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63rd out of 389 books
—
185 voters
The Happiest Refugee: A Memoir
by
Anh Do
Anh Do nearly didn't make it to Australia. His entire family came close to losing their lives on the sea as they escaped from war-torn Vietnam in an overcrowded boat. But nothing -- not murderous pirates, nor the imminent threat of death by hunger, disease or dehydration as they drifted for days -- could quench their desire to make a better life in the country they had dre...more
Paperback, 229 pages
Published
September 1st 2010
by Allen & Unwin
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I must be the only person in Australia who is not familiar with Anh Do, which a few visits to YouTube will no doubt fix...nevertheless his memoir was both tragic and funny, humble and most of all uplifting. For any reader who has encountered refugees before, many parts of his story will sound familiar: the harrowing sea voyage, his encounter with racist attitudes in Australia and the family credo to succeed. But pervading it all is Anh's luminescent smile, his family's 'can do' attitude, helped...more
“There are only two times. Now and too late.”
With humour, warmth and spirit, Anh Do shares his journey from a refugee boat fleeing Vietnam to a successful and well known comedian in Australia. The Happiest Refugee won multiple Australian book awards in 2011 and captured the heart of the nation.
When Anh was a small child, his family gambled everything in their desire to escape the crippling poverty in Vietnam on a barely seaworthy boat crowded with 40 others. Twice attacked by pirates and on the...more
With humour, warmth and spirit, Anh Do shares his journey from a refugee boat fleeing Vietnam to a successful and well known comedian in Australia. The Happiest Refugee won multiple Australian book awards in 2011 and captured the heart of the nation.
When Anh was a small child, his family gambled everything in their desire to escape the crippling poverty in Vietnam on a barely seaworthy boat crowded with 40 others. Twice attacked by pirates and on the...more
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Inspirational, funny, honest. Told in a matter-of-fact way. Australians who are 2nd, 3rd generation Aussies and older need to take a good look at the way they view the refugee question. An accident of birth does not give us the right to be so mean-spirited. We take this way of life, this freedom, for granted: by the same token, we need to be vigilant to ensure that these freedoms are not eroded.
Anh Do tells a great story in a self-effacing style you would expect if you have enjoyed his stand-up...more
Anh Do tells a great story in a self-effacing style you would expect if you have enjoyed his stand-up...more
An enjoyable and uplifting read. Anh Do comes across as a warm, optimistic person who expresses appreciation for what he perceives to be the positives in his life. I love the warmth with which he talks about hsi wife and children.
Out of five stars, I rate this book SIX out of five.
This is one of the most uplifting memorable true stories I have ever read. Easy to read, difficult to put down.
A potentially life changing read.
Some of my favourite quotes are: (May contain spoilers)
"Khoa, the baby dangled over the side of the boat by pirates, the toodler that Mum dressed in little girls' dresses, the fat kid that thought the homeless woman was going to eat him... had just won young Australian of the year."
This is one of the most uplifting memorable true stories I have ever read. Easy to read, difficult to put down.
A potentially life changing read.
Some of my favourite quotes are: (May contain spoilers)
"Khoa, the baby dangled over the side of the boat by pirates, the toodler that Mum dressed in little girls' dresses, the fat kid that thought the homeless woman was going to eat him... had just won young Australian of the year."
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I wouldn't normally read a book like this but my Daugther was reading it for school so I borrowed it off her. Anh Do gives its readers insight into what being a refugee is like and how far they will go to leave their horrible life and country behind, to start a new and make a better life for themselves and their family. The book highlights the values of strong family relationships, generosity and courage. This book has made me realise that it’s not simple or easy for a refugee to leave their own...more
Possibly the most exceptional memoir I've ever experienced. I struggled to put it down and ached with joy when I picked it back up. I wanted to keep turning the pages forever. And yes, word on the street has it that it's truly life-changing.
As I fervently turned each page, Anh had me both laughing and crying. Not just mere chuckles here and there, but more like a deluge of roaringly deep belly laughs. The way he tells a story is just magical. Anh Do is a born storyteller. His nostalgia is infec...more
As I fervently turned each page, Anh had me both laughing and crying. Not just mere chuckles here and there, but more like a deluge of roaringly deep belly laughs. The way he tells a story is just magical. Anh Do is a born storyteller. His nostalgia is infec...more
Last Friday I had to give a lecture about Asian-AustraIian writing. I’ve given it over a couple of years now and predominantly talked about a “confidence meter” which is a barometer for how minority groups are travelling at any one time in Australian society. It runs the gamut from a state of “outsiderness” and separateness, to attempts at assimilation and integration, to feeling picked on and out of the mainstream (eg the “I got salami bruschetta (substitute noodles if Asian) and the rest of th...more
Not sure if anyone remembers- or ever closely followed as much as my family and I did- 'Thank God You're Here' a few years ago, but I certainly do. For no reason in particular it became a family pastime. To be honest I'm not entirely sure how often we enjoyed it, but I can recall these two things; 1. Hamish Blake can kiss me anytime he wants to, and 2. Anh Do is such a great human and I adore his humour and character. This show being a big part of ours lives for about 4 years as i enjoyed Anh's...more
“There are only two times. Now and too late.” - Anh Do
Anh Do nearly didn't make it to Australia. His entire family came close to losing their lives on the sea as they escaped from war-torn Vietnam in an overcrowded boat. But nothing - not murderous pirates, nor the imminent threat of death by hunger, disease or dehydration as they drifted for days - could quench their desire to make a better life in the country they had dreamed about.
Life in Australia was hard, an endless succession of back-brea...more
Anh Do nearly didn't make it to Australia. His entire family came close to losing their lives on the sea as they escaped from war-torn Vietnam in an overcrowded boat. But nothing - not murderous pirates, nor the imminent threat of death by hunger, disease or dehydration as they drifted for days - could quench their desire to make a better life in the country they had dreamed about.
Life in Australia was hard, an endless succession of back-brea...more
When Anh was two years old, his parents made the decision to escape war-torn Vietnam and make a new life elsewhere. A crowded boat, attacked by pirates (twice), days and days at sea drifting without food or water, and eventual rescue by the Australian Coastguard – this was how Anh’s new life began.
Settling in to Australia, the Do’s felt nothing but gratitude for the wonderful country that welcomed them, gave them somewhere to live, and provided them with so many opportunities. Ahn’s parents wor...more
I liked the book. It was easy to read and a very compelling story, and I emphasize story. The book has many of the problems associated with memoir. Anh shares the story of his journey from Vietnam to Australia on a boat--the many attacks by pirates and the eventual rescue. But Anh was four years old when he made that journey. These are not his memories, but those of his aunts and uncles and parents. As an historian, I find his failure to acknowledge the unmediated nature of his memoir extremely...more
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A multi-award winning book THE HAPPIEST REFUGEE is a memoir that evokes plenty of different emotions as you turn the pages! THE HAPPIEST REFUGEE is an easy book to read, you feel like you are hanging out with Anh Do over an afternoon having a chat about his life experiences – by the time you finish the book, you feel like old friends!
Anh’s life started in Vietnam, and he came to Australia with his parents and brother when he was a small boy on a refugee boat. The journey to Australia was horrifi...more
Anh’s life started in Vietnam, and he came to Australia with his parents and brother when he was a small boy on a refugee boat. The journey to Australia was horrifi...more
Oct 30, 2010
Sam
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Australians
Recommended to Sam by:
I like Anh Do's humour
Australians probably know Anh Do as a comedian and/or the star of the movie Footy Legends. What they probably don’t know is how Anh got to be one of Australia’s truly funny blokes.
Anh and his family are from Vietnam and survived a harrowing boat journey (multiple raids by pirates, dehydration, loss of life) to get to Australia (via a refugee camp in Malaysia). Anh was only two at the time, but the story of the trip is edge-of-your-seat kind of stuff. When they finally made it to Australia, the D...more
Anh and his family are from Vietnam and survived a harrowing boat journey (multiple raids by pirates, dehydration, loss of life) to get to Australia (via a refugee camp in Malaysia). Anh was only two at the time, but the story of the trip is edge-of-your-seat kind of stuff. When they finally made it to Australia, the D...more
This was an entertaining read, written with a lot of humour. I can appreciate the hardship his family and extended family went through. I had no idea that Anh is a qualified lawyer. Who would have thunk it, as he seems to be such a down to earth kind of guy. I guess that his working class background, kept him grounded..and his family. I do have a few comments to make on the 'negative side of things'. Firstly, the bit about his vegan ex-gf and how he lost lots of weight and wasn't 'solid' enough...more
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I loved this biography/autobiography. I really hope the rumours I have heard about Anh not actually writing this book turn out to be false.
This is a story not just of Anh, but of his whole family and their triumph over very difficult circumstances. The writing style is VERY easy to read and I whipped through this in a day. The stories from Anh's childhood are poignant and fascinating - there is much self-deprication here, and gratitude.
Certainly, as I read of the terrifying ordeal Anh's family w...more
This is a story not just of Anh, but of his whole family and their triumph over very difficult circumstances. The writing style is VERY easy to read and I whipped through this in a day. The stories from Anh's childhood are poignant and fascinating - there is much self-deprication here, and gratitude.
Certainly, as I read of the terrifying ordeal Anh's family w...more
My Dad gave me this sweet and heartfelt memoir for Xmas. Like most Australians, Dad loves Ahn Do. It's very hard not to. Anh is an extremely likable narrator: humble, funny, grateful and, to use an Aussie phrase, 'a top bloke'. Essentially a rags to riches story, this book covers Anh's childhood immigrating to Australia from Vietnam as a refugee, and his family's subsequent adventures in the Lucky Country. Ahn's appreciation of Australia itself is particularly moeving: as a middle class white gi...more
A wonderful easy to read story about a family from Vietnam who settled in Australia. It demonstrates the strength of the human spirit and intelligence of this great family where one works hard and achieves much. This extended family were "boat people" who arrived in Australia with nothing after a frightening journey that included two attacks by pirates. This story also says much about Australia and how it is possible to achieve virtually anything that you want in this great country. The limit is...more
Feb 28, 2011
Cass
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
All Australians (the first part anyway)
Recommended to Cass by:
Anh Do (on Radio National)
Anh Do is a well-known and much loved Australian comedian. He is the type of comedian that tells anecdotes rather than jokes. It is his delivery and timing that turning an interesting story into a hilarious tale.
The big thing lacking about this book is Anh Do. I find myself straining to hear his voice and his way of laughing at his own jokes. I would much rather listen to him read this book than read it myself.
The first part of the book is an eye-opening story of the lives of a family of Vietanm...more
The big thing lacking about this book is Anh Do. I find myself straining to hear his voice and his way of laughing at his own jokes. I would much rather listen to him read this book than read it myself.
The first part of the book is an eye-opening story of the lives of a family of Vietanm...more
Anh Do always comes across as a chirpy, friendly, funny decent bloke with a very big, very soft heart. You finish The Happiest Refugee with that impression firmly rooted in your mind, along with the wonderful story of the life and family that helped to shape him.
The Happiest Refugee is written as a series of anecdotes, but each separate story is woven as part of a whole to show his life. Do's style is breezy, fun and accessible, and the stories are funny and, on occasion, very moving.
I read the...more
The Happiest Refugee is written as a series of anecdotes, but each separate story is woven as part of a whole to show his life. Do's style is breezy, fun and accessible, and the stories are funny and, on occasion, very moving.
I read the...more
I absolutely adored this book! The whole time I was reading it, I felt happy. Even when something bad went wrong, it always, ALWAYS worked out for the best! I love the relationship Anh has with his brother and sister, and especially with his mother. His mother sounds like an absolutely amazing woman and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about her experiences.
I really enjoyed the stories that Anh provided about his parents in the opening part of the book. How they met, and eventually married, and how...more
I really enjoyed the stories that Anh provided about his parents in the opening part of the book. How they met, and eventually married, and how...more
Anh Do has become an Australian Icon yet his journey was far from easy. At the age of two he left Vietnam in a boat loaded over capacity with friends and family, encountering Pirates, storms, starvation and dehydration. His brave parents worked tirelessly to build a life in their newly adopted country of Australia. Life was difficult and there were many times when they struggled financially and personally with the adjustments and personal regrets however the entire family was so grateful to be i...more
A lovely, readable and inspirational book. Not complex, but honest, funny and endearing. The sort of book that those who are unsympathetic to the needs of refugees should read, but never would. The family of Anh Do came to Australia with 40 of their extended family on a fishing boat which should have held only 6 Fishermen. Attacked by pirates, losing one of their number overboard, and becoming dehydrated and starving in a fairly representative story of our boat arrivals, this family is extraordi...more
This is a rare book that actually lives up to the quotes on the back!
I laughed (until I cried!). I gasped out loud at surprises. I was moved by a tale of survival against the odds; and by the familiarity of an Aussie childhood. This book is easy to read. As Anh has become part of our lives via his television appearances, it feels like the story of someone you know.
When I started the book, I wondered if it would be 'political' in this era of boat people and refugees. It's not, not overtly, but...more
I laughed (until I cried!). I gasped out loud at surprises. I was moved by a tale of survival against the odds; and by the familiarity of an Aussie childhood. This book is easy to read. As Anh has become part of our lives via his television appearances, it feels like the story of someone you know.
When I started the book, I wondered if it would be 'political' in this era of boat people and refugees. It's not, not overtly, but...more
This is an absolute must read.
This auto bio is written clearly, plainly, and if you've heard Anh in his comic shows, in his voice. It's not sophisticated literary language. And thankfully so!
It is a very personal insight into the life, history, heritage, trials of a family who flee communist Vietnam for a better life... Which eventuates in Australia.
In the news and talkback radio today people often criticize refugees and especially boat people. Why do they jump the "queue" (non existent that it...more
This auto bio is written clearly, plainly, and if you've heard Anh in his comic shows, in his voice. It's not sophisticated literary language. And thankfully so!
It is a very personal insight into the life, history, heritage, trials of a family who flee communist Vietnam for a better life... Which eventuates in Australia.
In the news and talkback radio today people often criticize refugees and especially boat people. Why do they jump the "queue" (non existent that it...more
Dec 23, 2012
Cheyenne Blue
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Those who think refugees are bludgers
Recommended to Cheyenne by:
Found in the latest housesit
Shelves:
australian,
memoir
I hadn't heard of Anh Do as a comedian, but I had heard of this book, so I was happy to stumble across a copy in our current housesit. The memoir of a Vietnamese boat person made good. Anh was only two when his family made the journey from Vietnam in a wooden fishing boat with 40 others, and settled in Sydney. I enjoyed his positive, happy style as well as his genuine enthusiasm for his adopted country.
It's a swift book to read - I went from go to whoa in a couple of hours.
I wish the whingers w...more
It's a swift book to read - I went from go to whoa in a couple of hours.
I wish the whingers w...more
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I read this for book club, and it's a massive step up from our last selection (Fifty Shades of Terrible Writing). While I won't go so far as to say I loved it - Anh Do, at the end of the day, is not a writer - there's a lot in here that's worth thinking about, especially as our country seems to move towards tighter and tighter restrictions on refugees. Simply put, this is a story of a family of refugees who came to Australia in kinder times, and have given back, time and again, to the country th...more
I simply loved this book. I read it the week it was released simply because it was front and centre at a bookshop. I am so glad that I read it early as there was no hype. I laughed out loud and cried in sections.
I am desperately trying to get my 11 year old son to read it (he won't read anything I rave about!).
I have given it to friends that aren't big readers and they have loved it.
The historian that is carrying on about FACTS and memories rather than a MEMOIR needs to stick with her dry histo...more
I am desperately trying to get my 11 year old son to read it (he won't read anything I rave about!).
I have given it to friends that aren't big readers and they have loved it.
The historian that is carrying on about FACTS and memories rather than a MEMOIR needs to stick with her dry histo...more
What an amazing read. Yes i know that is cliched but this book truely is. The Happest Refugee is the story of a little boy who would flee Communist Vietnam with his family in search of a better life. Along the way they will encounter pirates, wild weather and starvation but eventually will get to Australia were they will start a new life. Anh's parents would work themselves to the bone in order to provide for there children and despite scrimping by themselves would always be grateful to the coun...more
Remember the outcry against the Vietnamese boat people? Sounds familiar. Comedian Anh Do was amongst them. I really enjoyed this laugh-out-loud, reach-for-your-hanky story of one of Australia's best-loved comedians.He is a well-known comedian and came very close to winning Dancing with the Stars but his story has many more twists and turns.
Anh turned to his family for their accounts of why they left Vietnam and how they arrived in Australia. His entire family came close to losing their lives on...more
Anh turned to his family for their accounts of why they left Vietnam and how they arrived in Australia. His entire family came close to losing their lives on...more
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“There are only two times. Now and too late.”
—
14 people liked it
“Always question your fear, Anh. there's almost never a good reason to be scared.”
—
4 people liked it
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