dhood in Vietnam, born into poverty after the Vietnam War. Through twenty-two attempts of escape, we had to withstand a lot of obstacles and hardships and risk our lives to be able to reunite with my father in America.

During the last escape, our boat, filled with seventy-three people, was caught in a big storm and we were in the middle of the ocean for three days and nights. We were surrounded by water and total darkness. Many times, the powerful wind and waves knocked against our little boat, trying to sink us to the bottom of the lifeless ocean.

This is one of the many stories of the millions of Vietnamese people who escaped from Vietnam for freedom and a better opportunity. This book will hopefully inspire and motivate the younger generation and I hope for them to learn to appreciate what they have and not take things for granted. This is my piece of history.