Kim Mooney

ABOUT THE Author

I am happy to call myself a writer!

– KIM MOONEY

With my first published story in 1970 came a prize—a typewriter. A few short stories and a series of poems were written on that machine and then it was set aside in a drawer. My career has been an eclectic one since then, moving between teaching and hospital administration and back to teaching. No time for writing. When I retired in 2018, time and space opened in front of me.

The typewriter was replaced with my computer and I thought-let’s see what might happen! My first book Hidden Daughter-Secret Sister: A Story of Adoption was released in October 2020. My second book, AFTER: Stories of Resilience is finished and waiting to take flight.

ABOUT IN AN INSTANT: STORIES of RESILIENCE AND COURAGE

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A remarkable journey of resilience and courage through the eyes of nine wonderful storytellers.

I have always been fascinated with the concept of resilience-what is it and where does it come from? I studied what the experts said and I taught the ideas in my graduate school classes. In truth those classroom experiences were really discussions with no definitive answer. I continued to wrestle with my own thoughts and my curiosity grew. And the idea for this book was born. I realized through my musing that I knew resilient people and I wanted to write their stories-share them with the world.

This book recounts the stories of nine ordinary people whose lives changed- IN AN INSTANT– forever. These are their stories of how resilience and courage helped them find a way forward. Each story is unique and how resilience and courage emerged is equally unique.

Experts in the field of reliance and courage talk about key factors that support a resilient nature. Having a good circle of friends, having a purpose in life, and understanding yourself are just a few. I learned that a sense of humour was also critical. Each person described at least one moment when laughter eased the sadness. And for a couple of my storytellers, belief in a higher power was essential. How and when these elements surfaced was different for each person. Being resilient reminded them that despite that tragic instant, their lives were worth living and they would find a path forward where the sun would shine again.

Available on Amazon, Indigo, Goodreads

What People Are Saying About “In an Instant”

...a compelling and heartfelt exploration of grief and sudden loss. Kim shares deeply personal stories that capture the raw emotions and challenges that arise when life changes in an instant. Her writing is both empathetic and insightful, offering readers comfort and a sense of connection as they navigate their own experiences with loss.

Sharon Farrish, Board Member, Heron Hospice Society

...a deeply moving collection of short stories that offers a profound look into the lives of those who have faced unimaginable loss and rebuilt their worlds. Each narrative, shared with remarkable generosity and trust, provides an intimate glimpse into the personal struggles and triumphs of individuals navigating life after tragedy. With compassion and sensitivity, Kim Mooney not only honors the storytellers and their loved ones, but also initiates essential conversations about the often unspoken aspects of grief and renewal. This book is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of sharing our most personal stories.

Laura Dixon, Board Member, Rotary Club of Tsawwassen, BC

ABOUT Hidden Daughter-Secret Sister, A Story of Adoption

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A powerful adoption memoir about one woman’s search for her birth family, and the surprising secrets she uncovers along the way.

“I began life as a mistake, and everything else about my birth was shrouded in secrecy,” writes Kim Mooney in this brave memoir about healing the emotional wounds of adoption.

From the outside, Mooney’s childhood would have seemed almost idyllic: loving parents, lively siblings, and a comfortable home. And yet, throughout her life, she was haunted by the knowledge that she had been given up at birth, and wrestled with the accompanying feelings of shame, confusion, and fear of rejection—emotions that are all-too familiar among adoptees.

With unflinching candour and self-awareness, Mooney recounts her journey from her life as an emotionally insecure child in 1950s Canada to a determined adult searching for her roots, and lays bare the deeply buried family secrets she uncovers along the way.

As Mooney works to untangle the shame, confusion, and anger that can accompany adoption, she deftly weaves in the experiences of other adoptees, providing valuable insight into the psychological repercussions of adoption and how they can be addressed.

A complex and engaging book full of surprising revelations, Hidden Daughter, Secret Sister offers insights for adoptees struggling with their sense of place, and opens a window for birth parents, siblings, friends, and others into the adoptee experience.

Available on Amazon, Indigo, Goodreads

What People Are Saying About “Hidden Daughter”

…a compelling and heartfelt exploration of grief and sudden loss. Kim shares deeply personal stories that capture the raw emotions and challenges that arise when life changes in an instant. Her writing is both empathetic and insightful, offering readers comfort and a sense of connection as they navigate their own experiences with loss.

Sharon Farrish, Board Member, Heron Hospice Society

…a deeply moving collection of short stories that offers a profound look into the lives of those who have faced unimaginable loss and rebuilt their worlds. Each narrative, shared with remarkable generosity and trust, provides an intimate glimpse into the personal struggles and triumphs of individuals navigating life after tragedy. With compassion and sensitivity, Kim Mooney not only honors the storytellers and their loved ones, but also initiates essential conversations about the often unspoken aspects of grief and renewal. This book is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of sharing our most personal stories.

Laura Dixon, Board Member, Rotary Club of Tsawwassen, BC

“I couldn’t put it down, I guess this is what you would call a rave review and you definitely deserve it, Wonderfully told and a real page turner, It was like sitting down with a friend for the afternoon and having them tell me their brutally honest and very brave story, It read like a good mystery. I also realized it will be such a comfort to all those adopted people who have been wrestling with like demons all their lives.

Megan Abbott, former owner and CEO, BC Woman’s Magazine

“Thoroughly enjoyed your book. So well written and fascinating story. Reads like a mystery, the reader learning your story as it unfolds in your real life.”

Kelley Riley, Vancouver, BC

“Today, adoption is sometimes an open process where all of the parties involved share in the story. And, as the child grows, it too learns about that story. But that wasn’t always the case. The adoptee’s birth parents and biological family was held as a closely held secret by the adoption agency. Any attempt to learn that history by the adoptee was met with a closed door. Hidden Daughter-Secret Sister reveals one person’s journey to find her biological family with all of the associated pain and joy. The book is a quick read that will leave the reader, especially an adopted person, thinking about their journey and how they are not alone in the search.”

David, Salt Lake City, Utah

“What an amazing book! It’s not an easy read, I laughed and cried! Having known Kim for a many year. I had no idea of what she had to go through to find out about herself, information that we all should have without question. It is truly an amazing effort, taking many years to get most of the answers, sadly not all. To feel rejected is such an awful feeling, and to live with it for most of your life, is quite a daunting thought (I have some experience of being rejected), Kim’s tenacity, persistence and drive is an indicator of the truly amazing person that she is. She is one of the easiest people I know to talk to, and one of the most genuine. I am a better person for having her in my life.”

Ellis Eaglesham, Scotland

Media

CBC LISTEN: THE HOMESTRETCH

Doug Dirks, Jenny Howe

Kim Mooney felt shame and rejection all her life, until she uncovered the secrets behind her adoption back in 1952. It involved a challenging journey of tracking down her biological mother in Calgary, meeting her half-sisters and sharing her story in a new book called “Hidden Daughter – Secret Sister”.

Aired: Jan. 25, 2021
CTV CALGARY: MORNING LIVE

JOELLE TOMLINSON

We talk to author Kim Mooney about the story of her adoption in the 1950s and where she is now.

Aired: Jan. 27, 2021
Edmonton AM

MARK CONNOLLY

Pushing past the secrecy: We’ll talk to an author of a new book about her journey to find her birthmother.

Aired: Jan. 28, 2021
CBC LISTEN

SHERYL MACKAY

In this episode you’ll hear author Kim Mooney talk about her new book.

Aired: Jan. 30, 2021 (Scroll to: 1:19:55 – 1:33:00)
Canada Now: SiriusXM

JEFF SAMMUT

SiriusXM’s Jeff Sammut interviews Kim Mooney, author of Hidden Daughter, Secret Sister: A Story of Adoption

Aired: Mar. 2, 2021
TEA. TOAST. & TRIVIA

REBECCA BUDD

Season 3 Episode 17: Kim Mooney on Hidden Daughter-Secret Sister, A Story of Adoption

Aired: April 26, 2021
Vancouver: News 1130

JOHN ACKERMAN

This week on #1130bookshelf, John Ackermann speaks with Kim Mooney, author of Hidden Daughter, Secret Sister: A Story of Adoption

Aired: Feb. 28, 2021