One of the things that I love to do before I travel to a new place is to read as much as possible about the location. I love books. Novels. History. Politics. Memoirs. They can all offer us a glimpse into a country's culture, landscapes, and history.
There are a lot of books out there (especially about Vietnam). Some are better than others. I have tried to narrow down my favorite books about Vietnam, which I hope will give you an overview of the country and its people.
These are five books that I would recommend before traveling to Vietnam.
THE VIETNAM WAR
By Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns
This first book choice also comes as a documentary series. I have watched the series, and it is a very detailed description of the Vietnam War (the Vietnamese call it the American War). It isn't an easy series to watch, but it is necessary if you want to understand this period in Vietnam.
CATFISH AND MANDELA
By Andrew X Pham
This a wonderful travel memoir by Andrew X. Pham. Andrew is the son of Vietnamese parents who suffered terribly during the Vietnam War and brought their family to America when he was 10. It is the story of his journey back through Vietnam years later.
The author has written other books about Vietnam. Visit his website at www.andrewxpham.com to learn more about his entire book collection.
THE MOUNTAINS SING
By Nguyen Phan Que Mai
I couldn't put this book down. The Mountains Sing is a historical fiction. Covering several generations of the same family, the story goes back and forth between two storylines.
Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai's sweeping tale proves on every page that despite war-time tragedies and numbing ugliness, the human desire to forgive and thrive soars as high as the mountains.
A beautifully written book.
THE QUIET AMERICAN
By Graham Greene
This story is a classic novel. It was originally written in 1956 and has been adapted to film twice. It is a story based on the French colonialism of Vietnam. It's a love story for the ages.
The film adaptation of The Quiet American by Graham Greene.
THE SORROW OF WAR
By Bao Ninh
A former North Vietnamese soldier, Bao Ninh, writes this book. It is an honest and often heart-wrenching account of how the Vietnam War forever changed his life, country, and the people who live there.
One of my favorites.
I wish you the best should you travel to the beautiful country of Vietnam.
XOXO
Marla