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The Ground Kisser
Award-Winning memoir. The Vietnam War story you haven't heard, through the eyes of a young lady you won't forget. Her love for her family, perseverance and courage through unimaginable circumstances in her quest for freedom, and her profound gratitude to live under the banner of freedom, will inspire and encourage you.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2019
123 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 28, 2019
Beautiful
Remarkable, beautiful story filled with hope and love. Thanh tells of her amazing journey of faith and family. Her gratitude, patriotism and faith are contagious.
Remarkable, beautiful story filled with hope and love. Thanh tells of her amazing journey of faith and family. Her gratitude, patriotism and faith are contagious.
December 23, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book since I was a teenager during the Vietnam war and have not fully understood the impact of that war on the country or people of Vietnam. I have, however, seen the impact that the struggle had on many people my age who were drafted and sent to fight in that war. This was a beautifully written account of the life of a young girl after the war ended and communism moved in to take over. I especially appreciated how she expressed appreciation to the soldiers from the US who fought to try to protect their freedom. She also encourages all of us who are so fortunate to live in the USA that we should always be thankful for our freedoms and rich blessings.
June 22, 2019
A book young people should be required to read. This women lived through Vietnam and the communist take over. She was a self professing “little rich girl” in South Vietnam, before Communism under the guise of Socialism occurred. This real life quote is amazing...”Communism under the guise of Socialism had appealed to the poor because of their promise of equalization. In fact, they kept that promise, but not how the poor expected. Instead of the poor moving out of poverty, they remained in poverty and the rest of us joined them. The government determined the value of everything. Our crops, our labor, our lives were valued according to our contribution to the government. No supply and demand. Only demand. They took everything we owned as they tried to take our very souls.” The Ground Kisser page 48-49. Her appreciation of the US soldiers during the Vietnam War who tried to help them retain their freedom is heart wrenching. Especially for the daughter of a Vietnam veteran who fought hard to help them.
August 15, 2019
I’ve heard it said that the story of one is greater than the story of 1,000. This book is no exception. Thanh’s story is one that will step on your toes, in the best way possible. Growing up in a well-to-do family in post-war Vietnam, she considered herself a “spoiled little rich girl” but not in a bratty sort of way. She goes into great detail of daily life in her hometown and how much she loved it and its people, and her beloved Mekong River. After the war, Communism reared its ugly head and the lifestyle she was so accustomed to was no more. Her parents made the sacrifice to get her and other family members out of harm’s way and on their way to a better life. The obstacles she encountered, most could never even imagine. Thanh shares her amazing story with the help of Lisa W. Smith and how she found God, even though He had been with her all along.
June 11, 2019
Put this at the top of your reading list.The true story of a courageous little girl who leaves her family and the only home she has ever known for a chance for a better life. Thanh’s account of life in Vietnam after the fall of Saigon gives a name and a face to the hardships endured by the people of South Vietnam. Through the eyes of a little girl, we see the harsh realities of communism, the immense love of a family willing to risk everything to give two of their children a chance for a better life, and the courage of those children throughout a harrowing journey to freedom. I have read this book twice, sobbing the first time through. I vowed to read it again without crying, but, again, I failed at keeping a dry eye. It should be required reading for all Americans, reminding us how privileged we are to call this country home. Perhaps we should all be “ground kissers.
May 26, 2019
Amazing story that was hard to put down. I was a year ahead of Thanh in high school.
June 9, 2019
The Ground Kisser captivated me from page 1. Uplifting story of tragedy and hope found among a hopeless situation. Thanh's parents made a heart-wrenching decision not knowing the outcome. Their sacrifice allowed their entire family to move to America in search of freedom.
July 26, 2019
Oh my! What a beautiful story of freedom and family then to lose it all to a communist government. Family and friends endure the harshest conditions and Thanh's journey is amazing.
This should be required school material.
And when she finally reaches America...Oh what a blessing that is revealed.
Must read!
This should be required school material.
And when she finally reaches America...Oh what a blessing that is revealed.
Must read!
July 12, 2019
My coworker Loan Mcallister, her sister wrote this book. Tells the story of their entire family and their journey to Alabama aka America to them from their home country. It was an eye opener and a beautifully written story. Hope you can check it out!
November 21, 2019
AUTHOR Boyer, Thanh Durong
TITLE The Ground Kisser
RATING 4/B
FIRST SENTENCE I willed my eyes to look in the direction of the chalkboard in front of me, but my mind drifted to my beloved market a few blocks away.
GENRE/ PUB DATE/PUBLISHER / # OF non fiction/2019/winged publications/232 pgs
SERIES/STAND-ALONE SA
CHALLENGE Good Reads 2019 Reading Goal 175/111; #27 Vietnam Around the World Challenge 80 countries 2019-2021 27/80
GROUP READ
TIME/PLACE 1970's - present/Vietnam & Alabama
CHARACTERS Thanh Durong Boyer / Vietnamese immigrant
COMMENTS Thanh was 12 years old when she immigrated from her family and home in Vietnam to Alabama. She and her sister came over with an aunt/uncle and family. She had many adjustments but was always thankful to the US for her new home and opportunities. She worked and studied and eventually was able to bring her parents and remaining siblings over.
TITLE The Ground Kisser
RATING 4/B
FIRST SENTENCE I willed my eyes to look in the direction of the chalkboard in front of me, but my mind drifted to my beloved market a few blocks away.
GENRE/ PUB DATE/PUBLISHER / # OF non fiction/2019/winged publications/232 pgs
SERIES/STAND-ALONE SA
CHALLENGE Good Reads 2019 Reading Goal 175/111; #27 Vietnam Around the World Challenge 80 countries 2019-2021 27/80
GROUP READ
TIME/PLACE 1970's - present/Vietnam & Alabama
CHARACTERS Thanh Durong Boyer / Vietnamese immigrant
COMMENTS Thanh was 12 years old when she immigrated from her family and home in Vietnam to Alabama. She and her sister came over with an aunt/uncle and family. She had many adjustments but was always thankful to the US for her new home and opportunities. She worked and studied and eventually was able to bring her parents and remaining siblings over.
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May 30, 2025Here is another book about a firsthand account of why life under communism is terrible. Thanh Doung Boyer is an excellent writer, and she proves it with her book “The Ground Kisser.” If you want to find out what it is like to live under Communism then read her book, because she explicitly describes life under Communism, and contrasts that with life in the United States- where she has lived since 1980. The difference is like the difference between night and day. This what she wrote on page 180; “I also hope you realize the great value of the freedoms of our republic and how quickly that liberty can vanish. Look past the empty promises, and stand firm for freedom, even if it comes at a great sacrifice and cost.” She knows firsthand because she lived through a great change in Vietnam on 30 April 1975, and is thankful she was able to get out in 1980
She just couldn’t walk across our southern border and skate into this country. She distinctly talks about how she had to have a sponsor before she could come to the United States, and she also had to pass a medical exam before she could come to the United States. That was a good policy to have in effect for people seeking to immigrate to the United States, who changed it from what it was to what it is- open border for the last 4 years.
Read “The Ground Kisser” if you want encouragement to look to God for help when you are in distress. Thanh Doung Boyer is not afraid to talk about her faith and how faith in God saved her, then trampled on her, and then saved her a gain. Additionally, she thanks Vietnam Vet’s for how they helped her and urges all to thank Vet’s for what they do to protect America.
I highly recommend to this book to learn about the ills of life under Communism, and it is better to not let it get a foothold in the United States, before we took have to look for a way to escape from under its ugly paws!
She just couldn’t walk across our southern border and skate into this country. She distinctly talks about how she had to have a sponsor before she could come to the United States, and she also had to pass a medical exam before she could come to the United States. That was a good policy to have in effect for people seeking to immigrate to the United States, who changed it from what it was to what it is- open border for the last 4 years.
Read “The Ground Kisser” if you want encouragement to look to God for help when you are in distress. Thanh Doung Boyer is not afraid to talk about her faith and how faith in God saved her, then trampled on her, and then saved her a gain. Additionally, she thanks Vietnam Vet’s for how they helped her and urges all to thank Vet’s for what they do to protect America.
I highly recommend to this book to learn about the ills of life under Communism, and it is better to not let it get a foothold in the United States, before we took have to look for a way to escape from under its ugly paws!
January 30, 2024
This was such an incredible experience reading these words. I have several connections to the authors: Thanh is my mother-in-law’s (Thu) sister and Lisa is my husband’s aunt. While I’ve experienced several holidays and special occasions with many family members mentioned in this book, I never knew much about their story (I’m kicking myself for never even asking in the first place). I can’t even tell you how many times I broke down crying while reading this, knowing that these beautiful women and men that are now apart of my family experienced trials that I couldn’t even begin to imagine. I’m incredibly blessed and humbled to know them and be loved by them.
This book also made me realize how truly blessed I am to have been born in the United States. It really put things into perspective for me. All of the little inconveniences that I’ve dealt with in my life don’t even hold a candle to what others have lived through.
I haven’t ever been one to annotate books I’m reading, but I had so many sticky tabs within the pages of this book. Between all the historical facts, word meanings, and God moments, I really felt the importance of them and wanted to take notes.
Overall, just an incredible book. I cannot say enough about it 💕
This book also made me realize how truly blessed I am to have been born in the United States. It really put things into perspective for me. All of the little inconveniences that I’ve dealt with in my life don’t even hold a candle to what others have lived through.
I haven’t ever been one to annotate books I’m reading, but I had so many sticky tabs within the pages of this book. Between all the historical facts, word meanings, and God moments, I really felt the importance of them and wanted to take notes.
Overall, just an incredible book. I cannot say enough about it 💕
February 15, 2022
Every Vietnam Veteran should read!
This has healed my heart as a Veteran who has been beaten down by the myth I f our futility in Vietnam! Hearing of what we paid for with our lives, blood, service and nightmares is appreciated and understood by Vietnamese more than Americans!
Wonderful story of war, struggle, faith and survival that makes it all worthwhile and honors the memory of those who purchased the freedom of others with their lives!
I thank God for sending this story to me in order to heal my heart! I literally had every molecule of my body tingling with joy from this story of Grace and the goodness of God! (That's no exaggeration and of course no guarantee, but it was so real that I won't forget that feeling, ever!)
This has healed my heart as a Veteran who has been beaten down by the myth I f our futility in Vietnam! Hearing of what we paid for with our lives, blood, service and nightmares is appreciated and understood by Vietnamese more than Americans!
Wonderful story of war, struggle, faith and survival that makes it all worthwhile and honors the memory of those who purchased the freedom of others with their lives!
I thank God for sending this story to me in order to heal my heart! I literally had every molecule of my body tingling with joy from this story of Grace and the goodness of God! (That's no exaggeration and of course no guarantee, but it was so real that I won't forget that feeling, ever!)
March 15, 2022
With family and friends who served in the Viet Nam War, The Ground Kisser held special meaning for me. Those were frightening, confusing, and traumatic years for many in Vietnam and America.
Than Duong Boyer’s industrious family was relatively affluent but this was dramatically changed by the Vietnam War and Communist rule. Than spent her early childhood living through this horror until her heroic escape as one of the Vietnamese boat people, but her perils didn’t end there. The Ground Kisser is a powerful true story of a bright, committed, and courageous girl determined to find a better life for herself and those she loved. It also details how God drew this child and young woman to Himself.
Than Duong Boyer’s industrious family was relatively affluent but this was dramatically changed by the Vietnam War and Communist rule. Than spent her early childhood living through this horror until her heroic escape as one of the Vietnamese boat people, but her perils didn’t end there. The Ground Kisser is a powerful true story of a bright, committed, and courageous girl determined to find a better life for herself and those she loved. It also details how God drew this child and young woman to Himself.
May 26, 2020
The Ground Kisser is a true story of a woman that immigrates from Vietnam to the United States (Huntsville, Alabama) after the war and communists takeover. Although Thang Boyer had many obstacles she persisted and won. She relied heavily on her faith and although this story could have just been an immigrant story the real story was of the value of faith in her life and her family. Life brings so many trials it is good to have the Lord to lean on and provide solace.
August 1, 2021
Heartfelt
Thank you for sharing this very emotional true story through your writing. The story felt honest and gave me as a reader a true grasp of the horrific conditions endured by those who were trying to escape the restricted living conditions they faced. The constant theme of hope is never far away throughout each page, spreading the love of God and tying all the events together for an easy and enjoyable read.
Thank you for sharing this very emotional true story through your writing. The story felt honest and gave me as a reader a true grasp of the horrific conditions endured by those who were trying to escape the restricted living conditions they faced. The constant theme of hope is never far away throughout each page, spreading the love of God and tying all the events together for an easy and enjoyable read.
November 18, 2019
An amazing chronicle of a Vietnamese refugee
What an amazing story Thanh Duong Boyer and Lisa Worthy Smith tell. It really helps you understand the courage she and her sister along with their uncle, aunt and family had to make the journey from Vietnam to the United States. A very worthy read.
What an amazing story Thanh Duong Boyer and Lisa Worthy Smith tell. It really helps you understand the courage she and her sister along with their uncle, aunt and family had to make the journey from Vietnam to the United States. A very worthy read.
December 2, 2020
I lived in the same small Alabama town and went to the same high school as Tanh, her sister, and cousins. I knew something of their story when I started reading the book, but I didn't know the whole story of what she experienced in Vietnam or during her journey to the United States. This book is an amazing account of what she, and her family, went through to begin a new life in the United States.
January 4, 2021
Inspiring and interesting
Having spent time in Vietnam (Danang and Saigon) to adopt our son, reading this book brought back many memories. Plus, having dealt with INS, I understand the difficulty and challenge. Thank you for taking the time to share your inspiring and important story. America needs to hear it.
Having spent time in Vietnam (Danang and Saigon) to adopt our son, reading this book brought back many memories. Plus, having dealt with INS, I understand the difficulty and challenge. Thank you for taking the time to share your inspiring and important story. America needs to hear it.
December 1, 2019
Great book
Very well written book. I had never read about the experiences of a refugee from Vietnam. Enlightening, heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. A must read for anyone with a heart for God’s work.
Very well written book. I had never read about the experiences of a refugee from Vietnam. Enlightening, heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time. A must read for anyone with a heart for God’s work.
December 2, 2019
This is an excellent book. It is a biographical telling of how a young girl and her sister escape from Vietnam after the war. She goes from a spoiled little rich girl before the war, to destitution, fear and danger in a small overcrowded boat, to an entirely new life in the United States.
March 29, 2021
The Ground Kisser is an incredible true story of God’s grace in tragedies. I thank the authors for sharing this profound memoir. The heroism and inspirational insight make this a powerful book which is beautifully written with much love and courage.
October 18, 2023
Fascinating read from the perspecive of a Vietnamese refugee. Its really a great story of perserverence, and determination. I would have given it 5 stars were it not for the endless preaching in the last third of the book.
November 17, 2019
Inspiring
What a remarkable journey your life has been. It's refreshing to hear of the reverence you hold for this great country and our wonderful Father.
What a remarkable journey your life has been. It's refreshing to hear of the reverence you hold for this great country and our wonderful Father.
January 13, 2020
Excellent read
Really enjoyed the honesty of her account. Easy read and valuable story for anyone searching for meaning and purpose in their own life.
Really enjoyed the honesty of her account. Easy read and valuable story for anyone searching for meaning and purpose in their own life.
February 5, 2020
We don’t always realize how blessed we are with the freedom we in America take so much for granted.
November 11, 2020
Inspiring book
Great story that has given me more appreciation for what the families of Viet Nam went through & the struggle for them to come to America.
Great story that has given me more appreciation for what the families of Viet Nam went through & the struggle for them to come to America.
May 3, 2022
Enjoyed this book
August 8, 2022
God is truly good!
Even thru her struggles God was truly good to her! Please keep God in your life no matter what happens! An Amazing story of personal perseverance.
Even thru her struggles God was truly good to her! Please keep God in your life no matter what happens! An Amazing story of personal perseverance.
May 13, 2023
Her journey from Vietnam to Alabama was quite moving.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews