The Happiest Refugee: My Journey from Tragedy to Comedy by Anh Do (Paperback, 2010)

The happiest refugee--

One thing impresses me immensely and that is the emphasis on family values contained in this book. No matter how poorly they were living and the lack of food, they were always willing to share with the many cousins, uncles and aunties. Anh Do's respect for his parents was a joy to read about. and the love and help he gave his Mother was inspiring--especially as it all came from his heart and was not forced. The love he feels for his wife and children is just beautiful, and I hope one day she changes her mind and gives Anh Do the gift of a last baby, a girl. (Anh Do has 3 boys). Anh Do writes about the many hardships growing up in Vietnam and the memorable boat trip to Australia fighting off pirates, and going to a Catholic school in Australia. It is a touching and memorable book and I would like to see a sequel about his later life in Australia.Read full review

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Great book about Anh Do and his family.

Highly recommended. Great story that had me wanting to read more; bought for husband, reading first for myself. A fascinating account of Anh Do's life as well as some insight into his family. He writes like he is talking to the reader and telling you his story so it is easy to read and to get some insight into his family's struggles. Some sad bits but generally very positive - just like the author.Read full review

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Migration with humour.

A revealing autobiography from a quite light-hearted comedian. Shades of darkness show the reality of his life. I’m going to have my grandson read it; at 14, I’m surprised at how little he knows about migrants of that time: the “boat people”. Read full review

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Do yourself a favor!

If you read any book this year, make it This one. From the start and all the way through, it was full of hope, optimism and courage. I believe it is the best book I have read and fully recommend secondary schools having it as a class novel!
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What a great example Anh is to us all!

what an engaging read - I couldn't put it down! And my regard for Anh Do has tripled!!

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An dos incredible life journey

I absolutely loved reading this book. Thank you

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Anh Do's journey (so far)

Very easy to read this well written story of refugee family miraculously picked up on the high seas after being stripped of all possessions, but their lives, by two lots of pirates.

Granted refugee status and accepted to live in Australia, so began their next learning curve.

Engrossing, funny and heart warming.Read full review

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A boys review

I bought it for my 13 year old grandson to read, as he only likes true stories, he thought it was incredible how Anh & his family got to Australia, & relates the struggles they had growing up, to his situation growing up with his mum & sister, sometimes with tears. A great book allround.Read full review

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Superb autobiography

Fantastic book of an amazing man and his family's story of survival and tenacity. A book that is hard to put down and highlights the lives that people have fled from to end up on Australian shores. Love, family bonds, humour, tenacity, bravery and some luck thrown in and we have a wonderful tale from a gifted comedian.Read full review

It describes Anh Do perfectly.

I could’t put the book down, it kept you interested right to the end and having photos helped to identify everyone in the book. Also the fact that a part of the cost of the book goes to the Cancer Society is great.Read full review

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