Earlier this month, Dr. Dan traveled to the U.S. to promote his recent book, “Breakaway: An Autobiography.” He attended three book signings in his home state of Iowa.
News of Dr. Dan’s return to the U.S. created local buzz, with particular excitement around his first-ever book. In a recent interview, Dr. Dan said the timeline of the book began over 20 years ago: “I’ve been to some pretty amazing places, and I’m not very good sleeping at night. The two of those things together told me I should write something.”
And so, his autobiography is a collection of these stories. Much of the book covers his childhood in Iowa, so it seemed fitting to host the book signings where a plethora of friends, family and local supporters could get an in-person account of his recent adventures.
The first book signing took place at an elementary school in Alton on September 10th. The local firemen cooked a pancake dinner for the guests as Dr. Dan presented on the Bairo Pite Clinic’s efforts in Timor-Leste.
The second event was held the following night in Sioux City, and the Betty Strong Encounter Center was the perfect venue to cultivate learning and storytelling. Guests could continue the discussion on Dr. Dan’s talk amongst each other or meander through the center’s exhibits.
The third and final book signing took place in Cedar Falls on September 13th in the town’s public library. Live music charged the room, and refreshments were provided from the Laughing Tree Cafe.
The events were a huge success and were organized by Dr. Dan’s sisters, Maureen Murphy and Ann O’Fallon, and long-time friend, Leon Koster. Despite the short trip and having a wonderful reunion with his family and friends, Dr. Dan was eager to get back to work in Timor-Leste. The profits from the book signings will be donated to the Bairo Pite Clinic.
“Everything I do is for the people of Timor-Leste,” Dr. Dan says. “My book is just another way of sharing their story, and of course, the proceeds will be tremendous help to the clinic.”
Photo credit: Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and Betty Strong Encounter Center
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