Happiest Refugee

Happiest Refugee

Synopsis

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-breaking work, crowded rooms, ruthless landlords and make-do everything. Things got harder when their father left home when Anh was 13, and their mother struggled to support the family on her own. His mother's sacrifice was an inspiration to Anh. Another inspiration was the comedian Anh met when he was about to sign on for a 60-hour a week corporate job. Anh asked how many hours he worked. Four, came the answer, and that was it. He was going to be a comedian! The Happiest Refugee tells the uplifting and inspiring life story of one of our favourite personalities. Tragedy, humour, heartache and unswerving determination - a big life with big dreams. Anh's story will move and amuse all who read it.

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Customer Reviews

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• Loved it!

  Reviewed by Mary N. | see all reviews by Mary N.

  02/09/2010

  A great read that shows you how those from the most humble of beginnings can overcome whatever is put in front of them. Reading this was like one long Chicken Soup Story (which I love). Im still moved by it even now writing this review.
  • LikeLiked by 3 people
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• The Happiest Refugee

  Reviewed by Hang D. | see all reviews by Hang D.

  02/09/2010

  This was a great read and is a very similar story to what my own family went through. There was so many times when i started balling my eyes out. Thanks Anh for sharing your story with us. It was truly inspirational. You have shown us that you can start off with nothing but still make something of yourself in this world. .... any chance of a Part 2? Love your work!
  • LikeLiked by 1 person
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• An Amazing Memoir

  Reviewed by michelle d | see all reviews by michelle d

  18/09/2010

  A compelling read and amazing story. It is so hard to put this book down. You'll want to read it from cover to cover and then reread it again. I laughed, cried and laughed and cried at the same time. Put simply, a brilliant book told by a great story teller!
  • LikeLiked by 1 person
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• Happy after reading Happiest Refugee

  Reviewed by Isabelle C. | see all reviews by Isabelle C.

  02/09/2010

  Anh Dos autobiography, The Happiest Refugee, is refreshingly conversational and that makes his story of escape from Vietnam and integration into Australia all the more engrossing. This is a great read and Ive already passed it onto my girlfriends. My only criticism is I wouldve loved to have heard more about his familys life in Vietnam. Still very very good though.
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• Great Read

  Reviewed by paul d. | see all reviews by paul d.

  03/09/2010

  I think that a lot of Australians will relate to Anh's story, or at least learn something from it. We couldn't put the book down, laughed, cried and were amazed by Anh and his family's ability to get through some really tough times and still be positive, humble and so successful. Awesome book.
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• Great Read

  Reviewed by paul d. | see all reviews by paul d.

  03/09/2010

  I think that a lot of Australians will relate to Anh's story, or at least learn something from it. We couldn't put the book down, laughed, cried and were amazed by Anh and his family's ability to get through some really tough times and still be positive, humble and so successful. Awesome book.
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• An Amazing Memoir!

  Reviewed by michelle d | see all reviews by michelle d

  18/09/2010

  A compelling read and amazing story. It is so hard to put this book down. You'll want to read it from cover to cover and then reread it again. I laughed, cried and laughed and cried at the same time. Put simply, a brilliant book told by a great story teller!
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• Loved it!...moving, funny & well-told...

  Reviewed by Craig from Melbourne | see all reviews by Craig from Melbourne

  11/11/2010

  I've always liked Anh Do's comedy and this book didn't disappoint. I've not read a book for years but decided to buy an e-reader & this was the first book I put on it. An amazing story that's very sad in some places & will have you laughing out loud in others. You'll really love it I'm sure.
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• Wow!

  Reviewed by Kathleen M. | see all reviews by Kathleen M.

  08/12/2010

  Honestly I was impressed with how honest this book was, but how through it all Anh was able to keep his wit and sense of humour. I really could not imagine fleeing a country down a river and still being happy and warm. It really helps put our life in Australia in perspective - that someone who came from a impoverished background to grow to be someone so well loved and well-adjusted.
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• Funny and captivating

  Reviewed by John M. | see all reviews by John M.

  28/08/2011

  A great read which I did not want to put down and I am no bookworm. Told with his clear wit, this covered some difficult topics (like arriving in Australia by refugee boat). Cannot imagine anyone who would not like it - in fact should be compulsory reading for all our Federal politicians.
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