Nate Dondis and memoirist Debra Levy discuss Nate’s memoir A Very Rich Man and the process of writing a memoir.

Longtime Falmouth resident Nate Dondis and his memoirist Debra Levy discuss the process of writing Nate’s life story, which resulted in a 150-page book for his family. In his book A Very Rich Man, Nate discusses his ancestors’ escape from the pogroms in Russia, growing up in Fall River, learning the retail business from his father, running the Empire Men’s Shop, and raising a family with his wife Edie. The two will discuss the process of writing and producing the book, the reasons for doing it, and the unanticipated benefits.

Research shows that there is a natural desire to reminisce later in life—a time of recapitulation, resolution, and review.  It is a time when people think about writing their life stories out of a desire to give back – to family, friends, and society. Have you ever wished that you knew more about your ancestors other than their names and birthplaces? What will future generations of your family know about you? This discussion is an opportunity to learn about the process of preserving your life stories—and a chance to hear Nate tell some of his. According to the 92-year-old Nate, his sequel is already in the works.