So about once every 3 years throughout my schooling, I come across a book that was assigned by a teacher that I simply fall in love with. I spent the last week stressing about reading one book to review online and finishing an assigned book for a test today. In a moment of pure genious, I remembered that not everyone has a professor to force them to take a step outside of their comfort zone and read something different.
This book is very different from the previous ones if reviewed. First, It is non-fiction, a memior. Second, it was published 20 years ago. It takes place in Vietnam as a woman revisits her past through sometimes excrutiatingly truthful memories as she returns to her home land for the first time since escaping from the destroyed country. Le Ly, the main character, is accosted by memories and regrets of her past as she sees what she left behind in her war-ravaged homeland.
In the end, this is a story of survival, One woman's attempt to "get through" the devestation she faced. As a reader I was struck by Hayslip's humility, she was consistently admiting her mistakes and shortcomings but never gloated about the heroism and strength she portrayed consistently through out the whole peice. She faced more adversity and challenges in ten years of her young life then most will face in lifetime, but comes back to help others.
Perhaps one of my favorite parts of Le Ly and her story is knowing what has become of her. Since writing the book during her first return trip to Vietnam, She has founded not one, but two charitable organizations. After reading the book I was moved when discovering the length that Le Ly continues to go to in order to help those who are stuck in the ashes she rose from those many years ago.
If you decide to read this book ( which I think you should, trust me, it is a rewarding experience to finish a book of such depth, ingeniuty and character), take the time to browse through the foundation websites that were started by Le Ly...
http://www.eastmeetswest.org/
Sometimes it is important to read books such as this one to remove yourself from modern times, become once more grounded in the blessings in your life, and learn to recognize strength in others.
If you are looking for a charming, quick read this would be the one for you. It intertwines one woman's new life in Paris with the recipes she encounters during her journeys. I probably got less from this book than many people would due to my inability to master the art of cooking (I have gotten really good at hamburger helper in the last year however!). But I can imagine myself creating some of the enchanting desserts and warm soups that are folded beetween the the pages of Elizabeth Bard's trip to self discovery.
