Customer Reviews

10 reviews

• Phong

  In this heartfelt and captivating memoir, Nini recounts her family’s escape from Vietnam to America, offering a personal and emotional perspective on the immigrant experience. Growing up in a small apartment in Saigon, the girl and her family faced numerous struggles during the tumultuous post-war years. Her father, seeking a better future, escaped first, leaving his family behind. Later, the author, along with the rest of her family, embarked on their own dangerous boat journey in search of freedom and a new life. The escape from Vietnam is a central and gripping part of the story. The author vividly describes the fear, uncertainty, and danger of their sea journey, drawing readers into the emotional and physical hardships her family faced. Her storytelling makes the reader feel the weight of every decision her family made, from the courage it took to leave their home in Saigon to the terrifying moments on the open water. Once in America, the family settles in Connecticut, where the young girl must start anew. Learning a new language and adjusting to a completely different culture at a young age is no easy task. Her struggles in school, but she worked hard to learn English, are portrayed with great honesty. The narrative takes a hopeful turn when, at the age of 12, her family moves to a larger house with a beautiful garden full of flowers and fruit trees. This house becomes a symbol of their hard-earned stability and success. This new home offers her a sense of peace and belonging, reflecting their progress and resilience after years of struggle. The memoir touches on universal themes of identity, family, and perseverance. The family’s story is one of survival, growth, and the pursuit of a better life, made all the more poignant by the rich details of their personal journey. In conclusion, this memoir is a beautifully written account of a Vietnamese family’s escape from Saigon and their journey to find a new home in America. It offers an intimate and moving portrayal of the challenges immigrants face, from learning a new language to finding a sense of belonging. The author’s resilience and the family’s eventual triumph are both inspiring and deeply touching. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the immigrant experience, and it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by so many in pursuit of the American dream.

• Alex S

  I love this book! The story is so touching, personal and inspirational. I think children and adults all should read this book because it can teach you a lot about not giving up and through hard work and perseverance you can accomplish anything.

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