Rating: 
Summary: Sensitive, moving
Review: This book is a moving and real account of one woman's travel journey in Vietnam. But, it could be anywhere. The respect and heart she has for where she is is wonderful. It's a quick and moving read.
Rating: 
Summary: Not so much about Vietnam as it is about the author herself
Review: This book is fun and well-written. The author is personally engaging and self-effacing. But the book is not so much about Vietnam as it is about the author herself. She discusses her reactions to the people and the people?s reactions to her. The Vietnamese in the story just play a supporting role, allowing her to display her growth and her misplaced sense of guilt she shoulders on behalf of her own country. This is not to say that there aren?t some interesting observations made about Vietnam. But they are few. If you are interested in learning about one individual?s growth and experience through immersion in a foreign culture, this would be an excellent book for you. But I would not recommend this book as a vehicle for learning about modern Vietnam. (Look instead to Sacred Willow, Shadows and Wind or Understanding Vietnam).
Rating:
Summary: Not so much about Vietnam as it is about the author herself
Review: This book is fun and well-written. The author is personally engaging and self-effacing. But the book is not so much about Vietnam as it is about the author herself. She discusses her reactions to the people and the people?s reactions to her. The Vietnamese in the story just play a supporting role, allowing her to display her growth and her misplaced sense of guilt she shoulders on behalf of her own country. This is not to say that there aren?t some interesting observations made about Vietnam. But they are few. If you are interested in learning about one individual?s growth and experience through immersion in a foreign culture, this would be an excellent book for you. But I would not recommend this book as a vehicle for learning about modern Vietnam. (Look instead to Sacred Willow, Shadows and Wind or Understanding Vietnam).
Rating:
Summary: The best kind of writing about other lands
Review: This is exactly the kind of style I most love when reading about Americans living in other lands. Sachs writes about people, not places. We get to know Vietnam by getting to know the people she meets and becomes close to, and we also get to know her---she writes in such a truthful way. Her writing doesn't seem to have an agenga, as does much writing done about similar circumstances. Even if you don't have an interest in Vietnam, you will enjoy this book if you just plain enjoy good writing.
Rating:
Summary: Mind-blowingly good!
Review: This is simply one of the most stupendous travelogues I have ever read. In fact, I can't think of a better one. Read it!
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