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Ghost written story of Brenda (chanbopa) escape from the Pol Pot regime. Moving true story as relayed by the Brenda. She has coffee shop in Lafayette, CA where patrons befriended her and helped her tell her story.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2016
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6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 24, 2017
Unforgettable, emotionally riveting -- this is an important book, while we have a national conversation on refugees.
Brenda's life is heroic, and fortunately the arc of the story ends well, or at least as much as any atrocious tragedy can. Clearly our heroine made it thanks to her own ceaseless efforts at improvement and service, yet the profound kindness of remembered strangers and the openness of America to helping rebuild shattered lives, these are just as essential.
Please let's allow more lives to be saved, more generosity and kindness to grow.
(For many who do not know Brenda, this would be a 4 star book, but for complicated reasons. Some parts don't sound true, and as we know any personal memory can shift over decades. I didn't like the clear good-evil sharp line the author insists on caricaturing tangential characters, who cheat her or take advantage of her. By humanizing and enriching there cast members, the story could depend less just on Brenda emotionally charged memory. I do imagine Plummer decided to prioritize keeping Brenda's voice as authentic as possible... yet I don't this she is this kind of person emotionally, though Perhaps Plummer thought that is necessary in a good story. I also wish Liu's background was included (as it easily could have been) -- it would have added a second important voice, and they two stories coming together would have been more sweet and emotionally satisfying than forbearance (recast as anger and even hate) at Dad and his adopted life.
Brenda's life is heroic, and fortunately the arc of the story ends well, or at least as much as any atrocious tragedy can. Clearly our heroine made it thanks to her own ceaseless efforts at improvement and service, yet the profound kindness of remembered strangers and the openness of America to helping rebuild shattered lives, these are just as essential.
Please let's allow more lives to be saved, more generosity and kindness to grow.
(For many who do not know Brenda, this would be a 4 star book, but for complicated reasons. Some parts don't sound true, and as we know any personal memory can shift over decades. I didn't like the clear good-evil sharp line the author insists on caricaturing tangential characters, who cheat her or take advantage of her. By humanizing and enriching there cast members, the story could depend less just on Brenda emotionally charged memory. I do imagine Plummer decided to prioritize keeping Brenda's voice as authentic as possible... yet I don't this she is this kind of person emotionally, though Perhaps Plummer thought that is necessary in a good story. I also wish Liu's background was included (as it easily could have been) -- it would have added a second important voice, and they two stories coming together would have been more sweet and emotionally satisfying than forbearance (recast as anger and even hate) at Dad and his adopted life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2016
OMG I can't stop thinking about this book. Can't stop thinking about Chan/Brenda and what she and her family went through.
I know I rate a lot of books 5 stars just because I love books, but this one is 5 stars because it ACTUALLY DESERVES 5 stars.
This should be required reading at every single High School in the USA, most especially Acalanes and all others in Lamorinda.
I bought this in Lafayette at my favourite coffee shop ever, Papillon, because the people who own the shop are Cambodian, and I noticed the book was on display. I'm so poorly educated, I never was taught anything about Cambodia and I thought, "Well, it's time I learned something." (I did know where Cambodia is located, the Capital, and the Flag but that was the extent of my self-education).
I told the woman who happened to be behind the counter that I wanted to buy a copy. Then, she autographed it for me! And it is HER story. It is wonderful and inspirational. I couldn't put it down. And Brenda and her husband are now my personal Heroes.
Please, buy this book and read it. It is an incredible story. I am truly grateful to Jil Plummer for writing it so well and sharing this with the world.
I know I rate a lot of books 5 stars just because I love books, but this one is 5 stars because it ACTUALLY DESERVES 5 stars.
This should be required reading at every single High School in the USA, most especially Acalanes and all others in Lamorinda.
I bought this in Lafayette at my favourite coffee shop ever, Papillon, because the people who own the shop are Cambodian, and I noticed the book was on display. I'm so poorly educated, I never was taught anything about Cambodia and I thought, "Well, it's time I learned something." (I did know where Cambodia is located, the Capital, and the Flag but that was the extent of my self-education).
I told the woman who happened to be behind the counter that I wanted to buy a copy. Then, she autographed it for me! And it is HER story. It is wonderful and inspirational. I couldn't put it down. And Brenda and her husband are now my personal Heroes.
Please, buy this book and read it. It is an incredible story. I am truly grateful to Jil Plummer for writing it so well and sharing this with the world.
May 24, 2016
I read this book in an afternoon, not wanting to put it down. Even though I already knew much of the story, I enjoyed the detail. Brenda is a courageous lady and Jil has done an excellent job writing her story.
August 25, 2018
Good book. Well done. Hard to compete with As I Have Loved You, though. I'd recommend it but dont need to read it again real soon for myself.
September 1, 2016
Noel's mom has known the narrator for years as the coffee shop owner she visits every Saturday. Really makes you shake your head and wonder at all the stories we don't know about each other, the people passing through our lives. The reading level is not advanced and would be suitable for middle schoolers. The straightforwardness and the young perspective of the narrator experiencing the terrible reign of the Khmer Rouge and then life in a refugee camp is very moving.
May 20, 2016
Wow such an amazing book. All the more outstanding that I have met the protagonist in person. This reminds me that you really have no idea about the people you meet and interact with each day. I am so astounded by what Brenda went through and her bravery in overcoming such harsh circumstances. Also is well written and the author is really talented.
June 22, 2017
A compelling story of a woman who we all see everyday in our local coffee shops. This is her story. Many more stories need to be told.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews