Elizabeth Nguyen

Aloha Vietnam is a detailed and complex look at the intersections of immigration, integrating cultures, and mental health. I love that it uses the perspectives of both Anh, the daughter, and Xuan, the mother, to show a deeper look at the struggles refugee immigrants and their first-generation children face together and separately.

As a person with mental health struggles, I greatly related to Anh and her mental health journey. I kept cheering for her to get the help she needed, but appreciate the realistic non-linear path she took.

As a side note, do not read this book hungry. The descriptions of the food sounded so good and I was so sad I couldn't eat it in real life while reading.

Thank you to Kelsey at Book Publicity Services for the gifted copy of the book!… (meer)