One Good Reason: A Memoir of Addiction and Recovery, Music and Love

by Sean McCann, Andrea Aragon

This deeply personal memoir, co-written by singer- songwriter, renowned mental health advocate, and recent Order of Canada recipient Séan McCann and wife Andrea Aragon leaves no stone unturned. Detailing in powerful and lyrical prose a Newfoundland childhood indoctrinated in strict Catholic faith, the creation of the wildly successful Great Big Sea, and the battle with alcoholism that nearly cost them everything, McCann and Aragon offer readers a story of reaching international fame and finding rock bottom. Most of all, this book is an honest, raw, and inspiring tribute to embracing the belief that we are all worth saving.

At the heart of this insightful coming-of-recovery is McCann’s exploration of the root cause of his alcoholism; a secret he kept until 2014 when he came out as a survivor of sexual abuse. Aragon’s parallel narrative offers a rare and intimate spousal perspective, making the memoir a nuanced and complex portrait of the effects of addiction on family. Featuring lyrics from McCann’s celebrated solo career, personal colour photographs, and original drawings from visual artist Bee Stanton, One Good Reason is a rallying cry for holding on to the ones you love, helping yourself, and turning music into medicine.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2020

About the author

Sean McCann is a distinguished author and journalist. He has written more than 25 books covering a wide range of subjects ranging from roses to Irish history and sport. His main hobby is rose growing, for which he has been awarded many international prizes. He lives in Dublin and is the father of prize-winning author Colum McCann.

Reviews

[Susan Prager · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read and food for thought.

Giving us their backgrounds and how they moved through the hardness into the light, Gives one hope that all our secrets and struggles can be overcome. It moves you to think of your own journey, what you’ve lived with and if you’re where you should be or not yet there. It’s a tough read sometimes especially for survivors but it really makes you realize that you are stronger than you know.

[Teressa Mirault · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for anyone who has suffered with addiction or abuse and anyone who knows someone who has or is suffering. This book will open your eyes to how addiction and abuse affect not just the person suffering but those around them. It gives you a first-hand look at how important it is to face your problems head-on to be able to overcome them. And most of all, it makes you understand that you are not alone and you are stronger than you think.

[Brianna Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honest and raw

[Brandon St. Croix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very engaging and enjoyed the style of seeing both perspectives. Only issue is that a trigger warning would have been helpful.