A true story of rebellion,
resilience and revival. A memoir of the risks
taken to save a loved one.

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About the Book

Holly Cohen’s coming-of-age true life story is one of constant instability, continually shifting her identity to match her surroundings — from Hollywood's urban city life to the California coast, correctional facilities, even drug dens, to the bright lit stages of the Los Angeles music scene, and eventually to realms she never knew existed.

How she instinctively builds her beautiful world, foundational wealth of knowledge and finds the gold of life, is truly the magic from what only the path less traveled could bring her.

Through the comfort and betrayal of family, the joys and sorrows of friendship, and the passion and desertion of lovers, she slowly learns that she must be true to herself, whoever that may be.

It is only when she’s pulled under that she can hear the silence, and only in that silence that she can hear herself. I Once Drowned is a story of rebellion, resilience, and rebirth.

I thought back to trips to Venice with my dad and Susan just a few years ago; I remembered all the teenagers lounging along the boardwalk. They had looked weathered but free, laughing back and forth carelessly as if they had all the time in the world. They carried an attitude, despite the dirty clothing and unwashed hair, that they knew something more about the world than anyone else knew of.

I went to them.

Words from Holly

I was faced with a major choice in deciding to share my story. Would I keep the story to myself, or would I reveal what I had done and been through?

Relating my story meant I would sacrifice my pride and my need for approval from people. I may lose friends and family members, and experience judgments that I have lived without due to my silence. But that will also mean not hiding who I am.

Most who know me do not know these truths of my past. But I realized this was a selfish act. I have decided that if my narrative might help others, it would be worth telling.

As much of a screw-up as I was, I am proud of the hope I kept and the urge to want to share something bigger than myself. That was a piece of authenticity shining through suppression.

And for this, it is worth the sacrifice.

— Holly Cohen

Just as the Japanese fill the broken stones with gold, making the mended piece more valuable and stronger than before, as did I, filling the broken parts of myself with something better, wiser and more compassionate.

A valuable read!
Beautifully written, poignant yet uplifting story.

Google Books review

An intense journey of discovery.
A powerful and affecting coming-of-age story.

Amazon Books review

I was captivated from the beginning.
The struggles Holly goes through were so real, so personal.

Reader review

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Meet the Author

Leanna Bright

L.A born and raised, Leanna Bright has been writing short stories and poems since she was eleven years old, tucking them away in the far corners of drawers, never to be seen — until now. Leanna refers to herself as a self-taught writer, having received her experience directly from life. Her focus has always been on unheard voices with a tender authenticity. She is a music producer, artist, songwriter, a loving wife, and a mother to a beautiful boy.

I Once Drowned is Leanna's first book.

Supporting Charities

In honour of the important topics raised in the book, I Once Drowned, Leanna Bright will donate 10% of sales to the following charities and communities.