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Standing Up After Saigon: The Triumphant Story of Hope, Determination, and Reinvention
Contracting polio at age two and falling victim to the oppressive regime that overtook Saigon after its fall in the Vietnam War, Thuhang Tran has lead anything but an easy, ordinary life. Her father Chinh was lost to her and her family in the evacuations from Saigon, and for fifteen long years they remained separated, but desperate to reunite. Thuhang's memoir delves into the Vietnamese perspective of the Vietnam War, explores a family struggling for reunion, and shows a young woman growing up without the ability to walk, determined to still live life to the fullest and find a way to hope.
200 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2018
9 people are currently reading
2327 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 2, 2023
I loved this book. Its account of the political and social upheavals that swept through Vietnam following the communist victory of 1975 was enough, in itself, to justify a five-star rating. However, alongside this account was a second story of a young woman who somehow manages not only to survive more than a decade of immense hardship, but also to remain positive and determined to find her place in the world. This story was one of the most awe-inspiring I've ever read and shows the power of seizing the moment and following our dreams.
February 14, 2024
What makes a good memoir, a good biography/autobiography?
A window into the lives, loves, losses, traumas, triumphs, challenges and achievements of courageous people? Set against the backdrop of political, social and cultural upheaval? Is concise and educational?
If so, then this one would tick all the boxes.
A testament to all involved in getting this story out to us, and a privilege for those, like me, who choose to read it.
A window into the lives, loves, losses, traumas, triumphs, challenges and achievements of courageous people? Set against the backdrop of political, social and cultural upheaval? Is concise and educational?
If so, then this one would tick all the boxes.
A testament to all involved in getting this story out to us, and a privilege for those, like me, who choose to read it.
September 16, 2025
Re-read Standing Up After Saigon: The Triumphant Story of Hope, Determination, and Reinvention for book club. It is an incredible story about Thuhang Tran's life and how she faced what seemed like unsurmountable odds (polio, war, poverty, famine, and family separation) with grit, resilience, optimism and hope. Tran's journey provides inspiration on how to face obstacles head on.
July 8, 2018
I just finished the story of Chinh and Thuhang, my sweet neighbors across the street. I’d heard a bit of Chinh’s story before, but never any of Thuhang’s; the two together are powerful and amazing. I already knew they were wonderful friends and neighbors, now I know their hearts and, man, all the tears! No one warned me!
Seriously, this story needed to be told. It should be required reading right now. Beautiful words, Thuhang. ❤️❤️❤️
Seriously, this story needed to be told. It should be required reading right now. Beautiful words, Thuhang. ❤️❤️❤️
April 28, 2023
Best so far in 2023. Dedicated to my friend Heneral Lee Phong, General South Vietnamese Army and my Uncle Mike POW with love and respect.
May 27, 2025
Standing Up After Saigon is a powerful and moving memoir that offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of those who experienced the upheaval of Vietnam and the subsequent journey of resilience and reinvention. The author’s compelling storytelling vividly captures the challenges faced during and after the fall of Saigon, highlighting themes of loss, hope, and perseverance.
Through personal anecdotes and reflective insights, the book provides a nuanced perspective on the cultural and emotional scars left by war, while also celebrating the strength and resilience of individuals and communities rebuilding their lives. The narrative is both touching and thought-provoking, making it a significant contribution to the genre of personal and historical memoirs.
Overall, Standing Up After Saigon is a heartfelt and impactful read that not only educates but also inspires, shedding light on a pivotal moment in history and its enduring human impact.
Through personal anecdotes and reflective insights, the book provides a nuanced perspective on the cultural and emotional scars left by war, while also celebrating the strength and resilience of individuals and communities rebuilding their lives. The narrative is both touching and thought-provoking, making it a significant contribution to the genre of personal and historical memoirs.
Overall, Standing Up After Saigon is a heartfelt and impactful read that not only educates but also inspires, shedding light on a pivotal moment in history and its enduring human impact.
June 14, 2018
You know those types of books that you can't stop reading? The ones that you stay up late at night to read because each page leaves you on the edge of your seat, eager to find out what happens next? The type that gives you chills in the best way? This is one of those books. Thuhang Tran faced many tribulations in her life, but despite these tribulations, she was able to overcome them with her determination and courage. I cannot imagine what I would do if I were in her situation, and thus, I am motivated and encouraged by her book. I am Blessed to have been able to have read this book, it is now one of my favorites. Overall...Amazing book Thuhang. I recommend this book to everyone, it's one you don't want to miss.
June 16, 2018
I really enjoyed the alternating perspectives of both daughter and father as they describe the families journey to eventual reunification after fifteen years. The life lessons that are shared; hope, resilience, love, drew me into the story.
Growing up we had a family at our church who traveled a similar journey. I remember clearly their early days and the community support that was shared, their father also had a smile on his face and kind word for all. Many of us will never encounter even a fraction of the challenges of this family. A family that did not just survive, but thrived and continues to help others do the same.
Growing up we had a family at our church who traveled a similar journey. I remember clearly their early days and the community support that was shared, their father also had a smile on his face and kind word for all. Many of us will never encounter even a fraction of the challenges of this family. A family that did not just survive, but thrived and continues to help others do the same.
October 13, 2018
This is such an amazing and impactful story about Thuhang and her father Chinh and the rest of their family. If you were planning to read only one more book this year (and how sad that would be), then this should be that book. I’m especially blessed by this book because Thuhang and Chinh were my neighbors until recently, so I knew some of the story already.
June 21, 2018
An interesting and emotional narration of one person’s journey through a time of war, separation, trials and self-examination that ends with and emphasizes the importance of family, hope, perseverance and love. No matter our chosen profession, where we live or the times we live in, family, hope, perseverance and love are indispensable. Thuhang, thanks for telling your story; you inspire us. Sharon, thanks for telling the story; you encourage us.
April 9, 2019
Excellent book!!!
June 16, 2018
An amazing story of strength and perseverance of a girl who is crippled from polio who survived the fall of Saigon. An easy compelling read about how the girl and family continue to have hope in spite of many obstacles
November 2, 2024
I am glad to have found out about this book by "meeting" the co-author, Sharon Orlopp, from liking one another's reviews here on GoodReads. I'm not sure the word for someone who is not a "ghost writer" (in other words, Sharon is the one this story was told to, and her name IS on the book--like Lara in The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row). So I am calling her the co-author. At any rate, what a story to be told! Sharon was visionary to have Thuhang Tran and her father Chinh tell their stories. And it could not have been easy for them to revisit some of these horrors.
The story of their lives in Vietnam (mainly centered on and told by Thuhang) is absolutely riveting and was eye-opening for me. I admit to being one of those USA junior high hippies during the War in Vietnam and not actually understanding the issues--I was just protesting any war our country was involved in, as people I trusted were opposed. I never had learned more about this conflict. The levels of oppression and torture by the Communists as the surrender of South Vietnam to North ensued, and the urge of citizens to escape the new regime, blew me away. After the fall of Saigon in 1975, nearly 2 million fled by boat! More than 500,000 of them died or dissappeared trying.
The story of this one family and the many years of unexpected separation, along with Thuhang's disability and the unimaginable suffering of herself and her family, was hard to put down.
Along the way we are also treated to some high points such as the customs of engagement and weddings in the culture. Even in abject poverty, the amount of food somehow accrued and prepared for an entire neighborhood and relatives for a several day feast is something to behold!
As the family fully comes back together in the United States, there are some more mundane experiences written about, and also the struggles, but still plenty to show the courage, convictions, accomplishments, and positive attitudes of these heroes.
An ultimately inspirational memoir, though a brutal reminder of the cruelty that totalitarian regimes can dish out without a second thought.
The story of their lives in Vietnam (mainly centered on and told by Thuhang) is absolutely riveting and was eye-opening for me. I admit to being one of those USA junior high hippies during the War in Vietnam and not actually understanding the issues--I was just protesting any war our country was involved in, as people I trusted were opposed. I never had learned more about this conflict. The levels of oppression and torture by the Communists as the surrender of South Vietnam to North ensued, and the urge of citizens to escape the new regime, blew me away. After the fall of Saigon in 1975, nearly 2 million fled by boat! More than 500,000 of them died or dissappeared trying.
The story of this one family and the many years of unexpected separation, along with Thuhang's disability and the unimaginable suffering of herself and her family, was hard to put down.
Along the way we are also treated to some high points such as the customs of engagement and weddings in the culture. Even in abject poverty, the amount of food somehow accrued and prepared for an entire neighborhood and relatives for a several day feast is something to behold!
As the family fully comes back together in the United States, there are some more mundane experiences written about, and also the struggles, but still plenty to show the courage, convictions, accomplishments, and positive attitudes of these heroes.
An ultimately inspirational memoir, though a brutal reminder of the cruelty that totalitarian regimes can dish out without a second thought.
July 3, 2025
Overall, an excellent book made all the better as a result of having one of the authors, Sharon Orlopp, as a book buddy in our The Three Muskateers (TTM) group.
I loved reading the book and knowing the back story to how the book came to be.
Even more than that, I loved learning about the extraordinarily tough start to life Thuhang Tran had lived through, and yet despite the many adversities and obstacles placed in her path, she and her family remained incredibly positive.
Finally, I really liked that the vast majority of this book was the account of the life and experiences of one family after the Vietnam war ended, or as it is phrased in the introduction it is "...an extraordinary eyewitness account of life in Saigon once South Vietnam was conquered by the Communists." and "Her story is a rare and revealing account of the daily battle against starvation, poverty, and ideological oppression."
During my reading I highlighted many pieces of text and captured even more notes. I've shared some of my favourites below, which give a sense of the positivity I referred to above.
"Feedback is a gift, especially when it's thoughtful, specific, honest and transparent" (From the Thanks section)
"One of the most powerful lessons I have learned was to not let others define me or place limits on what I could accomplish"
"If it is to be, it is up to me"
"If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you."
"I truly believe that positive attitudes create positive outcomes"
"Hope is the fuel that made the difference and kept me alive."
Highly recommended.
I loved reading the book and knowing the back story to how the book came to be.
Even more than that, I loved learning about the extraordinarily tough start to life Thuhang Tran had lived through, and yet despite the many adversities and obstacles placed in her path, she and her family remained incredibly positive.
Finally, I really liked that the vast majority of this book was the account of the life and experiences of one family after the Vietnam war ended, or as it is phrased in the introduction it is "...an extraordinary eyewitness account of life in Saigon once South Vietnam was conquered by the Communists." and "Her story is a rare and revealing account of the daily battle against starvation, poverty, and ideological oppression."
During my reading I highlighted many pieces of text and captured even more notes. I've shared some of my favourites below, which give a sense of the positivity I referred to above.
"Feedback is a gift, especially when it's thoughtful, specific, honest and transparent" (From the Thanks section)
"One of the most powerful lessons I have learned was to not let others define me or place limits on what I could accomplish"
"If it is to be, it is up to me"
"If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you."
"I truly believe that positive attitudes create positive outcomes"
"Hope is the fuel that made the difference and kept me alive."
Highly recommended.
September 6, 2024
The first 100 pages of this book are very fascinating and sad so that I cried for her but then it hits a very bad note with the wedding and 12 course meals! There she is starving to death with the weight of a 3 year old when she is 10 and her family can suddenly have a big wedding with 12 course meals. You probably can't imagine how much this annoyed me. (lack of common sense somehow). Then the family finally flies into San Antonio which is a city that I lived in and around for about 19 years and came to bitterly hate. When I lived there I learned that I was an Anglo and a minority. I was super glad to leave there and move to an area in NM in the cool mountains which was amazingly nice. I felt sad for her when she learned her English wasn't good enough for that area. At least she finally got the surgery that she so desperately needed in San Antonio. (all kinds of free medical care there for everyone) Believe me as I lived there and witnessed it.
January 7, 2026
Only those who escaped Viet Nam such as Thuhang Tran, can give us a true picture of what it's like to live under barbaric rule of the North Vietnamese Communist party. Without proper medical care nor the freedom to seek it in another country, the author having had polio as a child, ending up crawling around on her hands and knees the best she could until her young adulthood.
As an assistant air traffic controller, her dad was rescued which saved his life, before the takeover, giving him no time to rescue his family and therefore was living in the USA and awaiting to be reunited for 15 years before the communist party would let them go.
Such a horrible fate for any living in Vietnam!
Read all the details and know the truth about Communism. A very good book, especially for high school students.
As an assistant air traffic controller, her dad was rescued which saved his life, before the takeover, giving him no time to rescue his family and therefore was living in the USA and awaiting to be reunited for 15 years before the communist party would let them go.
Such a horrible fate for any living in Vietnam!
Read all the details and know the truth about Communism. A very good book, especially for high school students.
July 21, 2023
excellent memoir from Thuhang Tran, describing her life in Vietnam after the US lost the Vietnam War. Great insight into what life was like under the communist regime that took over Vietnam. Also chronicles her dad's flight to the US and then looking for his family (he tells his side of the story). Not read any stories from this side yet. Recommend.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews