Rhododendron, Rhododendron welcomes you into the world of a young girl desperate for love, beauty, and an escape from the excruciating ennui of growing up. As intimate as a diary, but far less honest, Rhododendron, Rhododendron reads as a dark comedy and a pop-art anthem, sprinkled with references from Gregory Peck to Linda Manz. Parker Love Bowling’s debut poetry collection takes you on a journey that transcends time as she navigates her feelings about old lovers, old films, old men, and impending womanhood. Though as bleak as the words on the pages may be, Bowling does everything in her power to retain the writing’s beauty, as well as her own.