Book Ends: Memoirs, Preserving Our Lives, Experiences

By Bill Wilson

“Time is a river...and books are boats. Many volumes start down that stream, only to be wrecked and lost beyond recall in its sands. Only a few, a very few, endure the testings of time and live to bless the ages following.”― Rev. Joseph Fort Newton.

If books are boats floating on the river of time then the genre of memoirs is a sturdy craft that remembers, endures, and teaches. San Miguel’s Ellen Akerman has never stopped teaching, writing, or remembering. The Canadian author finds inspiration in Mexico, yoga-ing, practicing Spanish, eating mangoes and dancing wherever music is playing.  “I feel fortunate to have lived in the world of children, teaching more than 30 years in Ontario, Canada. I promised myself one day I will write.”

Her first book, Buddy’s Story, is a fictional memoir inspired by her courageous uncle, Bernard Akerman, who is given a voice to tell the story of his life during a time before cerebral palsy was understood. She says through this book she has “come to realize that writers can help to open hearts by sharing both sorrows and joys. I always loved to write and as a child my brother and I had fun writing our own magazines and newspapers.” And she adds, “as a teacher, I encouraged my young writers to put their thoughts on paper.  They published small picture books and celebrated with an author event.”

Her latest book Shirley's Story: A Life of Finesse, is the unexpected collaboration between her code-breaking Navy mother and daughter. 

How did she come to live in San Miguel? “I landed in San Miguel, like many people, first coming for a Mexican adventure and a  chance to get away from the Canadian winter. Every year I stayed a little longer and loved  attending the San Miguel Writers Conference for inspiration and where I met many new  friends."

"When Covid arrived, I decided to stay and that is when I realized that I was living here.  I love walking every day on the cobblestone streets, never tiring of its natural beauty. After commuting to school for 30 years it is freeing to live without a car.  I lived in a  rural area of Ontario so I enjoy having access to so many cultural events and the opportunity for trying new activities,” she concludes “I have taught English at the Bibliotheca to children and adults and I am hoping to volunteer again when I am not working on a book project."

What’s next for her?"I am finishing a children's story, “Innermost,” which is a fantasy adventure for ages seven to 11 with an environmental theme. It is a message of hope for “The Time Ahead” and the power of children."

Aurora Books News

Calling all book clubs! Aurora Books has a new initiative dedicated to supporting the community of book clubs in San Miguel.  Recognizing the role that these groups play in cultivating engaging discussions and a shared passion for reading, Aurora Books is offering its support in meaningful ways. As San Miguel's book clubs continue their exploration of literature, the store developing several resources designed to enhance activities. Book clubs interested in learning more about these opportunities and exploring a potential partnership with Aurora Books are invited to email aurorabookssma@gmail.com.

The bookstore on Calzada de La Aurora will be open (reduced summer hours through June 7) Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am to 1:30pm.

Book Club Notes

Local artist and Insiders’ contributor Pascual Hijuelos reports, “The San Miguel Men's Book Group was established in 2013, making it one of the first all men's book groups in San Miguel. The group convenes once a month at the residence of the book's sponsor, where the gathering commences with cocktails, followed by a sit-down dinner and a discussion of the selected book. In January, members each nominate three books of their choice, and the group votes to determine the book to be read.”

Biblioteca Pública Treasures 

Treasures to be found at the Biblioteca Pública include thousands of book titles in English and Spanish in the library’s bookshelves. But a real gem is found at the library’s Tesoros book/gift store located inside the Biblioteca Pública, with an entrance on Calle Insurgents. All purchases made at Tesoros gift store benefit the Biblioteca Pública programs that support education and encourage reading.

Bill Wilson, 20-year San Miguel resident has a journalism career spanning 50 years covering everything the UN to Cub Scout news. He’s also a weather buff and has been a first responder.