Stones, Flowers, and Lessons Learned

by Alejandra Acuña

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

370 pages, Paperback

Published April 25, 2025

Reviews

[MrsKing Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is long overdue. When my favorite graduate school professor, turned amiga, turned writer, released her book, I knew I had to get my copy ASAP… like last year!
Reading Stones, Flowers and Lessons Learned took me right back to sitting in Alex’s lectures, admiring her authenticity, passion, resilience, and depth of knowledge. This book is truly a treat for the soul. As always, I closed every chapter with little gifts, insights and practical tips I can apply to my life right now.
More than anything, this book is a powerful reminder to trust the process, love yourself, and unapologetically release anyone or anything that doesn’t align with becoming your best self.

[Michelle Bautista]

THIS BOOK IS AMAZING! I could not put it down. Author pours her alma into this book, and I felt so many emotions. This book is soul food, its comida hecho a mano para atenderte and hug you. I still to this day say, "I come in peace, but do not fuck with me". -THE BEST!
Love the prompts, love the vulnerability here, love the practical advice.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I’m currently going through a life transition, and I found myself deeply relating to the author’s experiences. Alejandra Acuña writes with honesty and reflection, especially about the connection between our mothers’ stories and our own journeys as mothers. Her insights felt both personal and universal. This was a meaningful and heartfelt read that left me feeling seen and inspired.

[Yonder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely a tearjerker and healing book.

[bookswithmari · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who doesn’t usually read self-help books I wasn’t sure what to expect, but to my surprise I absolutely loved it. Dr. Acuña made me feel seen in a way very few authors have and I haven’t stopped talking about this book to everyone around me since. I’m excited to continue using the tools and lessons from the book throughout my own growth and healing journey🩷

[Jackie Lomeli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stones, Flowers, and Lessons Learned is one of those books that doesn’t just speak to you. It sits beside you, holds space for you, and gently reminds you who you were before life got loud. Alejandra Acuña weaves research, lived experience, and cultura into a powerful blend of storytelling and guided reflection that feels both grounding and deeply personal.

I loved the way she uses the metaphor of stones and flowers to capture the messy, non-linear nature of healing. Some days we’re carrying weight we don’t talk about, and other days we’re blooming without even realizing it. Acuña honors both with so much compassion. Her writing feels like a rebozo of resilience, care, and wisdom handed from one mujer to another.

The workbook elements add so much value. This isn’t a passive read. It’s an invitation to pause, breathe, reflect, and step forward with intention. I felt seen in the way she writes about fear, softness, strength, and the right to take up space. There are lines in here that I know I’ll return to again and again.

A beautiful and empowering read for mujeres, seekers, healers, and anyone on a journey to reconnect with themselves. I’m grateful this book exists, and even more grateful that it found me at the right time.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book on healing, I love the approach Alejandra takes. As a therapist myself, I appreciate the combination of story telling, neuroscience, ancestor wisdom, and practical tools provided. Highly recommend for anyone who may be feeling a little lost and/or alone.

[Pilar Buelna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, heartfelt storytelling that touches every aspect of the Chicana experience- motherhood, wife, daughter. Loved, loved the journey to choosing self.

[Jessie Cardiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was deeply healing, reflective, and affirming. From the very beginning, it was easy to follow and incredibly engaging as a reader. Gracias for your vulnerability and humility throughout your writing. Your passion and intentionality are evident in the way you navigate family dynamics with such kindness and care.

One of the moments that resonated with me most was your interaction with your mother, which beautifully highlighted the importance of advocacy, cultural resilience, and the strength found within our roots. This book serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of honoring our ancestors and the histories that shape us.

Gracias, Doctora Acuña, for creating such a meaningful and heartfelt work, and for weaving in the language and stories that reflect our culture so authentically. I would highly recommend this book to anyone exploring identity, healing, and connection to our roots.

[Janette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an amazing book where Alejandra Acuña perfectly blends together complex ideas into one body. I fell in love with how she used a public health perspective of integrating mind, body, soul, culture, and science! It reminded me and helped me realize how important it is to tell our stories, written and orally. The power our stories hold when we speak them is remarkable. This book also inspired me to make an ice breaker with stones where we write a word that represents a challenge or burden that we are ready to let go of. Thank you for this amazing piece of artwork Doctora!

[Ellie Kazemi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much I ended up sharing it with 10 friends because it stayed with me in a quiet but powerful way. The ritual of stones and flowers felt especially meaningful! What a simple, physical way to represent the weight we carry and the beauty we cultivate in our lives.
Alejandra Acuna brings a strong therapeutic lens, but what makes the book resonate is how she weaves in her own experiences as a daughter, a mother, and a woman. It feels like she gently guides you through reflection. Grounding, introspective, and deeply spiritual.

[Elsy Rosado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stones, Flowers, and Lessons Learned by Dr. Alejandra Acuña is one of those books that feels like you are sitting down having a conversation with a close friend. It’s comforting, honest, and relatable.
Alejandra had me crying, laughing, and engaged from start to finish. Her words are full of heart and truth, it's learning, healing, and connection. After each chapter I felt lighter, seen, and inspired.
This book stayed with me long after I finished it and honestly, it left me wanting more.

[Rosa Arias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stones, Flowers, and Lessons Learned felt like one of those books you don’t rush through, you sit with. As a therapist, I appreciated how it holds both pain and growth without trying to fix or fast-forward the process. This book names patterns, wounds, and insight in a way that feels real and grounded. And personally, it gave me moments to pause and reflect on my own experiences with a little more compassion.

[Liliana Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Flowers, Stones, and Lessons Learned, Alejandra Acuña invites us into her most intimate reflections. As a Latina, therapist, and mother, I recognized myself in her journey, and her words carried both tenderness and truth. The emotional rawness of her storytelling is captivating, leaving echoes that stay with you long after closing the book.

[Maribel Robles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a powerful read!! Deep gratitude to Dr. Acuña for creating a book that blends and weaves the professional with the personal. A real testimony to the beauty of what happens when we integrate all parts of ourselves. Reading her stories inspires me to continue showing up in the mental health field, our voices are so needed!!

[Ryan Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This engaging book grabbed me at the first page. It's beautifully written, hilariously honest, and inspiring on many levels. On top of this, the physical book itself is a joy to hold and read, sized perfectly and with optimal font. I hope Dr. Acuña publishes more books in the future! I'll be sure to read those as well.

[Matt Gerlach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stones, Flowers, and Lessons is an incredible story and distillation of Alejandra's life into a usable form. It's been a while since I've read a book that I enjoyed this much and am just so grateful I met her and read this book! <3

[David Contreras · Rating 5 out of 5]

Critical experiences as told by Dr Acuña. If they have not been previously experienced for mutual connection. Or if the simplistic terms of therapy are not understood then it will be a process to connect to the message.
Awesome read with Reflective prompts towards self development.

[Claudia Lira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Alejandra Acuña generously (and poetically) shares lessons on life to help us through difficult times. She's managed to condense research, her lived experience, the wisdom of her elders and our ancestors into her writing. A real gift for anyone to read.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book! I can’t even begin to describe how powerful it is. Storytelling and guide all in one. It’s like your best friend and therapist wrapped into one. I have bought it for all of the women in my life. It will heal parts of you that you didn’t even know needed healing. Read if!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across your book, stones and flowers and lessons learned. I could stop reading it I finished it in two days . Reading this book inspired me
Thank you so much for this book
Just know that it’s made me open up with a open heart
Thank you
A grateful reader ✨🩷

[Maribel Ceja · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful journey of reflection guided by a woman of wisdom. A must read for everyone 💗🙏🏽

[Ana Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book full of wisdom and personal experiences.

[Hector Palencia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stones, Flowers, and Lessons Learned is a heartfelt reminder that even our heaviest burden can blossom into growth, healing, and hope.

[Marcela Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it! Enjoyed the story the examples and exercises!!!

[MARISOL · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can hear my mom and abuela talking in this book but with science research to add to the fun. This book is for healing with a cafecito. Loved the stories and narratives of our sister!

[Iliamari Houston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped support me through a transitional period and has helped continue my healing journey. I felt seen, heard and not alone. I highly recommend Alejandra's book to everyone!

[Luz Chacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex is a great storyteller. The story of her mother in the first chapter of Stones, Flowers, and Lessons Learned moved me to tears. I loved the combination of stories, science, ancient wisdom and tools, which really speaks to who Alex is as a person and professional. I found the writing prompts especially helpful. It's a great read for anyone on a journey of growth and self-reflection.