As National Memoir Writing Month spotlights the power of personal storytelling, 88-year-old Armenian-American author Shahen Guiragossian demonstrates that it is never too late to share one's life experiences. His debut memoir, The Hawk, reflects on themes of survival, heritage, and hope, emphasizing that lived experience can serve as a lasting legacy.
Guiragossian, born to survivors of the Armenian Genocide, grew up surrounded by silence and unspoken grief. The Hawk traces his journey from inherited trauma to a life built on loyalty, love, and perseverance. The memoir serves as both an immigrant's story and a universal reflection on family, identity, and healing. 'Resilience runs in our blood. My parents had it, I had it, and I hope others see that they have it too,' Guiragossian said.
Part refugee memoir, part testament to brotherhood and chosen family, The Hawk captures a lifetime of endurance—from rebuilding after loss to finding meaning in later life. Written in his eighth decade, the memoir underscores that stories of survival deepen with age. Guiragossian donates proceeds from the book to the Armenian Relief Society and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, honoring his family's heritage and the memory of his nephew lost in the September 11 tragedy.
The book is available on Amazon in paperback, hardcover, and eBook formats. For interviews, review copies, or speaking inquiries, contact thehawkmemoir@gmail.com.
