books to appreciate the good ones” this is the bad stuff i’m talking about.
October 19, 2025
Working my way backward from What I Learned from the Trees, I initially felt like I was getting smaller, still instagram-friendly snippets of poetry, mostly about bad relationships. While that might still be a little true, the more I read, I felt like the word work was stronger, I felt like the passivity I was frustrated with in the later book was much less present, and instead of feeling like it was readymade for social media, it felt more like a book of affirmations and reminders for oneself.
I ended up liking a lot more from this one, although everything here is very short form. I did notice that Muzzles and razor blades is reprinted from this book to the next - it's a good one and it fit the theme, but the other ideas that moved were developed on from this book to the next, not shifted wholesale.
The approach to relationships here feels more well rounded, starting with "Women are encouraged to remain small; expected to be delicate creatures with closed legs and disappearing waists. With voices only heard when spoken to, and opinions only shared when asked. With sexual urges felt but not explored, and sensuality seen but not exploited. To be anything else is lacking. To be anything more is overbearing; is dominating. Is too powerful; too beautiful. For society; for men. to control. - Be so much more that they don't know what to do with you", which already includes a call to action that denies the passivity I was feeling in the later book. In addition, this is immediately followed up with "we beat emotion out of our little boys and then wonder why we have emotionally broken men" on the next page, which is a positive sentiment I did not find at all in the other book - which was almost completely sour on relationships.
In general, the book is far less cynical, and I enjoyed it much more for that. Both in how it approaches relationships ("I want a lover who carries soil in his hands and water in his heart. Who knows what it means to tend; to only break ground when planting, to always leave enough space for the sun to do her part.") and in how it approaches life ("If you want to see true grit, watch someone break. Then watch as the pieces settle. As hands begin moving. As a new person is made.").
I also enjoyed the art sketches throughout the book, although those were really necessary due to how much empty page space was left by the extremely short pieces. I would love to see more of this in longer form - looking forward to seeing how this author continues to evolve.
I ended up liking a lot more from this one, although everything here is very short form. I did notice that Muzzles and razor blades is reprinted from this book to the next - it's a good one and it fit the theme, but the other ideas that moved were developed on from this book to the next, not shifted wholesale.
The approach to relationships here feels more well rounded, starting with "Women are encouraged to remain small; expected to be delicate creatures with closed legs and disappearing waists. With voices only heard when spoken to, and opinions only shared when asked. With sexual urges felt but not explored, and sensuality seen but not exploited. To be anything else is lacking. To be anything more is overbearing; is dominating. Is too powerful; too beautiful. For society; for men. to control. - Be so much more that they don't know what to do with you", which already includes a call to action that denies the passivity I was feeling in the later book. In addition, this is immediately followed up with "we beat emotion out of our little boys and then wonder why we have emotionally broken men" on the next page, which is a positive sentiment I did not find at all in the other book - which was almost completely sour on relationships.
In general, the book is far less cynical, and I enjoyed it much more for that. Both in how it approaches relationships ("I want a lover who carries soil in his hands and water in his heart. Who knows what it means to tend; to only break ground when planting, to always leave enough space for the sun to do her part.") and in how it approaches life ("If you want to see true grit, watch someone break. Then watch as the pieces settle. As hands begin moving. As a new person is made.").
I also enjoyed the art sketches throughout the book, although those were really necessary due to how much empty page space was left by the extremely short pieces. I would love to see more of this in longer form - looking forward to seeing how this author continues to evolve.
February 23, 2022
This collection of poetry is beautifully written from beginning to end. It is quite simply, unforgettable. I would go as far to say that this is the best poetry I have ever read (for now). Disclaimer: this review is rather long as I honestly want to just convince you to drop everything right now and pick up a copy.
Since I read it, some of the poems have become deeply ingrained within my brain, and I find solace and comfort in that others have also experienced the same emotions and situations. I feel empowered and hopeful that things will change, that I will overcome my past eventually. Furthermore, I think back to certain poems and chuckle when the exact same situation she describes proceeds to occur in my life. It’s almost like she predicted it would happen and wrote this book especially for us as a form of self help and advice. It isn’t just an internal monologue of thoughts, she also addresses the reader directly. Just by her writing, I can infer that she has gone through a lot in life, despite only being 34. I honestly look forward to her future poetry, since I’m sure she will describe the emotions one feels while progressing into middle age with rawness and refreshing candor.
Here is a list of just a few highly relatable experiences that L.E Bowman describes from a first and second person perspective, all of which are situations that we all encounter in life.
1. She alludes to heartbreak, toxic relationships, narcissistic abuse, childhood abuse, criticisms of our appearance by people who are supposed to want the best for you, and the resulting insecurities and anger we feel from all this.
2. She delves into the thoughts one might feel towards oneself and others during an eating disorder, and this is so incredibly important in my opinion.
3. She touches on the thoughts one has during the darkest depths of depression. As someone who has experienced depression many times, I find that her prose perfectly captures the feelings of hopelessness, resentment towards others for causing our trauma, and therefore in a way also our depression, the subsequent guilt we feel for blaming others, eventually the self hatred we feel towards ourselves for not being able to overcome our past.
4. One thing I didn’t expect to be described was the resigned attitude and fear we have towards letting new people in emotionally after our trust has been irreparably broken by people in the past.
5. She depicts existential crisis, not knowing what the purpose in our lives are, and the fears and doubts we have for our future.
6. It isn’t all negative though. She also describes very positive experiences such as falling in love, the intense emotions and infatuation we feel during that. It gives me hope that I can eventually fall in love again without insecurities.
Bowman achieves all this in a chronological order, from the viewport of a young girl, an insecure young adult and eventually a hardened and strong woman after all the ups and downs in life. Therefore, after reading the relatively short volume, it feels like we have embarked on an entire journey along with her.
Please consider reading it!! I can’t say for sure at the moment that it has ‘changed my life’, since I am not where I want to be yet and have many obstacles to overcome, but perhaps one day I will update this review when I have. I definitely feel like my mindset has become more positive after reading it though and I hope it continues.
Since I read it, some of the poems have become deeply ingrained within my brain, and I find solace and comfort in that others have also experienced the same emotions and situations. I feel empowered and hopeful that things will change, that I will overcome my past eventually. Furthermore, I think back to certain poems and chuckle when the exact same situation she describes proceeds to occur in my life. It’s almost like she predicted it would happen and wrote this book especially for us as a form of self help and advice. It isn’t just an internal monologue of thoughts, she also addresses the reader directly. Just by her writing, I can infer that she has gone through a lot in life, despite only being 34. I honestly look forward to her future poetry, since I’m sure she will describe the emotions one feels while progressing into middle age with rawness and refreshing candor.
Here is a list of just a few highly relatable experiences that L.E Bowman describes from a first and second person perspective, all of which are situations that we all encounter in life.
1. She alludes to heartbreak, toxic relationships, narcissistic abuse, childhood abuse, criticisms of our appearance by people who are supposed to want the best for you, and the resulting insecurities and anger we feel from all this.
2. She delves into the thoughts one might feel towards oneself and others during an eating disorder, and this is so incredibly important in my opinion.
3. She touches on the thoughts one has during the darkest depths of depression. As someone who has experienced depression many times, I find that her prose perfectly captures the feelings of hopelessness, resentment towards others for causing our trauma, and therefore in a way also our depression, the subsequent guilt we feel for blaming others, eventually the self hatred we feel towards ourselves for not being able to overcome our past.
4. One thing I didn’t expect to be described was the resigned attitude and fear we have towards letting new people in emotionally after our trust has been irreparably broken by people in the past.
5. She depicts existential crisis, not knowing what the purpose in our lives are, and the fears and doubts we have for our future.
6. It isn’t all negative though. She also describes very positive experiences such as falling in love, the intense emotions and infatuation we feel during that. It gives me hope that I can eventually fall in love again without insecurities.
Bowman achieves all this in a chronological order, from the viewport of a young girl, an insecure young adult and eventually a hardened and strong woman after all the ups and downs in life. Therefore, after reading the relatively short volume, it feels like we have embarked on an entire journey along with her.
Please consider reading it!! I can’t say for sure at the moment that it has ‘changed my life’, since I am not where I want to be yet and have many obstacles to overcome, but perhaps one day I will update this review when I have. I definitely feel like my mindset has become more positive after reading it though and I hope it continues.
April 12, 2021
5 stars
Reading poetry is a very subjective endeavor, subject to moods and emotional states. I cannot say that I would have loved these poems as much if I had been in a different state of mind. Be that as it may, I read them now and I rate poetry books by looking at the number of poems I saw myself in, about the number of lines that found an echo in my chest and twisted my guts with emotion.
A lot of these poems resonated with me, within me. Those about grief, about sorority, about the nature of our beings, about the love and self-love that feed us, about that fire inside us. This book fueled and inspired me so it is only fitting that I give it five stars.
But then I realized
that the earth itself
is built
on fire.
Reading poetry is a very subjective endeavor, subject to moods and emotional states. I cannot say that I would have loved these poems as much if I had been in a different state of mind. Be that as it may, I read them now and I rate poetry books by looking at the number of poems I saw myself in, about the number of lines that found an echo in my chest and twisted my guts with emotion.
A lot of these poems resonated with me, within me. Those about grief, about sorority, about the nature of our beings, about the love and self-love that feed us, about that fire inside us. This book fueled and inspired me so it is only fitting that I give it five stars.
October 5, 2021
A friend passed this book along to me and I am forever thankful she did. This is such a beautiful collection of empowering and inspiring poems. Poetry is not my usual go to but I’ve kept this book by my bedside and read a few pages every night before bed. Her words were so melodious yet articulate and captured so many of my own thoughts and feelings. It was so raw and relatable and I felt the poems in my soul. Poetry is subjective, and as I grow and my thoughts/life experience changes I might not connect to this book as strongly, but I truly think there are poems in here for every girl no matter what stage of life she finds herself in.
August 3, 2025
I love a poetry book nown again but I think its hard to find one that you really like due to different preferences of writing style, topics and structure. For me, this writing style is the style that I like and find easiest to understand the poems. However, I found that alot of the poems were abit basic and didn't really create any feelings for me. I think poems are supposed to be moving and grabbing and I didn't feel that with this poetry book unfortunately. But, for someone else these poems may be really capturing and relatable so I think its all down to preference really.
So for those reasons im giving it a
2.5/5💚
So for those reasons im giving it a
2.5/5💚
July 6, 2021
To be honest It feels wrong to give a rating to this collection because It was real and raw and i can respect that. some poems did feel like they were just rewrites of each other, but thats not a bad thing, sometimes we just need to express the same things over and over because they are important and need to be said in as many different ways as possible. I particularly loved the poems in the last section 'the woman'. Definitely worth a read especially if you are in bit of a reading slump, it gave me goosebumps through out
July 2, 2022
I read this twice and will read it again and again and again.
This book made me take a breath many times, it’s impact stung and it was utterly relatable.
My heart felt the words as I read them.
This book should be read be everyone, life is a challenge and there are many many points highlighted as to how we can see a different view point. I love the quote
‘You are not here
to be loved’.
‘You are here to love’.
A very special book of poetry that is set out with intent to teach, touch and show the reader how pain is important in healing.
Thank you L.E. Bowman
This book made me take a breath many times, it’s impact stung and it was utterly relatable.
My heart felt the words as I read them.
This book should be read be everyone, life is a challenge and there are many many points highlighted as to how we can see a different view point. I love the quote
‘You are not here
to be loved’.
‘You are here to love’.
A very special book of poetry that is set out with intent to teach, touch and show the reader how pain is important in healing.
Thank you L.E. Bowman
November 7, 2023
😮💨
Based on the quote I knew from this book I wasn’t expecting the beginning to be so heavy and relatable. Nearly every page of this book got me. Have you ever felt like a book was reading you?
I fully intend to go back through it with post it notes…for my therapy session tomorrow.
Do you know that Billie Eilish audio “it’s exactly how I feel, every lyric, you hear me? It’s about my life.” Pretty much sums this book for me.
Based on the quote I knew from this book I wasn’t expecting the beginning to be so heavy and relatable. Nearly every page of this book got me. Have you ever felt like a book was reading you?
I fully intend to go back through it with post it notes…for my therapy session tomorrow.
Do you know that Billie Eilish audio “it’s exactly how I feel, every lyric, you hear me? It’s about my life.” Pretty much sums this book for me.
July 23, 2019
I wish this book had a different title! The cover definitely doesn't do justice to the poems that you find inside. Its one of my all-time favorite poetry books. These poems saved me! Some of the poems are the perfect combination of sense and art meeting in words. I keep coming to this book. I'll be reading it for a LONG time!!
February 14, 2020
this book came to me when i needed it the most. i needed guidance and empowerment and that’s what this book gave to me. i found myself in this book and understood why i feel certain ways after reading it. this author does an incredible job of telling the evolution girls have to go through to truly love themselves.
May 10, 2021
An absolutely moving collection of poetry. Every piece went straight to the core of my heart. I needed this book something fierce and it delievered in every way I could have imagined. This is for all those who are hurting, who need to know that someone else out there understands their pain. Take this book and hold it close. You'll be visiting it time and time again, I promise.
December 27, 2021
immaculate. spectacular. magnificent.
this book spoke to me in so many different ways that i myself could never articulate into words. I’m going to share one of my favorite poems from it and leave it at that.
“do not teach me
my sexuality
is the greatest power i have
and then shame me
when i use it.”
this book spoke to me in so many different ways that i myself could never articulate into words. I’m going to share one of my favorite poems from it and leave it at that.
“do not teach me
my sexuality
is the greatest power i have
and then shame me
when i use it.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews