Family Style: Memories of an American from Vietnam

Told through the lens of meaningful food and meals, this graphic novel chronicles the author's childhood immigration to America where food takes on new meaning as he and his family search for belonging, for happiness and for the American dream.

This autobiography following Thien and his transition from Vietnam to America is a compelling insight into the immigration experience for Vietnamese Americans, and I am sure it shares similarities with other immigrants from a myriad of countries.  It is moving to see the desperation that his family experiences and overcomes over and over again.  We watch how Thien assimilates to American culture and then as he grows older his connection back to his Vietnamese roots.  It is equal parts painful as we read of the vitriol and racism that people spewed at him and his family and hopeful--filled with moments of joy.  A recommended read.

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RBL