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Weeping Under This Same Moon
ForeWord Magazine’s Book of the Year Gold Medalist and an International Reading Association Notable Book, Weeping Under This Same Moon is based on the true story of two teenage girls from different cultures, whose paths intertwine, dramatically altering the course of their lives. Mei is an artist whose life has been disrupted by the Vietnam War. Her anguished parents send her away on a perilous escape during the exodus of thousands of Vietnamese refugees known as “Boat People.” In Mei’s words we learn of the dangers she faces caring for her two younger siblings on a sea journey fraught with hunger, thirst and deprivation, leaving behind everything she loves, to find refuge for her family. Hannah is an angry seventeen-year-old American high school student. Friendless, neurotic, a social misfit – her passion for writing and the environment only intensify her outcast state. Through Hannah’s voice, we get inside her head, there to discover a gentle soul beneath all the anger and turmoil.When Hannah learns of the plight of the “Boat People,” she is moved to action. Destiny brings Mei and Hannah together in a celebration of cultures and language, food and friendship, and the ultimate rescue of both young women from their own despair. Weeping Under This Same Moon is a testament to the power of love and the spirit of volunteerism; affirming that doing for others does so much for one’s self. (Jana Laiz)
271 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 19, 2013
Bite-sized summary: The story of a young Vietnamese refugee in the 1970's fighting to find her way to safety in the U.S. with her younger siblings and an American teen, struggling with her own issues, who finds her way to health and peace through serving others.
How I discovered the book: My mom dragged me to a book club at my daughter's school on a night when I was feeling too lazy to go out. I heard Jana speak about this book and her personal story, and I knew I had to read it! Jana spoke so compassionately about the family she worked with, and is still in touch with today, and about human rights issues. She's truly an inspiration.
My personal connection: I loved the book and promised Jana I'd help spread the word!
What I loved: This award-winning novel, written for younger readers but appealing to adults as well, is a "fictionalized memoir" of Laiz's experiences working with Vietnamese refugee families as a teen. It begins with the story of Mei, a Vietnamese refugee making her way from Vietnam to the United States with her younger siblings in the 1970's. She buries her treasured paintbrushes and paints in her parents' yard before setting off on a dangerous journey on a boat filled with refugees. Once Mei and her brother and sister make it to the United States, the narrative shifts to feature Hannah, a seventeen-year-old high school girl who is fighting her own battles with an eating disorder, feeling socially isolated and the normal teen/parent conflicts. Despite her troubles and apparent self-centeredness, Hannah has a heart of gold and feels compelled to reach out and help Vietnamese refugees after seeing a story about the Boat People on television. Hannah's passion and compassion make her determined to do all that she can, despite her young age, and she connects with Mei's family and neighbors to form a strong and lasting bond.
Mei's reserved silence contrasts with Hannah's outspokenness. Where Mei struggles to find the words in English to express herself, Hannah learns to channel her strong opinions and passion into positive action. Both girls find themselves strengthened and enriched by their relationship, and the ending, where Hannah has found her voice and her path, and Mei has rediscovered her art, is uplifting.
I would recommend this book for middle-school and teen readers who are interested in issues of social justice, who feel "different" and can't help speaking out, who want to know how they can make a difference; ESL students of all ages; and adults who want to be inspired by a brave young Vietnamese refugee's journey and an American teen who feels compelled to help.
How I discovered the book: My mom dragged me to a book club at my daughter's school on a night when I was feeling too lazy to go out. I heard Jana speak about this book and her personal story, and I knew I had to read it! Jana spoke so compassionately about the family she worked with, and is still in touch with today, and about human rights issues. She's truly an inspiration.
My personal connection: I loved the book and promised Jana I'd help spread the word!
What I loved: This award-winning novel, written for younger readers but appealing to adults as well, is a "fictionalized memoir" of Laiz's experiences working with Vietnamese refugee families as a teen. It begins with the story of Mei, a Vietnamese refugee making her way from Vietnam to the United States with her younger siblings in the 1970's. She buries her treasured paintbrushes and paints in her parents' yard before setting off on a dangerous journey on a boat filled with refugees. Once Mei and her brother and sister make it to the United States, the narrative shifts to feature Hannah, a seventeen-year-old high school girl who is fighting her own battles with an eating disorder, feeling socially isolated and the normal teen/parent conflicts. Despite her troubles and apparent self-centeredness, Hannah has a heart of gold and feels compelled to reach out and help Vietnamese refugees after seeing a story about the Boat People on television. Hannah's passion and compassion make her determined to do all that she can, despite her young age, and she connects with Mei's family and neighbors to form a strong and lasting bond.
Mei's reserved silence contrasts with Hannah's outspokenness. Where Mei struggles to find the words in English to express herself, Hannah learns to channel her strong opinions and passion into positive action. Both girls find themselves strengthened and enriched by their relationship, and the ending, where Hannah has found her voice and her path, and Mei has rediscovered her art, is uplifting.
I would recommend this book for middle-school and teen readers who are interested in issues of social justice, who feel "different" and can't help speaking out, who want to know how they can make a difference; ESL students of all ages; and adults who want to be inspired by a brave young Vietnamese refugee's journey and an American teen who feels compelled to help.
April 6, 2024
What a fabulous story, based on facts. It shows how two different cultures can come together in friendship, and help each other. How helping others overcome their challenges, can sometimes help you overcome your own.
Rarely do I ever wish the story would continue on for longer.
A wonderful heartwarming story.
Rarely do I ever wish the story would continue on for longer.
A wonderful heartwarming story.
July 13, 2017
"They want us to leave yet they make us pay to do so."
Weeping Under the Same Moon was originally published in 2008, but has recently been released as an audiobook, available through Audible. I was lucky enough to receive a copy for review from Audiobook Boom and enthusiastically give it five stars, both for the narrative and the narration.
Two narrators read the story: one plays the teenage refugee, Mei, who must flee from Vietnam at a time when anyone of Chinese descent was being persecuted, the other plays Hannah, an American teenage misfit and loner, with eating problems.
Based on the true story of two teenagers, the book follows Mai's departure form her beloved home, along with her fourteen year old brother and little sister. From then on she must assume responsibility for both, although she is barely more than a child herself. The crossing is frightening, with very little to eat or drink and no toilet facilities. The little boat is at the mercy of the sea and many are sea-sick. Mai's best friend had attempted the crossing before her and had drowned herself rather than be subjected to rape, so Mai is full of trepidation. When they finally reach Malaysia their problems are not over - rather than a comfortable bed and welcoming arms, they find themselves sharing a room with another family, locked in a refugee camp.
Meanwhile, Hannah, who I believe is actually the author, Jana Laiz, is struggling in school. She has become socially isolated because she refuses to conform and smoke dope with her friends. She has resorted to extreme dieting to feel better about herself and although she writes and takes photographs, she declines to share them for fear of ridicule. I fear she represents many children who are picked on and bullied in schools across the West.
When she hears about the Vietnamese Boat People she is motivated to help and contacts an organisation involved with repatriation. She is put in contact with a group of families who have recently arrived; they speak little English and she speaks no Vietnamese, but she doggedly perseveres and is able to help them in so many ways.
Several things struck me about this book:
Firstly, what a wonderful motivational story this would be for struggling, isolated teens. How volunteering could actually help the volunteer as much as the recipients.
Secondly, how differently refugees were received then, around the end of the 1970s. Many of these people were homed into the West and integrated into society - unlike in another book I recently read about today's refugees (Paradise Denied by Zekarias Kebraeb), where so many were repatriated to face a hostile welcome on their return.
The issue of refugees is very topical and books such as Weeping Under This Same Moon and Paradise Denied, should be required reading in schools.
I was sorry when this book ended, I felt as if its characters were my friends.
Also read:
Paradise Denied by Zekarias Kebraeb (5 stars)
The Girl with Seven Names by Hyeonseo Lee (5 stars)
Weeping Under the Same Moon was originally published in 2008, but has recently been released as an audiobook, available through Audible. I was lucky enough to receive a copy for review from Audiobook Boom and enthusiastically give it five stars, both for the narrative and the narration.
Two narrators read the story: one plays the teenage refugee, Mei, who must flee from Vietnam at a time when anyone of Chinese descent was being persecuted, the other plays Hannah, an American teenage misfit and loner, with eating problems.
Based on the true story of two teenagers, the book follows Mai's departure form her beloved home, along with her fourteen year old brother and little sister. From then on she must assume responsibility for both, although she is barely more than a child herself. The crossing is frightening, with very little to eat or drink and no toilet facilities. The little boat is at the mercy of the sea and many are sea-sick. Mai's best friend had attempted the crossing before her and had drowned herself rather than be subjected to rape, so Mai is full of trepidation. When they finally reach Malaysia their problems are not over - rather than a comfortable bed and welcoming arms, they find themselves sharing a room with another family, locked in a refugee camp.
Meanwhile, Hannah, who I believe is actually the author, Jana Laiz, is struggling in school. She has become socially isolated because she refuses to conform and smoke dope with her friends. She has resorted to extreme dieting to feel better about herself and although she writes and takes photographs, she declines to share them for fear of ridicule. I fear she represents many children who are picked on and bullied in schools across the West.
When she hears about the Vietnamese Boat People she is motivated to help and contacts an organisation involved with repatriation. She is put in contact with a group of families who have recently arrived; they speak little English and she speaks no Vietnamese, but she doggedly perseveres and is able to help them in so many ways.
Several things struck me about this book:
Firstly, what a wonderful motivational story this would be for struggling, isolated teens. How volunteering could actually help the volunteer as much as the recipients.
Secondly, how differently refugees were received then, around the end of the 1970s. Many of these people were homed into the West and integrated into society - unlike in another book I recently read about today's refugees (Paradise Denied by Zekarias Kebraeb), where so many were repatriated to face a hostile welcome on their return.
The issue of refugees is very topical and books such as Weeping Under This Same Moon and Paradise Denied, should be required reading in schools.
I was sorry when this book ended, I felt as if its characters were my friends.
Also read:
Paradise Denied by Zekarias Kebraeb (5 stars)
The Girl with Seven Names by Hyeonseo Lee (5 stars)
March 19, 2011
I would rate this book as a YA though.. 'Cause the two main characters are basically young adults.
This book evolves around the life of Mei, a Vietnamese who comes to America with her siblings after the war. We learn about Mei's survival by the time she goes to America. We feel her sadness, her fear, her strength, her longing to her parents and other siblings.
And there comes Hannah, a girl who struggles to fit in at school, who is also anorexic, and a bit quirky. She is interested in photography and writing, but too afraid to show what she has done to others, because she is too afraid the might not love them.
So when she sees Vietnamese refugees on the TV, she feels that she has to do something for them.
I really love this book. I cannot say anything more.. I love it. I love Hannah, who I found is a little bit similar to Stargirl. I don't get it why this book is so under-rated.. I love it!
This book evolves around the life of Mei, a Vietnamese who comes to America with her siblings after the war. We learn about Mei's survival by the time she goes to America. We feel her sadness, her fear, her strength, her longing to her parents and other siblings.
And there comes Hannah, a girl who struggles to fit in at school, who is also anorexic, and a bit quirky. She is interested in photography and writing, but too afraid to show what she has done to others, because she is too afraid the might not love them.
So when she sees Vietnamese refugees on the TV, she feels that she has to do something for them.
I really love this book. I cannot say anything more.. I love it. I love Hannah, who I found is a little bit similar to Stargirl. I don't get it why this book is so under-rated.. I love it!
June 20, 2017
This is a marvelous story, well written and wonderfully paced. Told from the perspective of two very different teenage girls, it's powerful and engaging.
It's one of those books that's perfect for audio and Zoe Laiz and Caroline Huang McLaughlin truly do it justice. Both of their performances are outstanding.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
It's one of those books that's perfect for audio and Zoe Laiz and Caroline Huang McLaughlin truly do it justice. Both of their performances are outstanding.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 17, 2017
Mengapa aku harus bertemu buku ini? Karena ya, sangat-sangat bagus. Konyol sekali tingkah Hannah, walaupun keliatannya menyedihkan payah tapi justru dia menyalurkan overthinknya secara tepat melalui tindakan yang berani. Suka banget kutipan-kutipan di novel ini seperti:
"Aku bertanya-tanya apa yang dulu kulakukan sehingga dihukum dengan tidak adil dan harus menghabiskan hari-hariku seperti ini? Tersiksa, dikelilingi orang-orang yang tidak tahu apa-apa, tidak peduli apa pun."
"Persetan dengan orang-orang! Itu motoku! Persetan mereka semua!"
"Aku tidak mau bertambah tua. Tidak sudi. Tunggu. Kalau tidak mau bertambah tua, itu berarti aku akan mati muda. Oke, kucabut perkataanku. Tapi aku tidak mau menjadi lemah dan uzur."
"Aku bertanya-tanya apa yang dulu kulakukan sehingga dihukum dengan tidak adil dan harus menghabiskan hari-hariku seperti ini? Tersiksa, dikelilingi orang-orang yang tidak tahu apa-apa, tidak peduli apa pun."
"Persetan dengan orang-orang! Itu motoku! Persetan mereka semua!"
"Aku tidak mau bertambah tua. Tidak sudi. Tunggu. Kalau tidak mau bertambah tua, itu berarti aku akan mati muda. Oke, kucabut perkataanku. Tapi aku tidak mau menjadi lemah dan uzur."
February 11, 2016
A heart warming story about a two teenagers, both lost in different ways. Hannah, a 17 year old American is different than all of her classmates. Mei, a 19 year old recent Vietnamese immigrant, is struggling to survive in America and help her family immigrate. The bond that forms between them helps them both grow strong and find some happiness.
Jan V
Jan V
August 10, 2011
I've read this book twice and both times immensely enjoyed it. I love reading about Mei and her families struggles. Hannah's story was much different but also about personal struggles growing up. I loved how their lives intersected. Very good read!
April 17, 2011
Hannah and Mei meant to be good friends and bare the immense depression of every burdens in life, differences of pain and struggling they have, in a different way but for one goal.
November 8, 2022
After reading Weeping Under This Same Moon by Jana Laiz I can see why it received so many awards. Laiz's writing will draw the reader in immediately and you will feel like you are along side Hannah or Mei as you read their stories.
In Weeping Under This Same Moon readers begin by being introduced to Mei as she prepares to leave Vietnam and most of her family trying to leave the battle of the war behind her to get to somewhere safe. Mei is to leave with one of her sisters and one of her brothers, leaving by boat along with others fleeing their hometown in search of safety. Readers remain with Mei as she survives the boat journey and eventually arrives safely in New York City.
The second part of this amazing story introduces readers to Hannah, a seventeen year old high schooler who is unhappy with her life. Hannah has no real friends and does not like her high school at all. Luckily she has very understanding and patient parents as well as two younger sisters who aren't all that bad.
Hannah, after seeing a news story about the "Boat People", finds a new purpose in her life. The "Boat People" is the name given to the people fleeing Vietnam by boat trying to get to Hong Kong, Thailand and eventually hopefully New York City as in Mei's case. Hannah makes some phone calls and becomes a volunteer for the International Rescue Committee and is introduced to some families living in an apartment building in the Bronx.
Hannah and Mei are brought together through the IRC and become friends. Little does either of them how much their meeting affects the other. They are both looking forward to their Saturdays when Hannah drives to the Bronx and spends the day with the families. Hannah and Mei have no idea the impact that their relationship and friendship has on the other.
After reading Mei's story and her journey to New York City as well as getting to know Hannah and her unhappy life, the story alternates between girls and you witness their side of the relationship and how they grow together. Readers will experience many emotions throughout the story but will end the book with a huge smile of their face.
In Weeping Under This Same Moon readers begin by being introduced to Mei as she prepares to leave Vietnam and most of her family trying to leave the battle of the war behind her to get to somewhere safe. Mei is to leave with one of her sisters and one of her brothers, leaving by boat along with others fleeing their hometown in search of safety. Readers remain with Mei as she survives the boat journey and eventually arrives safely in New York City.
The second part of this amazing story introduces readers to Hannah, a seventeen year old high schooler who is unhappy with her life. Hannah has no real friends and does not like her high school at all. Luckily she has very understanding and patient parents as well as two younger sisters who aren't all that bad.
Hannah, after seeing a news story about the "Boat People", finds a new purpose in her life. The "Boat People" is the name given to the people fleeing Vietnam by boat trying to get to Hong Kong, Thailand and eventually hopefully New York City as in Mei's case. Hannah makes some phone calls and becomes a volunteer for the International Rescue Committee and is introduced to some families living in an apartment building in the Bronx.
Hannah and Mei are brought together through the IRC and become friends. Little does either of them how much their meeting affects the other. They are both looking forward to their Saturdays when Hannah drives to the Bronx and spends the day with the families. Hannah and Mei have no idea the impact that their relationship and friendship has on the other.
After reading Mei's story and her journey to New York City as well as getting to know Hannah and her unhappy life, the story alternates between girls and you witness their side of the relationship and how they grow together. Readers will experience many emotions throughout the story but will end the book with a huge smile of their face.
March 12, 2021
This is the story of 19 year old Mei, who is forced to leave Vietnam and most of her family behind to seek refuge violence against ethnic Chinese. Along with her younger brother and youngest sister, she leaves with the "man in white", who shepherds those desperate enough to risk the dangerous voyage and wretched conditions. The journey is harder than she can imagine, but they are successful and like generations of immigrants before them they make it to New York City.
Hannah is an angry, lonely teenager who doesn't feel like she belongs. Friendless, she seeks out the alternative high school program, sees a therapist, and is recovering from an eating disorder. When she sees the plight of the Vietnamese Boat People on the evening news, she knows she wants to help somehow. With dogged persistence, she makes some phone calls and finally gets in touch with the International Rescue Committee and becomes a volunteer.
Hannah is matched up to help out a group of five Vietnamese families in the Bronx, and meets Mei and her siblings. Mei and the others get much needed help in the form of donated items, English lessons, friendship. In return, Hannah begins to feel the value and worth that have been missing in her life, truly demonstrating that by giving she gets even more back.
This is a coming of age story that shows persistence and empathy. I highly recommend for grades 7 and up.
Hannah is an angry, lonely teenager who doesn't feel like she belongs. Friendless, she seeks out the alternative high school program, sees a therapist, and is recovering from an eating disorder. When she sees the plight of the Vietnamese Boat People on the evening news, she knows she wants to help somehow. With dogged persistence, she makes some phone calls and finally gets in touch with the International Rescue Committee and becomes a volunteer.
Hannah is matched up to help out a group of five Vietnamese families in the Bronx, and meets Mei and her siblings. Mei and the others get much needed help in the form of donated items, English lessons, friendship. In return, Hannah begins to feel the value and worth that have been missing in her life, truly demonstrating that by giving she gets even more back.
This is a coming of age story that shows persistence and empathy. I highly recommend for grades 7 and up.
March 1, 2019
I read this in my early college years, it moved me so much. But when I started to use goodreads I couldn't remember the title. Finding out now because I was just talking about this with a friend of mine. It's a book I would recommend to anyone.
October 20, 2017
Although supposedly based on on a true story, the idealism and realism both seemed a bit false. And there were a few references to life in 1977 that were completely off.
September 1, 2018
Short but very very sweet. Here is a case where my assumptions were wrong. An unusual character arc from a new writer. Two stories come together in the most interesting way. If it were only true.
April 4, 2023
Crushing innocence
Faith courage spirit reborn
Weeping joyfully
Recommended with a box of tissues
Faith courage spirit reborn
Weeping joyfully
Recommended with a box of tissues
April 7, 2023
I loved this book. The pacing and emotion of the story brought me to tears many times. I felt uplifted and motivated in the reading of this book. Highly recommend!
December 23, 2016
The best of you is he/She who is of the most benefit to others- Prophet Muhammad,SAW
Sebaik-baiknya kalian adalah yang paling bermanfaat bagi orang lain, begitulah Sabda Rasullullah.
Diangkat dari kisah nyata dan berlatar belakang Perang Vietnam, seorang gadis bernama Mei harus melarikan diri akibat konflik di negaranya. Bersama ratusan orang lainnya, ia berusaha untuk bertahan hidup, meski tercerai berai dengan keluarganya,menjadi "manusia perahu", terombang-ambing di ganasnya lautan, kekurangan makanan hingga akhirnya terdampar di Malaysia dan dikirim oleh UNCHR, ke negara barunya, Amerika Serikat. Di Amerika, seorang gadis remaja bernama Hannah, selama ini merasa bahwa dirinya tidak berguna. Ia tertutup,tidak punya teman, dan menderita gangguang emosi. Hannah yang sebenarnya cerdas, dianggap aneh dan pemberontak oleh orang orang sekitarnya, hal itulah yang membuatnya menjadi pribadi yang semakin tertutup . Saat ia menyaksikan berita tentang para pengungsi "Manusia Perahu' yang terombang ambing di lautan, ia memutuskan bahwa inilah saatnya untuk menjadi manusia yang lebih berarti. Dengan segala keterbatasan yang ia miliki, Hannah mendaftarkan diri sebagai relawan pengungsi ke kantor pusat PBB di New York.
Orang bijak mengatakan bahwa memberi tidak akan mengurangi. Dalam islam,sedekah yang kita berikan kepada orang lain sebenarnya adalah investasi untuk diri kita sendiri.
Dengan harapan untuk menolong para pengungsi, Hannah sebenarnya justru menolong dirinya dari segala keterpurukan yang ia rasakan selama ini...
Buku ini menggugah rasa kemanusiaan dan keinginan untuk menjadi manusia yang lebih bermanfaat bagi orang lain. Meski ada beberapa bagian yang agak membosankan namun buku ini tetap layak untuk dibaca. Lewat kisah kehidupan Mei , kita dapat berempati kepada kehidupan para pengungsi,sudut pandang orang ke satu dalam buku ini seakan membuat kita masuk ke dalam jiwa Mei dan merasakan segala kepahitan yang ia rasakan. Dan melalui Hannah kita belajar bahwa cinta terhadap sesama, pada akhirnya akan menghapus batas-batas perbedaan, baik suku,ras,maupun agama...
Sebaik-baiknya kalian adalah yang paling bermanfaat bagi orang lain, begitulah Sabda Rasullullah.
Diangkat dari kisah nyata dan berlatar belakang Perang Vietnam, seorang gadis bernama Mei harus melarikan diri akibat konflik di negaranya. Bersama ratusan orang lainnya, ia berusaha untuk bertahan hidup, meski tercerai berai dengan keluarganya,menjadi "manusia perahu", terombang-ambing di ganasnya lautan, kekurangan makanan hingga akhirnya terdampar di Malaysia dan dikirim oleh UNCHR, ke negara barunya, Amerika Serikat. Di Amerika, seorang gadis remaja bernama Hannah, selama ini merasa bahwa dirinya tidak berguna. Ia tertutup,tidak punya teman, dan menderita gangguang emosi. Hannah yang sebenarnya cerdas, dianggap aneh dan pemberontak oleh orang orang sekitarnya, hal itulah yang membuatnya menjadi pribadi yang semakin tertutup . Saat ia menyaksikan berita tentang para pengungsi "Manusia Perahu' yang terombang ambing di lautan, ia memutuskan bahwa inilah saatnya untuk menjadi manusia yang lebih berarti. Dengan segala keterbatasan yang ia miliki, Hannah mendaftarkan diri sebagai relawan pengungsi ke kantor pusat PBB di New York.
Orang bijak mengatakan bahwa memberi tidak akan mengurangi. Dalam islam,sedekah yang kita berikan kepada orang lain sebenarnya adalah investasi untuk diri kita sendiri.
Dengan harapan untuk menolong para pengungsi, Hannah sebenarnya justru menolong dirinya dari segala keterpurukan yang ia rasakan selama ini...
Buku ini menggugah rasa kemanusiaan dan keinginan untuk menjadi manusia yang lebih bermanfaat bagi orang lain. Meski ada beberapa bagian yang agak membosankan namun buku ini tetap layak untuk dibaca. Lewat kisah kehidupan Mei , kita dapat berempati kepada kehidupan para pengungsi,sudut pandang orang ke satu dalam buku ini seakan membuat kita masuk ke dalam jiwa Mei dan merasakan segala kepahitan yang ia rasakan. Dan melalui Hannah kita belajar bahwa cinta terhadap sesama, pada akhirnya akan menghapus batas-batas perbedaan, baik suku,ras,maupun agama...
December 11, 2008
"Weeping Under This Same Moon is based on the true story of two teenage girls from different cultures, whose paths intertwine, dramatically altering the course of their lives."
Mei, one of our two narrators, is Vietnamese. She's the oldest child in her family and one of the first (along with a younger brother and sister) to seek refuge outside of Vietnam. Other siblings--and eventually the parents--will come later. But Mei must go first, must pave the way, must sponsor her remaining family. The portions narrated by Mei are compelling. They proved to be the most interesting to me. Hannah, the second narrator, is an American. She is an outsider--often angry and frustrated that she doesn't belong, doesn't fit in. She doesn't feel particularly understood or appreciated. She's different with a capital D. She doesn't want to be a follower. She isn't looking to conform. She just wishes life wasn't so hard. She's a thinker. She's prone to act as well. When she becomes interested in something--a project, a cause--she gives it her all. One of her projects comes from watching the news--hearing about the plight of the Vietnamese "Boat People." She can't just sit back and do nothing. She must do something, she must make a difference. So she finds out how to go about volunteering. In doing so she does change the lives of a group of Vietnamese refugees living in New York City. Among those she helps is Mei and her siblings.
I did like this one. I found it slightly uneven perhaps...I loved Mei as a narrator but was more hesitant with Hannah. Which is odd I know since I would probably have more in common with Hannah. But it was Mei's story that I found compelling. It was her story I cared about.
© Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews
Mei, one of our two narrators, is Vietnamese. She's the oldest child in her family and one of the first (along with a younger brother and sister) to seek refuge outside of Vietnam. Other siblings--and eventually the parents--will come later. But Mei must go first, must pave the way, must sponsor her remaining family. The portions narrated by Mei are compelling. They proved to be the most interesting to me. Hannah, the second narrator, is an American. She is an outsider--often angry and frustrated that she doesn't belong, doesn't fit in. She doesn't feel particularly understood or appreciated. She's different with a capital D. She doesn't want to be a follower. She isn't looking to conform. She just wishes life wasn't so hard. She's a thinker. She's prone to act as well. When she becomes interested in something--a project, a cause--she gives it her all. One of her projects comes from watching the news--hearing about the plight of the Vietnamese "Boat People." She can't just sit back and do nothing. She must do something, she must make a difference. So she finds out how to go about volunteering. In doing so she does change the lives of a group of Vietnamese refugees living in New York City. Among those she helps is Mei and her siblings.
I did like this one. I found it slightly uneven perhaps...I loved Mei as a narrator but was more hesitant with Hannah. Which is odd I know since I would probably have more in common with Hannah. But it was Mei's story that I found compelling. It was her story I cared about.
© Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews
February 16, 2014
Weeping Under the Same Moon takes the reader through the horrors of the Vietnam refugees, dubbed "Boat People" to tell their story of their journey to America and their struggle to make a home in an unknown land. Laiz uses very vivid imagery to allow the reader to feel the fear and discomfort of the political refugees. She contrasts the life of a 17-year old Mei who is being forced to take on a motherly role to her two younger siblings on their journey from Vietnam, to that of Hannah who is a teenager growing up in the American post-Vietnam environment. Laiz is able to weave their lives together to provide a story of hope that teaches young readers that small gestures blossom into meaningful differences in people's lives.
Weeping Under the Same Moon provides some historical references on the politics that led to the fleeing of Vietnamese that could be tied to a classroom lesson. It also discloses a side of the Vietnam War that is not often discussed in history books, thus can provide a great supplement to a lesson. The literary structure of the book is also a unique teaching tool that can serve as a method to teach comparing and contrasting. Laiz uses the chapter break as a means to switch narrators. When the two meet, we get to see a situation described twice to gain a deeper understanding of the thoughts and feelings of each of the girls. Although this is not a fantastic book, it does offer many important lessons and historical references that can be tied to a lesson on Vietnam.
Weeping Under the Same Moon provides some historical references on the politics that led to the fleeing of Vietnamese that could be tied to a classroom lesson. It also discloses a side of the Vietnam War that is not often discussed in history books, thus can provide a great supplement to a lesson. The literary structure of the book is also a unique teaching tool that can serve as a method to teach comparing and contrasting. Laiz uses the chapter break as a means to switch narrators. When the two meet, we get to see a situation described twice to gain a deeper understanding of the thoughts and feelings of each of the girls. Although this is not a fantastic book, it does offer many important lessons and historical references that can be tied to a lesson on Vietnam.
September 18, 2025
2019- 3 Stars
2025 Reread- 3.75 Stars
I read this story back in 2019 but could not remember many details, so when I was looking for a book for a prompt challenge (“Travel”) I decided to read this one again. It is a story of cultures- food, languages, etc…. Hannah starts out as an unlikely match for Mei and her siblings, but we quickly see that there is more to Hannah than meets the eye. She discovers a cause she is passionate about and immediately pursues it. Mei is learning to navigate a “new world” while trying to keep her siblings safe and happy.
This was a very easy story to get into and follow. I enjoyed reading about the two girls as they got to know each other and learned to trust one another.
This is a fictional story based on true events and that made it even better for me. The author covers some tough topics but she does so in a respectful way, which I appreciate. The book will be going back on my bookcase. It is written as a young-adult story but I think anyone who enjoys reading about families and cultures, historical events, and friendships might also enjoy it.
*What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts. I was not compensated in any monetary way.*
Content Warnings– Mentions of Suicide; Mentions of Death; Mentions of War; Mentions of Smoking; Animal Death; Mentions of Gun Violence; Mentions of Drug Use; Mentions of Rape (brief mention, does not happen in the story); Mentions of Slavery; Mentions of the Holocaust; Vomit; Suicide; Confinement; Death; Physical Assault; Blood; Bullying; Cursing; Eating Disorder; Alcohol Use
2025 Reread- 3.75 Stars
I read this story back in 2019 but could not remember many details, so when I was looking for a book for a prompt challenge (“Travel”) I decided to read this one again. It is a story of cultures- food, languages, etc…. Hannah starts out as an unlikely match for Mei and her siblings, but we quickly see that there is more to Hannah than meets the eye. She discovers a cause she is passionate about and immediately pursues it. Mei is learning to navigate a “new world” while trying to keep her siblings safe and happy.
This was a very easy story to get into and follow. I enjoyed reading about the two girls as they got to know each other and learned to trust one another.
This is a fictional story based on true events and that made it even better for me. The author covers some tough topics but she does so in a respectful way, which I appreciate. The book will be going back on my bookcase. It is written as a young-adult story but I think anyone who enjoys reading about families and cultures, historical events, and friendships might also enjoy it.
*What I have expressed are entirely my own thoughts. I was not compensated in any monetary way.*
Content Warnings– Mentions of Suicide; Mentions of Death; Mentions of War; Mentions of Smoking; Animal Death; Mentions of Gun Violence; Mentions of Drug Use; Mentions of Rape (brief mention, does not happen in the story); Mentions of Slavery; Mentions of the Holocaust; Vomit; Suicide; Confinement; Death; Physical Assault; Blood; Bullying; Cursing; Eating Disorder; Alcohol Use
September 17, 2009
It felt like two different authors writing about two different girls. So I felt a bit disjointed as I moved back and forth between the narratives. It did continue to capture my interest, though. A quick and easy read--I read the entire book in one sitting. I didn't really want Mei's story to end, although I was really glad that Hannah began to be more tolerable because I was getting weary of reading about her abrasive personality. But I know exactly what Hannah meant when she said she instantly felt like she belonged with the refugees. I felt like that from the moment I first set foot in So. America, and I still feel like a part of me is missing since I've been back.
There were also a few historical references that didn't quite seem to fit. For example, the author indicated that every kid in the entire high school smoked weed, and that even Hannah's mother encouraged her to try it. Maybe I misunderstood that part? Anyway, later it was hinted that the radical environmentalists did no drugs at all. Maybe my sources are wrong, but the people I know that grew up in the era (pot smokers and non-smokers alike) gave me some contradictory information. Oh well, minor detail.
There were also a few historical references that didn't quite seem to fit. For example, the author indicated that every kid in the entire high school smoked weed, and that even Hannah's mother encouraged her to try it. Maybe I misunderstood that part? Anyway, later it was hinted that the radical environmentalists did no drugs at all. Maybe my sources are wrong, but the people I know that grew up in the era (pot smokers and non-smokers alike) gave me some contradictory information. Oh well, minor detail.
April 5, 2013
With a sense of heartbreak and hope, I was inspired by the spirit of Hannah.
Hannah a struggling teen, and forward thinking young woman, saw through the blindfolds of racial injustice and chose to follow her heart.
The story is written in such a way that I felt the pain of human suffering, yet I also felt the humor that made me laugh, and the warmth of the loving characters.
The characters are courageous survivors, loving families quietly suffering in a foreign land connected to the altruistic spirit of one, Hannah.
Hannah a "social misfit and outcast" in her high school yet a healer in the Bronx, was driven to make a difference in the lives of "Boat People".
It is when Hannah reaches out to help-priceless gifts, stories and pains are exchanged.
What evolves is the story of courage, healing, hope, compassion, friendship, trust, self worth, connections of humanity.
After reading this, it reaffirms the truth that one person can truly make a difference in the lives of others.
We only need to turn on the news as Hannah did, listen to our hearts and reach out.
Hannah a struggling teen, and forward thinking young woman, saw through the blindfolds of racial injustice and chose to follow her heart.
The story is written in such a way that I felt the pain of human suffering, yet I also felt the humor that made me laugh, and the warmth of the loving characters.
The characters are courageous survivors, loving families quietly suffering in a foreign land connected to the altruistic spirit of one, Hannah.
Hannah a "social misfit and outcast" in her high school yet a healer in the Bronx, was driven to make a difference in the lives of "Boat People".
It is when Hannah reaches out to help-priceless gifts, stories and pains are exchanged.
What evolves is the story of courage, healing, hope, compassion, friendship, trust, self worth, connections of humanity.
After reading this, it reaffirms the truth that one person can truly make a difference in the lives of others.
We only need to turn on the news as Hannah did, listen to our hearts and reach out.
February 24, 2014
I read this book in one sitting in less than 2 hours. It is told from the perspective of two young women going through tremendous change - in their own ways; in two completely different worlds - when, when a fateful news report brings them together. Mei's journey made me cry and her strength seemed unbelievable, though it can have only happened in the way it was told. Hannah's obsessiveness and strength of self made me laugh and reminded me of my own struggles at her age. I first heard a passage read from this book by the author and it immediately made me think of my own step-daughter some of our conversations about school and getting through and so bought it for her - it is something with which I hope she will connect. This story made me want to be a better person. It made me want to care about the world around me in a way I hadn't before or maybe in a way that I had wanted to, but never had. It was a joy to read a little bit of history of two young women's journeys towards a better more fulfilling life.
February 18, 2014
This book tells about two teenage girls from different nationality and cultures. I love Mei's story which tells about the strugle of the Boat People; what they were forced to leave behind, how they struggle to seek freedom and safety. I particularly love the vivid imagery of Mei's POV. It describes very well her pain to leave her family and how she had to take the role of a mother for her younger sister. Hannah's part was really different, but it shows how she struggles with her society quite well. All in all, a nice read!
October 20, 2010
This book provided a painful awareness of what refugees face, specifically in this the Vietnamese "boat people". The strength and resiliance of the Vietnamese who experienced such horrors is inspiring. It also provides a wonderful look into how changing one's perspective, from inward to outward focusing, the trajectory of one's life can change. This was a great read that I enjoyed very much.
July 8, 2013
I really enjoyed reading this book. We have the author visiting our school this fall and I'm looking forward to her visit. The book chronicles two teenage girls in the 1970s, one seeking refuge from Vietnam and one seeking refuge from the banality of high school, whose paths cross. It was a very interesting book and insight into the thoughts and heroic actions of every day people.
September 24, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I thought that I it made you think a lot and make your mind switch from one charecter to another. It was very touching because Hannah, one charecter really wants to help family immigrants and learn about their culture. I think it was a vey good book and is a little educational too.
July 2, 2013
I thought the premise of this book was very good and think it just fell short at the end. A lot of depth was put into the the early chapters and then it took on a different pace. I lost touch with the character's personal stories.
December 12, 2015
Easy read
I read this book for a class. It kept my interest and it was an easy read. Very nice story, it shows how two girls from two different backgrounds find a medium ground and develop a great friendship. This book was wonderful.
I read this book for a class. It kept my interest and it was an easy read. Very nice story, it shows how two girls from two different backgrounds find a medium ground and develop a great friendship. This book was wonderful.
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