I have recently started reading the book Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai. This book is written in poetry format from the point of view of a young Vietnamese girl, Kim Hà. Because of the format, I was hesitant to read this book at first. However, once I started reading, I was instantly engaged.
In these first two Parts, I am taken on a journey as Hà and her family are forced to flee their Saigon home on a Navy ship, seeking refuge from the communists taking over their country.
In Part I, Hà describes the conditions she and her family are facing after the U.S. soldiers left Vietnam. I can't help but feel a connection to the 10-year-old girl as she vividly describes the struggles of the poor Vietnamese citizens. I couldn't help but hope with her. As I read, I was able to feel the same love, the same worries, and the same frustrations as she and her family experience. I couldn't help but wonder what I would do if I was in the same situation. At the end of Part I, I was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what would happen next.
In Part II, Hà and her family are on the ship with other refugees. Again, I feel the hope and the worry these men, women, and children face. Would I have been able to survive a crowded ship, and at the same time be near starving with small rations of rice. Through all the worry, however, Hà also lightens the mood with her innocent humor. I laughed out loud when I read how she viewed the American man. It wouldn't be easy being a 10-year-old girl, fleeing from the only home you've ever known, but Hà stays brave and hopeful for a better future. This hope remains as Hà and her family wait to be rescued and taken in by another family.
Celina,
ReplyDeleteThe way you describe this book makes it sound like a great choice! I think that poetry can be difficult because it can often get interpreted very differently by different people. It sounds as though it would be an interesting read though! I am curious as to what time period this book is set, and of course how it ends!
Celina,
ReplyDelete"Inside out and Back Again" seems like an emotional read! I tend to like poetry style books for that reason! A book that can make you laugh, cry or both is always a book that I cherish! The way you describe the book is making me want to get my hands on it! It is awesome that you felt so connected to the character and felt the emotions she felt through the story! I am also interested to see how the story ends!