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Under Our Roof  By  cover art

Under Our Roof

By: Madeleine Dean, Harry Cunnane
Narrated by: Madeleine Dean, Harry Cunnane
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Publisher's summary

A congresswoman and her son reveal how he survived a 10-year battle with opioid abuse - and what their family’s journey to recovery can teach us about finding hope amid the unspeakable.

“Beautiful and inspiring.” (Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper - Book of the Week)

When Madeleine Dean discovered that her son Harry was stealing from the family to feed a painkiller addiction, she was days away from taking the biggest risk of her life: running for statewide office in Pennsylvania. For years, she had sensed something was wrong. Harry was losing weight and losing friends. He had lost the brightness in his eyes and voice, changing from a young boy with boundless enthusiasm to a shadow of himself, chasing something she could not see. Now her worst fears had come to light.

Under Our Roof is the story of a national crisis suffered in the intimacy of so many homes, told with incredible candor through the dual perspectives of a mother rising in politics and a son living a double life, afraid of what might happen if his secret is exposed. In this honest, bracing, yet ultimately uplifting memoir, they discuss the patterns of a family dealing with an unspoken disease, the fear that keeps addicts hiding in shame, and the moments of honesty, faith, and personal insight that led to Harry’s recovery.

In a country searching for answers to the devastating effects of opioids and drug abuse, Under Our Roof is a ray of hope in the darkness. It is not only a love story between mother and son but also an honest account of a pressing national crisis by a family poised to make a difference.

©2021 Madeleine Dean (P)2021 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“A riveting and inspiring story of a family confronting addiction.... Written with breathtaking courage and unadorned honesty, this account by Rep. Madeleine Dean and Harry Cunnane can help all families turn fear of this scourge into understanding, acceptance, and hope.” (Jennifer Palmieri, number one New York Times best-selling author of Dear Madam President)

“Through their honesty and bravery, Dean and Cunnane challenge stigma, encourage a strengthening of support systems, and provide hope to the millions of Americans who live with, or have loved ones who live with, substance abuse disorder every day.” (Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and First Lady Frances Wolf)

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Made me cry nearly every chapter. Fantastic!

I loved every part of this book. I love that they did their own narration. It is an amazing story of love in a family with a member fighting addiction that is all too common today. I love Madeleine Dean even more now. I didn't think that was possible.

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Great memoir

Harry and his mother offer hope through the pain of addiction and the joy of recovery. A beautiful story of a journey that is too often kept secret.

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Language of the Heart

Only another mother of a son or daughter with addiction could love this story as much as I did.
The fact that you write beautifully is an asset, however this level of gut level honesty could not be manufactured.
So much love.

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Too Many Politics

Good story but "Mad's" chapters bored me. I did not but this book to hear about her political career. It actually sounded more like the political career took precedence over Harry and his addiction. Great news that Harry is in recovery !

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Honest & inspiring

Madeleine & Harry tell their story with honesty, compassion & love. A relatable family story. Loved it!

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Honest to the bone

Amazingly beautiful book describing the pain of addiction for the addict and their family & friends. Recovery needs to take place for all involved, not just for the addict. The honesty in this book is overwhelming. Kudos to Mom & son as they continue to trudge the road to happy destiny.

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PA family who found hope in this book

Relatable, honest, validating, inspiring. A story of struggle and fear, that with a thread of love throughout, resulted in a happy ending that brings hope to those who are experiencing a similar struggle and fear.

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So glad that Harry has been successful

My young friend, DG was one who sadly didn't make it. I am glad that this story was different. It takes a lot of guts to write a story about such a horrible disease. thank you for being brave.

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75% Battle and Recovery / 25% Mom's Career

The story of the young man's battle and recovery was great. The book is a back-and-forth from the son's story to the mother's side of the story. I did not know that a portion of the book was devoted to his mother's political career in the Democratic party. While some may be interested in a book devoted to her personal career, I didn't buy this book for that.

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