Asian Books

Allows me to remember my own experiences in Vietnam. Great and easy reading.

The author creates an anticaption which allows the reader to look forward to each chapter. He also enables the reader to experience the "Vietnam Phenomenon" personally.
Type size and spacing allows for easy readng and a great book for quick, late night reading. Humorous and witty.

this is a must read book for those of us who served in the bush
as a combat infantry soldier. most of us never saw this side of
viet-nam. so you really should read it to get a new perspective
of some of the other things happening over there while we were
isolated out in the triple canopy jungle. this guy did two tours over there so he really does know what he is talking about.just read it and you'll see what i mean. it should do
you good to find something about that god-aful place that you

can actually laugh about or maybe even identify with.

A very unique tour on the road to manhood ! The very best real world saga I've read about Viet Nam ("Overseas Destination" - in enlistee lingo). Humorous as well as serious,with superb imagery and detail. Every page is well written, and let's YOU SHARE the experience as if you were there. A great book, written with emotion & feelings you won't forget, and can't put down once you start reading! Bravissimo...and let's see more from this author!

I enjoyed reading this book very much. It made me laugh, cry, and laugh again. Everyone I know that was in Viet Nam has been very closed mouth about their experiences over there. I can understand the reluctance with the way all the people treated the returning G.I.s at the time of the conflict!! I was only a small child at the time but was very interested in my world and watched the news every day especially about Viet Nam. I am really glad the stigma has started going away and we are now seeing more about the experiences of "over there". This book gives you a real day to day look at the real happenings of wartime not the glamourized ideas you so often encounter in books and movies. I give a thumbs-up for this effort and am looking forward to more from this author. This tale was very witty and not in the least boring. A must read for anyone that is interested in a new look at the Viet Nam experience.

Gripping story of the harsh reality of life in Vietnam after 1975. So often we have heard of Vietnamese who got to the point that they were willing to throw caution to the winds and risk everything to escape on some kind of a boat. This account as seen through the eyes of a young boy helps explain why in graphic detail. It is also a tribute to the courage and devotion of his parents who were later lost in their attempt to join their children.

Trinh Do is my hero. The story of his life in Communist Vietnam and of his escape is a testament to the his determination, perseverance and inner strength.

He and his parents displayed amazing resilience in the face of despicable conditions imposed by the corrupt regime. I greatly admire Trihn's:

* Dedication to his intellectual and scholastic development
* Determination in single-handedly toiling on the family farm to stave off starvation
* Moral fortitude in the face of daily bombardment from communist propaganda
* Courage during the terrifying escape

At the risk of seeming trite, I must say that Trinh's tenacity in the face of horrendous situations is my inspiration. When I am feeling sorry for myself, or when a task seems overwhelming, remembering Trinh's story refreshes my perspective.

Life is good. I will persevere.

Trinh Do and his wife are the parents of one of my daughter's classmates. It was amazing to know these people and then to read the story of what Trinh Do survived. I remember the boat-people stories as meaningless news clips when I was a child, but this book has made the faces of all those people real to me. This story inspired me. It was absorbing, suspenseful, and well-written.

Trinh Do's account of daily life after the war is a shocking eye opener for those who are blessed enough not to have live under communist rule. A story of pain, hardship and the will to survive at all cost. The eternal love and sacrifices parents give to their children. A must read for all the ages.

I just finished reading Trinh Do's incredible tale of his life in the years after the fall of South Vietnam. It is a captivating, poignant read interspersed with moments of laugh-out-loud humor. Besides giving a candid account of life under communist rule and the insidious infiltration of propaganda into every aspect of society, Trinh Do's book is also an account of a Vietnamese adolescence replete with dreams, friends,and first love; albeit in a background of utter tragedy.
It is truly amazing that Do can write his memoir with such smooth and flowing prose, as the story is one that can bring out strong emotion in the reader. I have read many memoirs of survival in desperate circumstances-Nyiszli's Auschwitz and Ung's First They Killed My Father come quickly to mind. Do's book ranks at the top of my list.
I will keep a copy to give to my daughter for the time when she is old enough to read it and understand.

It was great book that was only marred by numerous technical errors. The three that I remember are the misspelling of Iwakuni and Tachikawa, Japan and the placing of McConnell AFB in Topeka, Kansas and not in Wichita, Kansas. Considering that an Air Force man wrote the story about another Air Force man, these errors should have been caught.

I have known Scrappy for several years and I have heard many River Rats talk about him. But until he wrote this book I never knew the details of his life, and what an interesting and exciting life it has been. If you have interest in flying and history, this is the book for you. Scrappy takes you through all of his adventures.

I had the honor of reading Scrappy over the past three days while traveling by air on a business trip. I found his book difficult to put down. The book just keeps moving without ever getting bogged down. Every time I turned the page I found something new and refreshing.

I feel like I have known Scrappy my whole life now after reading his story. In fact when I got home last night I kept telling my wife Scrappy this and Scrappy that.

The story is at times very touching. I felt like Scrappy was able to take words from my soul and put them on paper. He showed me insight to my own experiences as a son, or a father, or a husband. On the other hand it was full of action and excitement too. Scrappy is filled with his professional and private ups and downs. And most of all it was filled with stories about flying.

All in all this is a great book. I found it refreshing and easy to read. This was no school book that I had to pull myself through. No, Scrappy pulled me through. Page after page he carried my attention to the end. This was a real page turner of a story. This is Scrappy.

I had the pleasure of meeting Scrappy a couple of years ago at an astronaut and aviator autograph show in Florida. He was more interesting and likeable than the more famous spacemen sitting around him. His new autobiography is excellent. I couldn't put the book down until I had finished reading it...in one sitting. I enjoyed it so much I purchased another copy as a gift!

Scrappy and my dad, Brig. Gen. Robin Olds, were cohorts and compadres in a world that only fighter pilots can understand. I read this book with great enjoyment, appreciation, laughter and admiration. Through no end of great tales, self-deprecating honesty and acute analysis of the political bureaucracy in play during the Vietnam war, I learned far more about fighter pilots than I already knew I didn't know! "Scrappy" is a great read and should be on everyone's list - not only for Air force veterans but for active duty pilots of today.

Find out what U.S. based traitors er traders are supporting in this book. Especially the entertainment & media industries. Disney, MGM, besides Amazon.com. While building lucrative careers for entrepreneurs who relocate to the U.S.A. Like John Woo, Chow Yun Fat, and Jackie Chan.

Wow! - non fiction paced like a mystery novel. I could not put the book down. Yes, it helps to have an interest in Tibet/China however this is a masterfully written book and if nothing else, a great read. If only it weren't true. Enjoy!

A number of people have written excellent reviews of this book so I'm just here to say that they're all right! This book is a must read if you're the least bit interested in Chinese-Tibeten relationship of the past, present and future...

Just a small bit of contrary opinion, to balance out all the enthusiastic reviews. In particular, I wanted to disagree with the reviewer below who wrote "This book is a must read if you're the least bit interested in Chinese-Tibeten (sic) relationship."

Fair warning: this book will tell you all you every wanted to know about the relationship between China and Tibet, and much, much more. If you aren't likely to be overwhelmed by details and a lot of rather complicated and dry history of Tibet, then this is the book for you. If you want more of an introduction, then perhaps better is HH the Dalai Lama's "My Country, My People."

This is a wonderful book to introduce some of the basic issues and history that lead to the current state of Tibet, its government, its people and its religion. Hilton walks you through some historical passages so that by the time she is delving into the search for the 11th Panchen, you have a good sense of the urgency of the situation and why both the Tibet government in exile and China were desparately trying to control the outcome. The fact that Hilton was privy to some top secret information and met with a variety of other key figures allows her to provide more emotion and intimacy to the story than perhaps otherwise. While we all now know the terrible outcome of the search, reading the details and chronology are still suspenseful and gripping. I felt so hollow at the end, knowing that little has changed in Tibet and wondering if it ever will. Where is the true Panchen (I can't believe China has not been forced to free him) and what is the fate of Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism after the passing of the 14th Dalai Lama??? Reading about China's cruelty made me wonder if Tibet can survive even the next thirty years but yet, there is hope when thinking of the courage Tibetans have demonstrated thus far.

This book is very touching. It's about a young girl who's just moved to America and isn't sure if she'll survive or make friends. And that's until she meets Priscilla, a girl who befriends her and they become stuck together like glue. Readers of all ages will enjoy this short, fast-paced book.

The Secret Voice of Gina Zhang is one book that you cannot put down. All though in the beginning, it is sort of boring, once you get through a few chapters, you will not stop reading it until you finish.

This book deserved 200 stars. I loved it the from the moment i started reading it. It is masterful and wonderful. It is appropriate for a large range of ages (i would say from 8 to 15). The suspense is wonderful, and the ending is MARVELOUS! At the beginning, it may seem a bit dull, but if you read on to the 3 or 4th chapter, you will fall in love and not be able to put this book dowm. The plot is remarkable, and it always seems to have you waiting to see how this wonderfully creative girl will solve new problems. Read this book, and see how GREAT it really is for yourself.

"The Secret Voice of Gina Zhang" is an important book for children and adults alike to read. In America, we have so many cultures living side by side, it's important for us to attempt to understand one another. Dori Jones Yang successfully creates a book that is enjoyable, educational, and inspiring. I feel many people will enjoy this book because they can relate to, in one way or another, the main character Jinna. After moving to Seattle from China, Jinna (Gina as she is dubbed in English), finds herself unable to communicate in school. Not only can she not understand and speak English, but she finds herself unable to speak AT ALL. Soon after, Gina is befriended by another class outcast, Priscilla, and both children are able to overcome their anxieties and issues with the help of each other's friendship. This is an excellent, inspiring book. I hope to read more books by Dori Jones Yang in the future.

Dori Yang's ten years in Asia provide her with a rich treasury of Chinese customs. She brings a Chinese family to America and spins exciting yarns. Ms. Yang weaves a colorful tapestry of fantasy, reality, suspense-even desperation. Ultimately, frightening faces become warm and friendly. The language is appropriate and readable for students who need to learn English very quickly. It is an engaging book and important to all students especially to those struggling with our language.

This book is distinctively different from most books about persian poetry. Its distinction lies in the authors extensive, yet careful and graceful explanations of the essence of Hafiz message to humanity.
His message: love, truth, and justice is the path to enduring happiness. It is the path to the Creator.

The authors extensive knowledge, love and dedication to Hafiz gives the Poet the wings to fly across time and space to come next to you from ancient Persia and whisper his wisdom in your ears. What an achievement is this!

I hope Haleh Pourafzal and Roger Montgonery keep sharing their sweet wine with us. You have to have read the book to understand this sentence.

I can say nothing about how this book is translated, as an earlier reviewer did, since I am an English speaking monolingual person. I can only say that the book had much personal meaning for me. I found it meaningful, for example, when the authors spoke of life's purpose being service to the divine attributes of humanity: The authors say "The rend is the compassionate, emphathetic embracer of the world's pain. Unseparated from the creator, unafraid to embrace existance as it is, the rend takes on and deals with the darkness as well as the light." They also comment that "The transformation of human beings into a mirror of their creator is the precise intent and goal of evolutionary unity." I found that many times there were phrases in the text that really resonated with me spiritually.

When we are ready to hear a message, perhaps it presents itself. Perhaps I was just in the right place to meditatively receive some of the ideas in this book- and the book became the right vehicle for me to use to integrate these insights into my life. Many times I found the authors' words wise, gentle and compassionate.

While I have found that Daniel Ladinsky's translations of Hafez more accessable and pleasing to my ear, it helps that the authors include commentary about their translations that helped me understand what they felt the poems were saying.

The authors quote Hafez as saying that "The tale of love is only one story but it's wonderous- for every new version I hear is unique in itself." This book is indeed a tale of love: wonderful to my ear, comforting and inspiring to my heart.

So many books have been written about Persian poetry by non-Persian people in recent years that you may wonder if Persians ever write about their own literary figures. Well, here is a very intelligent and warm book by a Persian woman (and an American co-author) about the deeply-loved poet Hafez. As would be expected, it presents a different picture of thhe poet and a different feel for his poetry than most other books. Hafez is talked about as a true universal poet rather than a Sufi, as most others do. I had not ever heard him called the philosopher of love, but it is a fitting label.

Many people say Hafez cannot be translated well because he writes in an extremely complex manner. In so many translations, this is true. But this poetry is translated with a warm and true feeling for the rhythm and even the rhyme, a unique accomplishment. The book is filled with both the full poems and individual verses. The authors offer extensive discussions of the meanings.

Like another reviewer, I particularly liked the translation of The Wild Deer, a Hafez masterpiece which is not easily understood. This well-known poem conveys the teachings of the poet's whole life.

But perhaps the best part is that the author shares her personal lifetime understanding and study of this cultural being who is so loved by Persians, and now American readers can look at Hafez with affection, a little bit like Persians themselves do. This is a very different view than that of Western literary scholars, and it is so nice that it is now shared in an enlightening and gracious way by a Persian writer. It is a point of great cultural pride.

I recommend this writing to all lovers of poetry and good books.

A wonderful, mystical book that is grounded in ancient Persian tradition. The overall presentation of this Persian poet is well researched and the poetry is moving. I took a long time to read this book, and found it to be in the top ranks of current mystical writing. It is thoughtful, moving and original. I would love to see additional translations.

This is a wonderfully mystical book about the Persian master poet Hafez, whose poems remain popular today with Iranians all over the world as a great divination tool. The authors are an Iranian woman, H. Pourafzal, who learned the poetry from childhood, and an American man, R. Montgomery. The book also draws on the work of Ms. Pourafzal's father, who lectures on Persian poetry at Sorbonne University in Paris. The result of this collaboration is a fluidly articulated presentation of an ancient mystical master that has not previously appeared in the West. The many aspects of Hafez's thought are revealed by examining the depths of his poetry in the context of his own times. What emerges are not only many pages of flowing verse but also an engaging vision of a wise universal teacher. The translations/renditions are first rate. Very different from other "scholarly" books on Persian mysticism, and very highly recommended for any reader with a strong mystical bent and the desire to discover a wonderful ancient teacher.

Asthe author ,I do appreciate all comments with gratitude/thanks.Some

readers have really been distressed as the book delinks the linguistic

classification " Semitic/ Aryan-Indo-european "based on Noahs'three children/ or indian myth of Sanskrit as the mother of all ; these being the "matter of faith".The book really rekindles the cold war between the

priestology and scientific evolution which got started with the mesopotamian discoveries; The linguistic families meanwhile are believed

as a " FINAL scientific" discovery; the book has reopened the old wound and reignited the debate" REVELATION vs EVOLUTION". Feel embarassed to

give 5 stars to my own book but am convinced that Languages evolved in

africa ,polished in mideast and diseminated by the farmers; this is the

state of art in linguistics.

The author must be congratulated for an indepth review of a very sensitive topic. His analysis is impartial and thought provoking. This author must be
complimented for his zeal and relentless pursuit of linguistic history.I wish that more people read his work and learn the truth based on research and facts.

The Politics of Language is a book written in an interesting way in its centuries old historical prospective as the human societies developed and started integrating.
Language helped people to know each other irrespective of their faith and believe.
However, Britain , who ruled India after the fall of Mughal umpire , used language as political weapon to dive Hindu and Muslim by getting their brain washed that Hindi is Hindu and Urdu is Muslim.
The political use of language by British India , as writer Abdul Jamail Khan has dwelt in length in his book, is a scientific analysis how the rulers divide the people to achieve their objective.
Dr Khan , s book is a valuable addition in the languages books written by
other writers but his book urges people all over the world to avoid hating each
on the basis of language as for centuries language has a great force in integrating the society.

The book presents the science of the evolution of written language dating its origin some 6000 years ago to the Middle East/ Mesopotamia. The reader is guided through a wonderfully educational and eye-opening tour of the development of language and its migration and transformation as it traveled across continents. The early chapters are exquisitely detailed, defining a sound foundation on which the remainder of the book is developed. Moreover, by the time one traverses through these pages, the facts and messages become abundantly clear.

The author, backed by meticulously researched historical facts, provides example after example of the dating of selected Urdu words as far back as 3000 years bc ! Furthermore, the reader is educated of the ugly interests of the ruling British empire, and how it manipulated the psyche of its subjects by lending religious and nationalistic identities to one language over another. The book is sprayed with countless examples of the ways in which the British used the politics of manipulating language to weaken the bonds of this integrated, religiously diverse society and divided the population and ultimately the subcontinent by labeling Urdu as Foreign and Muslim while Hindi being Patriotic and Hindu.

The author boldly goes on to uncover and correctly describe how the British appealed to the psyche of the pseudoproud Indians by also claiming themselves as Aryan and thereby winning the hearts of their Indian Aryan "brethren." These energized fanatics pursued their agenda resulting in the loss of Urdu as the national language just after the tail end of British rule in 1947. The Phoenetic and Gene theories the author eloquently describes are also quite interesting and convincing.

This tragic history of the Partition was a personal childhood ordeal that the author vividly describes and has wonderfully translated to tangible emotions that the reader can comprehend. As we move along through the later chapters, the author describes an ambitious revival of Urdu and related cultural activities not only in India through arts, cinema and poetry, but also through the emigrating populations throughout the Middle East, Europe and the West.

The Politics of Language is a wonderfully articulate book that is both educational and a revealing commentary on the surreptitious manipulation by a foreign power to divide a once strong and unified society. The author should be congratulated for such a profound and elucidating piece of work.

Dr. Jamil Khan does not shy away from introducing a new theory: that the British Empire deliberately created an "artificial divide" in the language of the Indian Hindus and Muslims. Instead of going along with the masses, Dr.Khan painstakingly researches and questions what has been largely accepted for generations-and offers an answer that fits even better.

He discusses how, contrary to what the British said at the time, that people of Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi heritage are the descendants of common ancestors and share the same culture. Dr. Khan says that despite what others believe, Urdu was not derived from Arabic/Farsi, rather Urdu words were already in existence even before the Arab conquests in India. He traces Sanskrit back to Syria and Turkey.

Well-researched and well-written, the book gives in-depth information and creates a great deal of interest in a seemingly dry subject. Once begun, it is hard to put the book down. Simple, clear language and easy-to-read tables make the book even more enjoyable. This book is a gem for those who have even the remotest interest in history and linguistics: it is a must-read. The author must be congratulated and commended by linguists for his bold and unbiased effort to introduce a new-and perhaps more accurate-theory, challenging one that has been generally accepted for generations.

It was good to have some memories of Vietnam revived. Lee revived them without causing harm. Whether the reader was in Vietnam or not, this book offers a perspective on daily life in the war zone without saddling the reader with the a requirement to relive the politics. You can read this book without risk. Lee Basnar should be honored and thanked both for his service in Vietnam and for writing this book.

When I read Vietnam Vignettes, I was transported back to my own two humanitarian trips to Vietnam in recent years. But what a difference! Though my friends and I were met with nothing but warm welcomes and shows of generosity, we tried to imagine what it must have been like thirty years before. Through the pages of Lee Basnar's book, I learned of the fear, the distrust, the misery, the bonding and the loneliness experienced by our young men and women in a land so far from home and loved ones. The book gave me a much better understanding of today's troops in foreign lands and of the scars left by such events.

Vietnam Vignettes: Tales of an Infantryman by Lee Basnar is an exceptional book written from the heart. With staccato-like shifts of scenes, Basner's book resembles Vietnam War television news clips. However, Mr. Basnar's reporting goes far beyond the 1960's news clips. With his spare prose style, Mr. Basnar not only describes war scenes and events, he also evokes the physical sensation of the war, the incessant noise and the extreme physical discomforts, as well as "the odors. . .the heat, and the soil of Vietnam." The descriptions of violence are never gratuitous. Each vignette serves as a focal point for a particular feeling or experience that creates, for the reader, a mosaic of the entire war experience.

Despite the severe hardships of the war, Mr. Basnar never loses sight of the beauty of the landscape and laments, at one point, that, in the lull of the war's infernal noise, he does not hear the song of a bird. Most importantly, Mr. Basnar conveys the human feelings he experienced as the commander of Charlie Company.

The author's straightforward presentation and acceptance of his feelings puts a humanitarian face on the sometimes graphic war scenes. He describes the intense loyalty of his comrades and his troops' courage and toughness. He touches candidly on the futility of the war and explains the will to survive, not simply a sense of patriotism, as the primary motivation for himself and his troops to fulfill their duties. True victory was staying alive to return home to cherished families. He describes his feelings of fear in battle and the guilt, anguish and sense of failure when any of his men died or were wounded. At times he experienced these same feelings when he witnessed or was responsible for the deaths of the enemy. Despite the trauma and intensity of emotional hurt in the war, Mr. Basnar does not neglect the lighter moments of humor in the Vietnam experience, for example, being the honored guest of a Vietnamese family celebrating Tet.

Mr. Basnar has dedicated his book to his troops whom he decribes as "true warriors." He also seems to be making peace with the ghosts of the past that still haunt him. Vietnam Vignettes is a valuable book, not only for readers with a special interest in understanding the Vietnam War, but for any reader who has suffered any severe trauma. Mr. Basnar, I salute you. I, for one, am looking forward to your next book.

Vietnam Vignettes: Tales of an Infantryman gives a first hand view of the Vietnam War as described by Lee Basnar, an American infantry sergeant and then captain during two tours (1967-1968 and 1970-1971) in Vietnam. However, though the stories are based upon Basnar's experiences many of the stories and situations illustrating in this book are common to any infantry grunt completing a tour of duty during the Vietnam War.

This book contains three parts. The first section, Opening the Duffel Bag, includes background information about Vietnam and about Basnar's first impressions of the country during his first tour of duty in 1967-1968. Commanding Charlie Company, the section of this book, includes stories about Basnar's second tour of duty in 1970-1971. This section holds the bulk of the chapters and experiences of the infantry captain's experiences during this second tour. On the Way. Wait. is the final section of this book and contain accounts of Basnar's final days in Vietnam.

The stories contained in these sections range from comical through heroic to bone chilling. Many of these descriptions aim to educate readers about the cultural and lifestyle differences between regular American life and the life of a grunt during the Vietnam War. These differences are key in understanding the significant conflicts and experiences that these people had while in Vietnam and upon their arrival back to the United States. It is important to note, however, that the author has taken great pains not to preach either the ills or glories of the Vietnam War. His accounts are simply experiences that needed to be shared.

Vietnam Vignettes: Tales of an Infantryman is an extremely valuable work. Beyond the amazing insight into the lives of those serving in the Vietnam War, this book entertains, rivets, and terrifies the reader from start to finish. No matter what your personal opinion of the Vietnam War, this book is a must read.

For those of us who served and the families of those who served, Mr. Basnar's vivid, factual, and emotional accounts of the dailey life of infantrymen in Vietnam will capture the imigination of all who read this outstanding book. "Vietnam Vignettes" will seize your attention with not only the life and death struggles of those in combat but will also share with you the tough, reasoned decisions of a rifle company commander who is entrusted with the lives of the American soldier.

Voices from Vietnam is a brilliant and riveting collection of images and essays that brought the Vietnam war alive to someone who was born at its conclusion. It is a must-read for anyone who served in the war or had loved ones who did. As the daughter of a Vietnam veteran, the stories in this book have been instrumental in helping me to understand some of the things my father experienced as a soldier in this war. This compelling book shares stories from every possible perspective, yet the themes of pain, suffering, survival and triumph are very much the same. This is a very personal, very human look at the affects of war. I highly recommend it as a tool for healing and for understanding.

The author is gifted with both lens and pen...the vivid photos coupled with poignant stories drags the reader through a twisting maze of emotions.
I believe that this is one of the very best books concerning a generation that is still trying to find it's way or perhaps come to terms with themselves...so many stories, so many unanswered questions....so much pain...so much heartbreak...so many tears.
Each story is filled with a vast spectrum of emotions.
Charlene Edwards is simply gifted...I can say no more to describe her talent.
I am unable to add more for fear of becoming redundant...I lack the words to offer a review that is worthy. I can only say that 5 stars is inadequet.
Eddie Delezen..author of...
Eye of the Tiger
Thoughts Etched in Jade
Red Plateau

Even if you couldn't read the words, the stunning photographs alone in this work would reveal the depth and range of emotion endured by everyone touched by the Vietnam conflict. Each personal vignette carries a similar theme - why were we there, how did the atrocities of the war effect me, where am I today? Sadly, there are more tragedies than triumphs, as with all wars, but so poignantly true in this one. Yet, you must go back with these people, imagine what it was like for them, remember how you experienced those times, and hopefully emerge with a compassionate understanding of what it all meant.

There are other books out there titled Voices from Vietnam, but Ms. Edwards has listened to these particular voices and played them back as a ringing chorus that will move you to forgive but never forget the victims on both sides of this war.

Voices From Vietnam was written by someone who was very young when this war took place, but who was drawn to it and remained dedicated to the understanding of it for the rest of her life.This book is very special because it humanizes both sides and helps us to realize that it was a tragic mistake from the very beginning. Misguided but well-meaning Americans went into the abyss that was left behind by the French colonizers.The people of Vietnam were devastated by over 11 long years of fighting with the Americans .The most powerful nation in the world could not ultimately overpower the determination and tremendous courage of this tiny and poor country.One of the greatest and most profound lessons as demonstrated in this book is that the Vietnamese have forgiven us for the utter decimation of their country and are willing to help us heal the terrible wounds inflicted on both sides.The author introduces us to many people and their stories and shows us that it is possible to embrace your former enemies and work together towards a better future for all.For many Vietnamese the legacy of the war is saddness-the loss of time and place ,of family and friends ,of youth and innocence. If you turn the coin over you find once-young Americans burdened with those same loses.In the end we are a mirror image of each other. Perhaps we will never be able to fully make sense of what we endured on both sides for eleven years.The Vietnamese know they won the war but there was no real winner.The author shows us some of these people and how they have rebuilt their country and extended a hand to us in forgivness and friendship.The many beautiful photographs and interviews tell this story perfectly and for every one of us to understand perfectly.This is an outstanding testimony to the good we all have in us-if only we would try to remember it.

Charlene Edwards has put together a wonderfully deverse and mosaic puzzle that refects the human side of the Vietnam War. She has captured the spiritual and emotional energies of those she interviewed and photographed in her book. The book not only has wonderful photos but the text bleeds with heart felt stories.

Her 10 year quest to share the feelings and images of those personal experiences was a gift to the rest of us. I found myself moved to tears at times, by the images and stories she has introduced us to in her book. I am richer for having had the experience of reading this book.

I've never read a book with so much substance, creativity, imagination, innocence and passion; so much so that I found my self re-reading some passages because I had to, to absorb it all -- the passion, the leaps of imagination, the super creativity of a genius grade brain, and the innovation of metaphors. The photographs play the same role as a nice bottle of wine accompanying a wonderful cuisine, it make it all flow even smoother.

I could not believe how good and hilarious was I was reading. Kalpanik made me not only feel, but also think and smile. Kalpanik has a curious mix of making complex concepts simple and make us live his life and experiences, make us laugh and yet be inspirational.

This book is a collection of three stories, accompanied with lot of professional grade photographs and covers three places--Davis (a small town near Sacramento), San Francisco Bay Area and San Diego. it also covers three different phases in his life.

He is able to sprinkle the description of these places and phases with a lot of humor, making you smile, laugh, guffaw, chuckle, snicker, giggle and crackup.

The First part is at University of California at Davis, which captures the unique experiences of a young man first time in a new country where he is a foreigner and falls in love, written when the author was 21.

The second part is fast forward to 12-15 years later by which time the author has firmly established in the Technology industry and is a Vice President of Technology in a Silicon Valley startup .He is lot more confident and self assured by then. The story humorously covers the life of a technology leader leading a team working at the cutting edge of innovation.

The third part is another 5-8 years later when the author has moved to San Diego and covers his family, including two lovely daughters. They get caught in the infamous wild fires of San Diego.

In all three parts, the author skillfully combines the colorful, vivid words with equally vivid photographs.

His journey is one of hopes and ambitions, of hard work and courage required to realizing those ambitions and tremendous power and insight. It is thoughtful, and yet he is able to infuse it with his humor very naturally!

A good read! Extremely well written and very thoughtful.

Kalpanik's style is fresh, unique, funny (in a dignified way), vivid and clever. For example, the author successfully anthropomorphizes the state of California! While I have not read another of his other books - I look forward to discovering them in the near future

Being an immigrant myself, I read it with the occasional tear in the eye and several bouts of goosebumps. Words are not enough to describe the feelings of transcendence, enlightenment and plain joy I experienced read this narrative.

Definitely a Must Read!

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R333AIEHUTY4IO Writer is a risk taker, who is able to overcome being a foreign born, accented and is still able to assimilate at different places and befriend natives.

The book starts as a sweet story of a foreign born student who is struggling to adapt to a new culture, missing home and trying to find a balance between the demands of his academic life, and who falls in love. This part of the book shows us Kalpanik as a vulnerable foreign born student, a young person. This beginning provides a good background, and serves as a contrast to the rest of the book, wher we see Kalpanik as an confident executive with a carefree attitude.

Kalpanik is an amazing writer with extraordinarily talent for combining simplicity with complexity and sophistication, writing thoughtful and meaningful material into a book which still comes out as light reading!