When Heaven and Earth Changed Places: A Vietnamese Woman's Journey from War to Peace

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Summary: Fighting Fate
Review: Le Ly Hayslip's When Heaven and Earth Change Places is the single most moving text that I have ever read. Recounting the horrific realities of war, Hayslip allows the reader to experience the Vietnam War in a way that is not found in most historical texts. By infusing the text with emotion, Hayslip creates a sense of humanity that the reader is able to identify with. Hayslip's ability to transcend seemingly insurmountable trials is encouraging and inspirational. Her call to action is empathetically effective. Hayslip's perserverance causes When Heaven and Earth Change Places to be such a moving account and promotes a sense of optimism in a sometimes desolate world.

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Summary: WOW!
Review: OMIGOD! This is the best book that I have ever read. It is a stirring story about a Vietnameese woman who lived throught the Vietnam War, and moverd to the US. It is a fasinating story of empathy, and culture. It should be madatory reading for everyone.

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Summary: honest and touching portrayal of one woman's struggle
Review: This book is a wonderful source for those who are interested in the Vietnam War. It is more common to focus on the American experience in war; not often are the horrible occurances that Vietnamese went through emphasized in course lectures and other talks. The only problem I found while reading this book is that so many terrible situations that Hayslip went through are emphasized that the reader begins to be desensitized to the trauma. However, this book is a wonderful portrayal of one of the strongest women I have ever heard of; her background and noble quest to "lose labels" and reach out and help the people of Vietnam, one of the poorest countries in the world, should be heard.

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Summary: It reminded me of that movie "A Land Before Time"
Review: This book reminded me of "A Land Before Time" -- Ky La was the dinosaur valley, Le Ly was the shy girl pink dinosaur, Big Mike was the tryceritops, the VietCOng were the ty rexes, and the dinosaurs died. God I loved that movie - I recommend the dinosaur flick to everyone who has read "When Heaven and Earth Changed Places." CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN!

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Summary: History of the Vietnam War
Review: This book was excellent for me to read because it enabled me to see how the life was during that time, it was told from the observer point of view, the lady in the books life story was touching, sad, and filled with lots of things people should read about to feel the depth of the war, how generations are effected by it and how they struggle to get over the war, emotionally in addition, if you like war books, read this!!

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Summary: Too Brutal
Review: This book was suggested by a college professor. I remember that when I finished it I just sat and cried for the brutality and pain of this young woman's life, and the inhumanity of those around her. Although it gives an honest inside look at the lives of those caught in the middle of the the war, I don't recommend the experience.

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Summary: Wow!
Review: This book, along with Le Ly's story itself, was incredible. It was both touching and horrifying. If you were involved with the Vietnam war in any way, you must read this book. I saw Le Ly in person, and she is truly incredible and made her book come to life even more!

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Summary: A Heartfelt Book Full of Love, Life, and War.
Review: This has to be the best book that I have read in a very long time. If I had to discribe it to you I would find myself short on words that would do this brillent work justice. If ever you get the chance to read this book please do. It will change the way you feel about the world and make you think about your own life in a new and more appreciated way. Le La is a wounderful writer and I hope that she continues to use her talent.

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Summary: The absolute best of its subject I have read.
Review: This is the fourth time I have purchased Le Ly's books because I keep sending them to friends. Her books are not for the faint-hearted to be sure, but then accurate accounts of the inhumanity of war never are. Le Ly struggled to survive the madness and insanity that Viet Nam became and a reading of her books can leave you experiencing a wide range of emotions you will then have to cope with on an individual basis.

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Summary: Fascinating Read
Review: When Heaven and Earth Changed Places brings to light many of the different issues surrounding the Vietnam War. The author provides the reader with a new viewpoint, that of a Vietnamese living in Vietnam during the war. This perspective allows the reader to see the pain and suffering experienced on the "other" side, and an inside view of the conditions that had such a great effect on the American soldiers. The confusion and suspicion that held a huge part of daily life led to the mixed feelings about the war. The author demonstrates the way in which misery became an accepted part of life in Vietnam. The use of time and perspective allows the reader to see the many adverse and even some positive effects that change has brought about in Vietnam and its political society. While I knew little to nothing about what really happened in Vietnam, I came out of this book with a better understanding of the conflict and upheaval experienced by the Vietnamese. The books stands as a personal narrative, yet it is historical as well, in that it allows readers to see through the narrator's eyes the different sides of the war, and the conflict that arises in being connected with both. Le Ly Hayslip creates a fascinating look into the lives of the Vietnamese both during and after the brutal war, while adding the perspective of the Americans, leading to a diverse and intricate relationship. The novel reaches out to readers to examine both sides of the conflict and look beyond the politics and into the hearts of the people who must live day by day in a world of upheaval.