Nimbus Publishing general manager, Terrilee Bulger, and managing editor, Whitney Moran, have acquired World rights to the memoirs of Great Big Sea founding member, singer-songwriter, mental health and recovery advocate, and recent Member of the Order of Canada, Séan McCann, co-written with his wife, Andrea Aragon.
In ONE GOOD REASON: A Memoir of Addiction and Recovery, Music and Love, McCann leaves no stone unturned, detailing a childhood indoctrinated in strict Catholic faith, the creation of the wildly successful Great Big Sea, his courtship and early marriage with Aragon, and the battle with alcoholism that nearly cost him everything.
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 childhood sexual abuse. Aragon’s parallel narrative offers a rare and intimate spousal perspective, making the memoir a nuanced and complex portrait of the effect of addiction on family.
Featuring lyrics from McCann’s celebrated solo career, photographs of his life and career, and original illustrations by visual artist Bee Stanton, One Good Reason is a powerful, inspiring story of holding on to the ones you love, helping yourself, and turning music into medicine.
Publication is slated for April 14, 2020. The deal was arranged by Samantha Haywood.