ONE GOOD REASON
A Memoir of Addiction and Recovery, Music and LOVE
A 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.
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“Séan is such an inspiring individual with his unique ability to reach each of us through his music. I see that as a gift. I admire his courage and also knowing that to be able to help others, we must be strong ourselves. Séan sincerely connects with people by speaking the TRUTH and I am so grateful for our friendship.”
— Sheldon Kennedy, Former NHL Hockey Player & Founder of Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre Calgary
Séan McCann
Séan is a founder of the iconic Canadian band Great Big Sea and an Order of Canada recipient for his advocacy of those living with mental health and addiction issues. He has spent the past seven years touring the country as a musical keynote speaker singing and sharing his story with front line workers, teachers, students, patients, inmates, veterans, and anyone who has been affected by addiction or abuse. After drinking heavily for over 30 years to numb the pain of childhood sexual abuse, and hiding his dark secret in the drinking songs of one of Canada’s favourite party band, today Séan is sober, he is a survivor, and he has found his true voice.
Andrea Aragon
Andrea and Séan found each other in 2002. The daughter of a Vietnam War veteran and the fiercely loving mother, Andrea had battled depression, eating disorders, a suicide attempt, her own heavy drinking, and a divorce by the time she was just 26 years old. She was broken but resilient. Together, Séan and Andrea have survived through the stormy waters of addiction with 2 boys, 2 dogs, 2 cats, and an inspirational story for the ages that they hope will help others to help themselves.