A Sense of Duty

By Quang X. Pham

My Father, My American Journey

A year or so ago, my wife heard Mr. Pham speak at an event she attended, purchased his book (which of course he signed for her), and came home to tell me how great the experience was. When she finished his book she gave it to me with the instructions that “you have to read this.”

Well, I am usually absorbed by my business reading or reading on the topic of the evolution of consciousness. But last week, I too had the chance to hear Mr. Pham. She was right - an excellent experience. This book provides a compelling alternative view to the history we might have heard concerning the Vietnam war, and while I am not really a student of history, I am concerned to get as many views of events as I can.

Mr. Pham threads a very interesting personal journey with a unique view of the events in Vietnam as can only be told through the eyes of an “insider.” We learn how the relationship with his father had evolved, how Quang struggled with his own demons concerning his absent father, and how he was driven to succeed as a pilot. We then also are treated to his view of the first Gulf War.

All in all, this was a very interesting read, even though it is outside the genre I normally choose. I’m very happy I spent the time to learn more about how Vietnamese Americans feel about their new country and its role in the fight for their ancestral home.

[Click on the book image to view at Amazon]

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