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2.56k reviews for:

The Best We Could Do

Thi Bui

4.4 AVERAGE

ayacchi's profile picture

ayacchi's review

3.0

An interesting way to learn history is through someone's experience made into books. And here I recall, how we learned very little about Vietnam. Reading this reminded me of how the school book told us about the civil war in Vietnam, and that it was devided into 2 part: north and south Vietnam.

It was a deep and touching memoir of refugees who flee to the US and their survival. The wound and fear from the past, the worries, the trauma might not be able to erase. But at least we learn how to deal with our past and face our present-future. This is a good story, tho the graphic is not really appealing and the story wasn't chronically written.

Moving memoir that includes reflections on the Vietnam War, family struggles, immigration, assimilation, and generational differences.
informative sad tense slow-paced

This is one of those books that taught me things I didn't know I didn't know. In school, we always ended with WW1 and WW2 crammed together in the final weeks before summer. Consequently, I did not know much about Vietnam except for the basics. This book provided details that will help me the next time I read or see something about the country.

Teachers should be aware that (at least at my public library) this book is labeled as a graphic novel but does not have the young adult designation on it. I'm going to have my middle school child read it, but I'll summarize the first chapter for her. I think the childbirth scenes will make her uncomfortable; other middle and high school students may react differently. As always, it's important to know both the reader and the book.

At times, I became confused with the people in the book, but I eventually managed to know if I was reading about the author, her parents, or her grandparents.

It's definitely a book I'll want to reread.
hopeful informative sad medium-paced
emotional informative reflective medium-paced

“The Best We Could Do” by Thi Bui delivers a poignant narrative through captivating illustrations. Bui's exploration of her family's journey from war-torn Vietnam to the United States is both heart-wrenching and beautifully depicted. The graphic novel seamlessly weaves personal stories with historical context, providing a powerful glimpse into the complexities of immigration and identity.

Moreover, "The Best We Could Do" offers a unique lens through which to examine the immigrant experience, making it a compelling read for those interested in The United States. The author skillfully navigates themes of cultural assimilation and the pursuit of the American Dream, contributing to a broader understanding of the diverse narratives that shape identity.
dark emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

The story was incredibly powerful, and the art was beautiful! 

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