Under Our Roof

A Son's Battle for Recovery, a Mother's Battle for Her Son

By: Madeleine Dean, Harry Cunnane

Narrated by: Madeleine Dean, Harry Cunnane

A congresswoman and her son reveal how he survived a ten-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.

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, #1 New York Times bestselling 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

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.

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.

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.

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 !

Honest & inspiring

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