Book Description

This is the true account of my personal journey to freedom. I truly believe that "freedom" is the most valuable commodity to us as human beings. For many of us, freedom comes with a huge price tag. I was separated from my family as a teenager in order to escape from the communist-governed Vietnam. This escape meant crossing the South China Sea. There were more than 165 people on a small wooden fishing boat; each hoping to survive and reach freedom. Unfortunately, my first attempt failed. I was captured and locked up in jail for eight months. Although my second attempt succeeded, I traveled 14 days at sea with no food and water and was robbed 21 times by sea pirates. Through that appalling journey, women were raped and people were killed. Hope was the only element providing us with the energy to move forward toward that freedom land. I grew up in a wonderful family filled with love and care, just like many of you. I never thought that I would one day face so much turmoil and hardship in my life. Our property was confiscated by the government. My father was thrown in jail for a year and was accused of being a capitalist by the North Vietnamese government. My mother's life was turned upside down dealing with all the tragic events occurring among us. Our family was never the same after South Vietnam was defeated in 1975. I believe that I have earned my freedom through suffering many atrocious experiences, sadness, sorrow, and humiliation throughout many years of my life. Nevertheless, living in the United States of America today, with my total freedom, made it all worth it!