A Moving Memoir

Adding My First Memoir to My Lending Library

I’ve just added my first memoir to my bookcase and what a heart-stirring introduction to the genre it turned out to be.

As my new colleague, ChatGPT, explains:
A memoir is a form of nonfiction where the author reflects on personal experiences and memories, typically focusing on specific events, themes, or periods in their life—rather than recounting their entire life story, as an autobiography does.

That definition came to life for me through The Migrant Rain Falls in Reverse by Vinh Nguyen, released on April 8, 2025, ahead of the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon.

Nguyen was one of the many Vietnamese “boat people”, refugees who fled the country by sea after the fall of Saigon in 1975. Alongside his mother and siblings, he escaped in a crowded boat, part of the mass exodus of those seeking safety and freedom across dangerous waters. His father fled separately and then vanished without a trace. The memoir traces not only Vinh’s harrowing escape but also the emotional terrain of absence, longing, and inherited memory.

The Migrant Rain Falls in Reverse contains all the key features of a memoir: it’s written from Vinh’s perspective, it focuses on his memories and reflections, and it shows, often through dialogue, how personal experiences shape an individual, through offering lessons and insights.

Nguyen himself describes the memoir in this way: “It begins with memory and it moves forward. As it moves forward, it hits the limits of memory. And so increasingly, the book becomes speculative. I moved towards thinking about what could have been—what did I want to have happened?”

I discovered The Migrant Rain Falls in Reverse through the Amnesty Book Club, which featured it in celebration of World Refugee Day on June 20th.

Amnesty also hosted an online interview with Vinh Nguyen offering listeners a thoughtful, vulnerable conversation that adds even more depth to the memoir’s reading experience. With Amnesty’s permission, I’m sharing the link to the recorded interview with Vinh Nguyen here.

If you’ve ever wondered how personal memory and historical events intersect on the page, this memoir is a beautiful, poignant place to start.

P.S. For those interested here is the link to join the Amnesty Bookclub.

-Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ

image: Nathan Dumlao/unsplash

Feeling Foolish

Have you ever asked a question, only to instantly regret it the moment you heard the answer? That was me, one afternoon in Yellowknife, back in the spring of 1996.

I was chatting with George Erasmus, a respected Dene leader, in the staffroom of the high school where I taught. At the time, just days before our conversation, Governor General Roméo LeBlanc had announced the Government’s intention to create a national celebration of Indigenous peoples, to be held annually on June 21st. It was to be called National Aboriginal Day. Years later, in 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would rename it National Indigenous Peoples Day, to reflect the growing preference for the term Indigenous, both nationally and internationally.

Trying to connect with George and make conversation, I asked, “Why was June 21st chosen?” He gave me a quick, matter-of-fact response: “It’s the summer solstice. A day of traditional significance to us.” I winced inwardly at my own ignorance. “Of course,” I replied, quietly.

George went on to explain the significance of the longest day of the year, a tradition held by his people and numerous Indigenous communities across the land for generations. A time for renewal, spiritual connection, and honoring tradition.

That day in 1996 is a reminder to me of how much I must learn and how important it is to ask questions and even to appear foolish to grow in understanding.

George’s explanation stayed with me. I was reminded of his words when reading how the Government of Canada acknowledges this day, “National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. For generations, many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities have celebrated their cultures, languages, and traditions at this time of year. The summer solstice holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for many Indigenous Peoples, marking a time of renewal, connection, and celebration.”

On June 21st, I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to view and celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada. One great way to do this is by viewing the broadcast of Indspire Awards.  You can watch them on CBC at 7 PM and APTN at 8 PM on June 21, 2025.

As noted, online, “the Indspire Awards celebrate the highest honour the Indigenous community bestows upon its own people. After 31 years, the Indspire Awards have honoured over four hundred First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievement across Turtle Island and beyond. Their stories are shared in a nationally broadcast celebration that highlights the diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada.”

Let us keep listening, learning, and celebrating Indigenous communities, even if it means feeling foolish first.

-Sister Nancy Wales, csj

Image: Ant Rozetsky/Unsplash

Confessions of a Proud Leseratte

My German friend affectionately teases me that I am a bookworm, or as she would say, a “Leseratte,” translated as a “reading rat.” Not to sound disparaging, she quickly adds that this rodent is a playful creature who reads constantly.

Lately, I have taken notice of how frequently book titles and story settings center around places that serve as abodes, whether permanent or temporary to books. These homes are libraries, bookstores, or crowded bookshelves. This is not surprising, since writers are often avid readers themselves. As a book addict, I am aware of the irresistible attraction of used bookstores, second hand stores, library catalogs, or local rummage sales. In multiple ways, these special spaces draw me in just as surely as a confectionary would entice a chocolate lover.

I find myself resonating with Jorge Luis Borges’ vision when he says, “I have always imagined paradise will be a kind of library.” I can catch a glimpse of eternal joy in his picturesque imaging.

“I have always imagined paradise will be a kind of library.”

— Jorge Luis Borges

In a world that often moves too fast, bookish spaces invite us to slow down, explore, and connect. They offer refuge, inspiration, challenges, and comfort. For those of us who cherish them, they are little gems of paradise.

-Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ

“At a time when our discourse seems so sharply polarized... books have always been a way for me to slow down and absorb the world.”

— Barack Obama

Leisure Reads

“The thing about books,’ she said, ‘is that they help you to imagine a life bigger and better than you could ever dream of.”
― Evie Woods, The Lost Bookshop

For many of us, one of the pleasures of summertime is that it affords us more time for leisure reading. Just in case you are on the lookout for a new book or author, may I introduce you to Evie Woods. Evie Woods is the pen name of Evie Gaughan born in 1976 in Galway, Ireland. Though, perhaps we can claim some Canadian closeness  to her since before her writing career she studied business and marketing and lived in Canada in her twenties.

Evie Woods is an author who truly understands the transformative magic of storytelling. However, not wanting to be a spoiler, but wanting to entice you to go in search of “The Lost Bookshop” by Evie Woods, I quote Goodreads:

For too long, Opaline, Martha and Henry have been the side characters in their own lives. But when a vanishing bookshop casts its spell, these three unsuspecting strangers will discover that their own stories are every bit as extraordinary as the ones found in the pages of their beloved books. And by unlocking the secrets of the shelves, they find themselves transported to a world of wonder… where nothing is as it seems.

Copies of “The Lost Bookshop” can be found in your local library. I found a used copy on Amazon which I have shared with several others who have found it a good read. Evie Woods' other notable works include The Story Collector, and The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris.

Happy Reading!

-Sister Nancy Wales, csj

Feed My Strength: A New Way to See Ourselves

The other day the Greek yogurt Oikos tagline, “Feed My Strength” caught my attention. At first, the phrase struck me as counter to the usual human modus operandi. Most often, inner dialogue tends to center more around shortcomings, vulnerabilities, and areas for enrichment. This tagline advocates for a completely different approach. Instead of being overly conscious of my weaker suits, why not put greater attention on my strong suit?

It made me pause and wonder:

What if my personal strengths also deserve my attention?

What might happen if I shifted even slightly how I saw myself?

What if my strong, capable, and consistent parts need just as much attention and nourishment as the parts I'm trying to strengthen?

The more I reflected, the more sense it made. Recognizing my strengths is not about being boastful. It's about finding equilibrium, recognizing  and embracing my whole self, not focusing only on what needs improvement.

“Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t. ”

— Rikki Rogers

I then recalled a personal experience. Years ago, I took part in a summer leadership training program. In a particular class, the presenter wrote down and discussed all the internal skills that come into play before a single word is uttered. Skills like determining a purpose, forming ideas, understanding one’s audience, choosing one’s words, and constructing the message.

Formally, I often found myself shying away from speaking in public and feeling quite incapable of doing so. That day, to my surprise ranking myself on those inner speaking abilities, my score was quite respectable. I realized that I had never really valued those abilities before. Suddenly, I discovered I had been overlooking my strengths. I acknowledged that I had a good start in delivering an oral message. That shift in perspective made a significant difference. I became more confident. Not because I was suddenly “better,” but because I was finally recognizing and nurturing what was already strong within me.

““The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.””

— Carl Jung

Of course, I am still mindful of areas for improvement. However, I am becoming  more fully aware that my strengths and weaknesses are partners. All my personal traits deserve my attention. Thank you, Oikos, for the reminder that our strengths are worth feeding too.

Here’s  a question worth asking: What strength in you is quietly waiting to be fed?

-Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ

IMAGE: Vicky Sim/ @speckfechta | Unsplash