Home of the Ashfall by John Jack G. Wigley

Home of the Ashfall does not only continue the author’s exploration of memory’s hidden layers, but also moves deeper down, almost touching bedrock. However, more than the deftly rendered humor in his narratives, Jack Wigley’s insights—drawn from his keen empirical observation of himself and others in given situations—go deep into the human core in all of us, our exasperating, endearing imperfections. As Wigley’s stories exemplify and evoke, we could rekindle the embers that light up the maze of memory. And we could track our way back to the core inhabited by the hopeful aspect of the persons we are: not perfect, but totally vulnerable to its human possibility.

From “Lighting up the Maze: An Introduction”
—Marjorie Evasco

Home of the Ashfall is another delightful, engaging read from John Jack Wigley, who gave us Falling into the Manhole. This memoir starts with the author’s getting lost, and ends with his finding home, the sacred space where he finds joy and fulfillment. Between getting lost and finding home, Wigley’s quest takes us to all the liminal regions—places in the world and places of the heart—that shaped him, making the journey emotional as well. He makes us laugh at his own foibles, weep over his narratives of loss and betrayal, hope that life gets better because his did, and still does. Jack Wigley is not only a gifted raconteur who can keep you turning the pages, but one with a high level of self-awareness who compels you to pause time and again, no matter how much you want to know what happens next, to savor his insights and reflect. Do yourself a favor–read this book.

—Susan S. Lara

More than merely a light, refreshing memoir, Home of the Ashfall is a narrative that carries the thread of the author’s previous book, and delivers a precious perspective that hardly enjoys coverage in Filipino literature. It is an easy and entertaining read, and the narratives are at turns gripping and colorful. Students from high school upward should read this book–not just as an example of the personal essay or memoir, but as a glimpse of our history and culture.

—Angelo R. Lacuesta