One Good Reason

This deeply personal memoir, cowritten 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 listeners a story of reaching international fame and finding rock bottom. Most of all, this audiobook 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, One Good Reason is a rallying cry for holding on to the ones you love, helping yourself, and turning music into medicine.