Boat Baby by Vicky Nguyen

I learned about Boat Baby by Vicky Nguyen watching the Today Show, where Vicky is the Chief Consumer Investigative Correspondent. When Vicky mentioned she and her parents escaped Vietnam in 1975 on a small boat sailing into the South China Sea, I ordered the audio book right away and am glad I did. I found the book thoroughly enjoyable, all the more so because Vicky narrates it, making it even more personal and relatable.

Vicky’s family’s escape from Vietnam was nothing short of miraculous. First, her parents were incredibly courageous in both planning and executing the journey. They braved Vietnamese government patrols and pirates, not to mention the perils of the sea, before making it to a refugee camp in Malaysia. Then they dreamed big and made it to America, where they built a life for their family. Vicky drew from her parent’s pioneer spirit in forging her own career, rising to the top in the highly competitive broadcast journalism industry. Throughout her climb, she never lost touch with who she was or where she came from, and she was always guided by the importance of her family.

I love Vicky’s story because it is a modern-day example of the American dream come true. Vicky’s parents left Vietnam in the aftermath of the Vietnam War in search of freedom and a better life for Vicky. They found it in California, where they worked hard, scrimped, and saved, making it possible within just one generation for Vicky to succeed. Did Vicky have to overcome obstacles? Sure, but her immigrant experience prepared her to deal with everything that came her way. I came away from the book feeling inspired and in awe of Vicky and her family, and I hope you will, too.

Boat Baby is available on Amazon and you can buy by clicking here.