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Catfish and Mandala: A Two-Wheeled Voyage Through the Landscape and Memory of Vietnam

Name: Catfish and Mandala: A Two-Wheeled Voyage Through the Landscape and Memory of Vietnam
Price: 1.25 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (969 reviews)

4.4 of 5 Stars: Travelers & Explorers - Catfish and Mandala: A Two-Wheeled Voyage Through the Landscape and Memory of Vietnam

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Book Synopsis: Winner of the Kiriyama Pacific Rim Book PrizeA New York Times Notable Book of the YearWinner of the Whiting Writers' AwardA Seattle Post-Intelligencer Best Book of the YearCatfish and Mandala is the story of an American odyssey―a solo bicycle voyage around the Pacific Rim to Vietnam―made by a young Vietnamese-American man in pursuit of both his adopted homeland and his forsaken fatherland. Intertwined with an often humorous travelogue spanning a year of discovery is a memoir of war, escape, and ultimately, family secrets.

Andrew X. Pham was born in Vietnam and raised in California. His father had been a POW of the Vietcong; his family came to America as "boat people." Following the suicide of his sister, Pham quit his job, sold all of his possessions, and embarked on a year-long bicycle journey that took him through the Mexican desert; on a thousand-mile loop from Narita in South Korea to Kyoto in Japan; and, after five months and 2,357 miles, to Saigon, where he finds "nothing familiar in the bombed-out darkness." In Vietnam, he's taken for Japanese or Korean by his countrymen, except, of course, by his relatives, who doubt that as a Vietnamese he has the stamina to complete his journey ("Only Westerners can do it"); and in the United States he's considered anything but American. A vibrant, picaresque memoir written with narrative flair and an eye-opening sense of adventure, Catfish and Mandala is an unforgettable search for cultural identity.

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Catfish and Mandala: A Two-Wheeled Voyage Through the Landscape and Memory of Vietnam is a literary masterpiece that captivates readers with its powerful narrative and compelling journey. Winner of the prestigious Kiriyama Pacific Rim Book Prize and recognized as a New York Times Notable Book of the Year, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a unique and unforgettable adventure.

Join Andrew X. Pham, a young Vietnamese-American man, on his solo bicycle voyage around the Pacific Rim to Vietnam. Through his travels, Pham embarks on a soul-searching mission to connect with his adopted homeland and unravel the secrets of his forsaken fatherland. This poignant memoir takes you on a remarkable odyssey, combining travelogue and personal reflection in a way that will leave you spellbound.

Pham's journey is one of discovery, delving into both the physical landscapes he encounters and the deep-rooted memories of war and escape. As he cycles through the Mexican desert and embarks on a thousand-mile loop from Narita in South Korea to Kyoto in Japan, you'll be transported alongside him, experiencing the vivid imagery and exhilarating adventures firsthand.

What sets Catfish and Mandala apart is its ability to explore themes of cultural identity, family, and the human spirit. Pham's Vietnamese heritage and his family's history as "boat people" add layers of complexity to his journey. This book not only offers an intimate understanding of his struggles and triumphs but also sheds light on the broader issues faced by immigrants and their search for belonging.

Immerse yourself in this vibrant and unforgettable memoir, as Pham takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from laughter to sorrow, hope to despair. Whether you are a lover of travelogues, memoirs, or simply crave a thought-provoking read, Catfish and Mandala is sure to leave an indelible mark on your literary journey. Don't miss out on this extraordinary book - order your copy today!

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