Sun Shining on Morning Snow
A Memoir of Identity, Loss, and Living Boldly
Embark on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery.
Sun Shining on Morning Snow is a fearless and deeply moving memoir that celebrates the power of authenticity, love, and resilience. Ingrid Hu Dahl, a mixed-race, queer woman, takes readers on an intimate journey through the challenges of self-discovery—navigating the weight of social, cultural, and familial expectations.
From her rebellious early days as a touring musician to her groundbreaking work at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls, Ingrid’s story is one of courage, defiance, and empowerment. She fights to carve out space for herself and others, embracing her truth despite the pressures that seek to silence her. Through love, loss, and an unbreakable connection to the fierce women before her—especially her mother—she ultimately finds reconciliation and the strength to live boldly in her identity. In grief, she discovers not just sorrow but also a deeper understanding of love, memory, and the invisible threads that connect past and present. She recalls her mother’s words about going through fire to become pure gold, a metaphor that takes on new meaning as she recognizes the parallels in their struggles—two women, generations apart, yet bound by resilience in the face of cultural and personal battles. Despite their differences, their journeys echo each other, revealing the strength they both carried and the ways they were more alike than she ever realized. She comes to see the power in her own—in the name her mother gave her, Sun Shining on Morning Snow, a reflection of transformation, a crystalline purity shaped by both fragility and strength, ever-changing yet luminous in its own becoming.
At once lyrical and badass, Sun Shining on Morning Snow is a testament to the radical act of being seen on your terms. Perfect for readers seeking inspiration, representation, and the courage to step fully into their own light, this memoir is a rallying cry for anyone who has ever struggled to claim their place in the world.
Reviews
Sun Shining on Morning Snow is a profound and beautifully told exploration of mixed-race identity, resilience, and belonging. Ingrid Hu Dahl captures the nuanced experience of growing up between cultures with honesty and grace, offering a powerful reminder that being mixed is not about division—it’s about the strength of embodying two worlds. A must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complex realities of being mixed and navigating identity in a world that often demands simplicity.
Sun Shining on Morning Snow is a visceral look at identity and the harrowing journey so many of us traverse to find belonging. Ingrid Hu Dahl’s vivid imagery and unflinching willingness to bare her soul allows us a rare opportunity to see the world through her eyes. Through this lens, we simultaneously see the beauty of our differences and the heartbreaking rejection of those identities within our communities, our families, and even ourselves. This beautifully written book is a must-read portrait of the complexities of being human.
Sun Shining on Morning Snow isn’t just a memoir—it’s a heartfelt journey of resilience, identity, and love. As a fellow half-Asian, I saw my own reflections in Ingrid Hu Dahl’s story, her words shining with honesty and warmth. She invites readers to laugh, grieve, and grow alongside her, offering a powerful testament to belonging and self-discovery. This book is a gift for anyone seeking a deeper connection to themselves and the world around them. Profoundly moving and beautifully told, it will stay with you long after the final page.
$24.95 CAD • $19.95 USD
Published JUNE 11TH, 2025
PAPERBACK, EBOOK, AUDIOBOOK