I was certain t find the familiar sting of salt, but what I needed to know was what kind: kitchen, sweat, tears or the sea.

~ Monique Truong

Monique Truong Asian American Vietnamese Writing

All my favorite establishments were either overly crowded or pathetically empty. People either sipped fine vintages in celebration or gulped intoxicants of who cares what kind, drowning themselves in a lack of moderation, raising a glass to lower inhibitions, imbibing spirits to raise their own.

~ Monique Truong

Monique Truong Alcohol Asian American Vietnamese Wine Writing

It is better to pray with a pure heart before the family altar than to perform gaudy ceremonies in a pagoda, clad in the robes of an unworthy bonze.

~ Huỳnh Phú Sổ

Huỳnh Phú Sổ Ancestors Buddha Buddhism Dogma Rebel Spirituality Vietnamese

Either that information was not believed or inexplicably never passed on to the regional military command. When the attack finally came, Vienamese civilians were defenseless.

~ Nayan Chanda

Nayan Chanda History Politics Vietnamese

Being stubborn won't make you fluent. Practicing will! The more mistakes you make, the more you'll learn not to.

~ Thanhha Lai

Thanhha Lai Childrensbooks Classic Hope Hope And Despair Insideoutandbackagain Learning Life Vietnam War Vietnamese

Alcohol, I had learned, was an eloquent if somewhat inaccurate interpreter. I had placed my trust that December night in glass after glass of it, eager not for drink but for a bit of talk.

~ Monique Truong

Monique Truong Alcohol Asian American Vietnamese