Hiraeth

"Hiraeth" [heer-eyeth] is a Welsh word that evokes a deep, often indescribable yearning for home, or the very essence of what home represents. In this poignant, sharp, and at times heart-wrenching memoir, Dan Morgan, a Welsh American from Pittsburgh, PA, opens up about the throes of addiction, struggling with sexual identity, and searching for a place to fit without abandoning himself. He shares the highs and lows of his life, touching on his conflicts with family and faith, as well as his adventures in stand-up comedy, Roller Derby, and his role as a Sociology professor. Morgan takes readers on a transformative path that examines the pain of hiding one's true self and the healing that comes from embracing vulnerability. With humor and heartache, he reveals the experiences and individuals that have shaped his life, highlighting the lessons learned along the way. This is a story of courage and resilience, a quest for belonging, and fighting for the right to belong. This may very well be your story. -- "Morgan's story stands out for its raw honesty. He balances uniquely careful attention to detail with a sincere tone, and we are invited into a space that feels safe because Morgan created that space for himself and others...The pacing allows readers to absorb Morgan's evolving sense of identity, and there is no question that his healing process was, and continues to be, hard-earned. But earned it is. This memoir is a testament to a life fully lived, and those who were lost but live on here." - Readers' Favorite "This memoir feels like a conversation over a cup of coffee. It's the kind of chat with a friend that has lasted hours longer than you intended, because you were both caught up in it. The story ebbs and flows through topics ranging from tales of bizarre coincidences to mental health, all while maintaining a companionable tone, but not losing depth and vulnerability." - Independent Book Review "Hiraeth: The Voice of Home will take readers on an emotional rollercoaster right alongside Morgan as he experienced his ups and downs with his family and his own life throughout the years. One must applaud him for finally grounding himself and making himself a valued member of society of which he could be proud." - Feathered Quill "While the details of the book are often harrowing, what stands out is Morgan's emotional honesty regarding his psychological trauma and journey toward self-acceptance." - Kirkus Reviews