Anh Do makes me laugh… a lot.

He is one of those genuine blokes you can’t help warm to. But it’s not only his sense of humour. To me he has a real depth of character. You know, one of those blokes who looks to have a lot more to him than that big outward grin.

Apart from making you laugh I reckon he’d be such a solid friend, a deep thinker and have a really well defined set of values.

I’ve just finished reading Ahn’s autobiography “The Happiest Refugee”. I laughed out loud while reading it… and I cried. It is an amazing tale and would make a perfect Father’s Day or Christmas present.

Why am I giving it such a big plug? Because it will open your eyes (and your heart) to what it is to be a refugee.

Don’t start with the “here he goes again with all this refugee stuff”.

Hear me out.

The face of Australia is changing… just as it did when Anglo Saxons started coming out and again after World War 2 when there was a big intake of Southern European migrants.

Just look at your kid’s school room and the number children from an Asian heritage… most of them were born here and have a broad Aussie accent.

Just as many people know the story of their First Fleet ancestors or, as in my case, of the Germans who came to South Australia under the Wakefield Scheme, The Happiest Refugee tells a similar story but of a Vietnamese refugee.

I think it’s worth us knowing that story.

I don’t want to spoil the story but I got a lot out of it;

. the danger of staying put in a country ruled by terror.

. the treacherous journey of escape.

. the absolute commitment to family and the love which keeps it together during tough times.

. the joy for the little things in life.

. the work ethic.

. the wonderful acceptance by ordinary Australians.

I had so many laughs reading this book. The warmth just embraces you.

But the overriding lesson I got is the love Ahn and his family have for Australia.

It made me guilty that I take Australia for granted. I love this country but, by comparison, I just don’t understand how good it is.

The passion, the thanks, the love this family of refugees (and I suspect most other refugees) has for this country is so sincere and moving.

So with apologies to my old mate Molly Meldrum, “do yourself a favour” and read The Happiest Refugee.

It will make you a very happy Aussie

Comments  

 

0 #11 rose cooke 2011-12-26 08:52

What a great book it had me crying and laughing at the same time I feel like i know the family and loved the photos what an inspiration you had me totally captured

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0 #10 2011-09-04 18:52

Reading this book was like reading my life, dad in the army, dad pronounced dead ready to be buried,then came back alive, refugee on a boat, factory dad, sewing machine mum, newtown life, Catholic school. I almost forgotten the inspirational life of my parents and how lucky I'm to be an Australian, I truly love this country.

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0 #9 2011-09-04 18:51

Reading this book was like reading my life, dad in the army, dad pronounced dead ready to be buried,then came back alive, refugee on a boat, factory dad, sewing machine mum, newtown life, Catholic school. I almost forgotten the inspirational life of my parents and how lucky I'm to be an Australian, I truly love this country.

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+2 #8 2011-08-21 00:00

One of the happiest and most inspiring books I have ever read - you'll never be depressed again after reading Anh Do's book!

What a great book - what a great book!

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+2 #7 2011-01-23 22:13

Hi everyone.
I am author of book:" The Dark Journey: inside the reeducation camps of Vietcong. My book publsihed in New York, February 15, 2010. Author Anh Do shows to you about the happiest refugee in Australia, that is good. Therefore My book reviews about my true story that I was faced into 9 reeducation camps of Vietcong, I am surviver, then written this book. If you want to know more about the Vietnam war history and untlold stories, so you may find in my book.I spent 30 years to write and more than 2 decades for hungting documents.
Thanks
Hoa Minh Truong.
( Ex-lieut of ARVN. P.O.W)

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+3 #6 2010-11-28 13:13

I live in Melbourne And our class is reading the book. We are in the middle! It is packed with laughter!
I love the book.
Also, so far it is really interesting story and i will love to read it, but my teacher is reading it.

I aggree with Ric, he is an wonderful person!

Your the greatest Ahn Do! :D :D :lol: :-) 8) :roll:

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+7 #5 2010-09-06 18:33

I love Anh Do! He seems so genuine and inspirational. To hear stories like his (and I have only heard a little from some interviews of his) makes one appreciate what we have and how privileged we really are. There should be more people like Anh and more stories to inspire!
I look forward to reading his story!

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+11 #4 2010-09-03 12:32

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, felt like Anh was right there with us telling us his story.

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+5 #3 2010-09-02 10:38

I went to Uni with Anh and he was an inspiration to us all to go after our dreams and not stop. I congratulate him on his success and his incredibly beautiful family. I can't wait to read this book!

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+7 #2 2010-09-02 09:00

Anh Do is an awesome inspiration to all. What a wonderful person

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