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Basements & Blossoms: A Few Recollections of the Ugliness That Made My Life Beautiful
Life can be an up and down battle and it is in our most challenging times that we struggle to find motivation to stay on the roller coaster ride and prove, not only to yourself but to onlookers as well, that we are indeed capable and resilient. In this motivational and inspiring memoir, Lana shares stories of her life that are fitted with unending lessons about facing the battles of the world. In a break from your traditional self-help books, Basements & Blossoms: A Few Recollections of the Ugliness That Made My Life Beautiful, provides empowering messages of self-discovery and personal growth while glancing at Lana’s own personal journey. You won’t forget the poignant true story of determination and a human spirit resolved to overcome!
184 pages, Paperback
Published May 18, 2020
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About the author
Lana Reid
4 booksLana Reid is an award-winning author, media host, and founder of Conversations in Color, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) grassroots organization dedicated to creating uplifting, community-building spaces of dialogue for Black voices. She is also the creator and host of The Male Perspective, home of the acclaimed Black Men Matter Series, which amplifies authentic stories and voices often overlooked. In addition, Lana facilitates Sistas Rebuilding Sisterhood, an intergenerational community of Black women focused on connection, healing, and empowerment.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 27, 2020
At its core, this is a story about coping. It’s about grieving and healing, and all the steps and missteps in between. What I liked most about Lana’s story is how relatable It is, despite her having gone through something I couldn’t imagine.
Love, racism, career exploration, mental health and depression, and even dating after 40 are all experiences she talks about, and I found myself nodding as I read and got her take on things I, myself, have also experienced. I think a lot of not only women, but people in general, will be able to relate to most of what she’s been through. At the end, my take on a lot of what I’ve read about Lana, and what I’ve personally been through, is: we’ve all been there, and we’re not alone.
She goes back into to her childhood in some parts and it’s interesting to hear how she relates certain things from then to what she was going through, and the decisions she’s made, as an adult. And I love that she even added a few photos throughout.
The story is very anecdotal and each chapter reads like its own small story. It made it a fast read but in moments, it did feel a bit disjointed. There were also certain parts of the story where I wish I’d gotten more. Certain situations I would have loved to hear about in more detail. But I do understand the focus on this book, so maybe I’ll get more of those details in the next one, or even go back to one of her previous works.
I would especially recommend this story to anyone who is dealing with the aftermath of losing someone important. If you’ve ever felt like no one understands what you’re going through, I think you’ll definitely find comfort in this book, and hopefully motivation to keep pushing.
Love, racism, career exploration, mental health and depression, and even dating after 40 are all experiences she talks about, and I found myself nodding as I read and got her take on things I, myself, have also experienced. I think a lot of not only women, but people in general, will be able to relate to most of what she’s been through. At the end, my take on a lot of what I’ve read about Lana, and what I’ve personally been through, is: we’ve all been there, and we’re not alone.
She goes back into to her childhood in some parts and it’s interesting to hear how she relates certain things from then to what she was going through, and the decisions she’s made, as an adult. And I love that she even added a few photos throughout.
The story is very anecdotal and each chapter reads like its own small story. It made it a fast read but in moments, it did feel a bit disjointed. There were also certain parts of the story where I wish I’d gotten more. Certain situations I would have loved to hear about in more detail. But I do understand the focus on this book, so maybe I’ll get more of those details in the next one, or even go back to one of her previous works.
I would especially recommend this story to anyone who is dealing with the aftermath of losing someone important. If you’ve ever felt like no one understands what you’re going through, I think you’ll definitely find comfort in this book, and hopefully motivation to keep pushing.
September 19, 2020
I think Reid delivers her lifetime recollections in a way that we feel that we are on a journey with her from the basement to blossoming into her season of maturity and contentment. This story is not just for those who live life experiencing the joys and fears of being Black in America, it is for all who want to open their inner selves up to transformation. I will be recommending this book to all.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews