88-Year-Old Author's Debut Memoir Highlights Resilience and Heritage During National Memoir Writing Month

As National Memoir Writing Month highlights the importance of personal storytelling, 88-year-old Armenian-American author Shahen Guiragossian demonstrates that age is no barrier to sharing powerful life experiences through his debut memoir The Hawk. The book serves as both a personal testament and a broader commentary on resilience, heritage, and the enduring human capacity for healing across generations.

Guiragossian's story carries particular significance given his background as the child of Armenian Genocide survivors. Growing up surrounded by silence and unspoken grief, his memoir traces the journey from inherited trauma to building a life grounded in loyalty, love, and perseverance. The author emphasized the intergenerational nature of resilience, stating, "Resilience runs in our blood. My parents had it, I had it, and I hope others see that they have it too."

The memoir combines elements of refugee narrative with reflections on brotherhood and chosen family, capturing a lifetime of endurance that spans from rebuilding after loss to finding meaning in later life. Written during his eighth decade, The Hawk challenges assumptions about when meaningful stories can be told, demonstrating that narratives of survival often gain depth and perspective with age rather than fading.

Beyond its literary merits, the book carries social significance through its charitable mission. Guiragossian donates proceeds from book sales to both the Armenian Relief Society and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, creating connections between his family's heritage and contemporary tragedy through the memory of his nephew lost in the September 11 attacks. This dual dedication reflects the memoir's broader themes of honoring past struggles while addressing present needs.

The publication's timing during National Memoir Writing Month underscores the importance of diverse voices in the literary landscape, particularly those representing immigrant experiences and intergenerational trauma. As readers seek authentic stories of survival and hope, Guiragossian's work offers insight into how personal narratives can bridge cultural divides and foster understanding across generations.

The Hawk is available through multiple formats on Amazon, while additional information about the author and his work can be found on his official website at https://www.thehawkmemoir.com. The memoir's publication represents not just a personal achievement for its octogenarian author but contributes to broader conversations about memory, legacy, and the power of storytelling to transform individual experience into universal wisdom.