Seeds

by Sasha Vukelja

SEEDS is the true story of how a young woman and her mother, under the watchful eye of Communists, escape from Yugoslavia to a new life in America. In this incredible account, Sasha and her mother walk out of a Yugoslav prison and into the open arms of strangers across Europe who shelter them for years at a time. They finally arrive in America with only a few suitcases of clothes, her mother's rolled-up paintings and a handful of English words. Living in a roach-infested Manhattan hotel - without jobs, family or friends - the refugees realize their fight for survival has only just begun. Sasha quietly pursues her childhood dream of becoming a physician. But she must overcome poverty, language barriers, discrimination - and her mother's disapproval. With the accidental discovery of Sasha's secret plans, her daughter's newfound independence threatens to tear the two apart and destroy everyone's dreams. After an unforeseen tragedy, Sasha must find the courage to continue her unlikely journey to becoming one of the most respected oncologists in America.

Genres: Memoir

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[liv · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way this book came into my life is: I was naturally helping a stranger in the airport because the American Airlines staff were being unnecessarily rude to her. After I helped her, the woman was so thankful and told me that she would send me her books. I didn’t really know what that meant, but I gave her my address. That woman was Sasha, and a few months later, this is one of the books I received with a kind note, thanking me for helping her and being a “good seed”. I would have never guessed at the airport that the woman I was helping had gone through everything described in the book. One of my favorite themes in the book (/life) is gratitude for the kindness of strangers. So serendipitous how this book came into my hands the very same way :,)
The book madd me tear up throughout. I also finished it in 2 days. I loved it. I highly recommend that you read this. Be kind and enjoy your life 💜

[Elizabeth Offord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gardening with her seeds is inspiring!

Such honesty is rare and refreshing. From a totally insecure childhood, this courageous lady has told an exemplary, inspiring autobiography.

[Deborah Vyskocil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sasha's story is amazingly inspirational! I felt like I was there with there through her life adventures with her mom. Everyone should read this book to rediscover the power of the human spirit.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeds is an amazing story of triumph for Sasha who comes to America from Yugoslavia and goes through trials and tribulations to become a doctor. This is a true story and Sasha is now a well known oncologist in Tyler, Texas. For those of us who have dealt with cancer in their own life and our family members, Sasha's devotion to this disease in a very positive Christian manner is so inspirational. I love the book and highly recommend it! Sasha attributes her life journey to her Momma, the Jesuits, the Catholics and Baptists, but more significantly God.

[Bj Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible, poignant mother, daughter story of survival journeying from communist Yugoslavia to freedom in America. Great sacrifices to become one of top oncologists in America. Many of her mother's treasured paintings are on display in chemo treatment center where Dr. V treats patients.

[Madelynhealey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The human spirit to survive is an amazing thing. She overcame so much. An inspiring story.

[Connie Shewchuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saw her at a seminar and bought her book. Very hard book to set down. Very interesting story!!!