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The Best We Could Do
344 pages, 2018
biographies & memoirs
997 books
arts & entertainment
401 books
history
999 booksA haunting graphic memoir about one family’s journey from war-torn Vietnam by the award-winning cartoonist and graphic novelist Thi Bui. In 1975, Nguyễn Sinh Cung and his wife fled Vietnam for a new life in the United States.
In this moving and personal account, Bui tells the story of their trip from Saigon to Brooklyn, shedding light on the experiences of postwar immigrants and their children. She describes carrying her infant daughter from their boat landing spot to a refugee camp in Indonesia, fending off snakes in Thailand’s Khao I Dang jungle camp, and traveling by truck and train through Malaysia before finally reaching California.
A vivid reminder of the journey many refugees make—including her parents, who put their college educations on hold—Ghosts offers a timely look at one family’s experience as they became Americans.
The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui gives us a deep insight into the immigrant experience. It's not just about moving from one place to another, but also about the emotional journey that comes with it. The book encourages us to empathize with immigrants and understand their struggles.
Thi Bui's book emphasizes the importance of family. Despite the hardships and struggles, the family stays together and supports each other. It's a reminder that family is our strength and our refuge during tough times.
The book takes us through the history of Vietnam and shows us how it has shaped the lives of its people. It's a great way to learn about a part of history that is often overlooked. It also makes us realize how our past and our history can have a profound impact on our present.
One of the key takeaways from The Best We Could Do is the resilience shown by Thi Bui and her family. Despite the numerous challenges they face, they never give up. It's a lesson in resilience and determination that we can all learn from.
The book also explores the theme of personal identity. Thi Bui grapples with her identity as a Vietnamese-American and what that means for her. It's a journey of self-discovery that many of us can relate to, especially if we've ever felt like we don't quite fit in.
Quotes 5
The Best We Could Do is a heart-wrenching yet hopeful tale of a family's journey from war-torn Vietnam. It is a powerful, unforgettable graphic novel.
Viet Thanh Nguyen - Pulitzer-winning AuthorThis book moved me to my very core. As in all great graphic novels, it is the silence that carries the real emotion. Good God, this book is outstanding.
Marjane Satrapi - Graphic NovelistThe Best We Could Do lands with the force of a blow and the strength of a mountain. Thi Bui offers an all-too-rarely-seen Vietnamese perspective on our war there and the resultant refugee crisis in America.
Alison Bechdel - Cartoonist, MemoiristThe Best We Could Do is an intimate, poignant graphic novel that portrays an ordinary family swept up in extraordinary events. Beautifully illustrated and written, it is a story that will move and inspire you.
Gene Luen Yang - Graphic NovelistThe Best We Could Do is a compelling, beautifully illustrated graphic novel that shows the haunting legacy of war and the refugee experience. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.
LeUyen Pham - Children's Book IllustratorRecommendations
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The Best We Could Do found in libraries
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