Familiar Roots

The way your life unfolds is partly within your control. But often the generational patterns that keep us stuck are hard to break. So, what have you done to arrive at where you are today?

In her debut poetry chapbook, Familiar Roots, Brenda Umana explores the subtle yet powerful question, "Who am I?" by first turning her curious gaze toward the generation before her.

The poem Mother's Womb sets the stage - the place where all of our stories begin. Through her bi-cultural lens, Brenda shares the various stages of self-discovery, love, belonging, and dignity. With each phase a new awareness awakens.