Family Style: Memories of an American from Vietnam


Bibliography
Pham, Thien, 2023. FAMILY STYLE: MEMORIES OF AN AMERICAN FROM VIETNAM. New York, NY: First Second. ISBN 9781250809728.

Plot Summary
Based on his own family's flee from Vietnam, Pham writes this graphic memoir of his own memories. Reliving and sharing the journey of his family leaving Vietnam, awaiting relocation at a refugee camp in Thailand, and finally immigrating to the United States. Life for the Pham family was not always easy as they begun learning a new language, finding a place to live, and working multiple jobs. Through all the hardships, Pham connects the highlights of his life to food, the most memorable foods eaten during these life-changing moments. 

Critical Analysis
Not only do Pham's memories make a compelling story, but the illustrations in this novel give readers a chance to truly connect to the story. As readers begin to understand the long, hard journey Pham's family has made to immigrate to America, they will notice that Pham commemorates each memorable event with food. 
When he was 5 years old and at sea, Thien remembers the rice and fish his dad saved throughout a horrifying pirate attack. Once at the refugee camp in Thailand, Thien remembers his family taking over the bánh cuõn stand, selling food to the refugees. After being relocated to California, their American sponsor cooks their first American meal; steak and potatoes. When Thien's parents begin to secure jobs and take language classes, Thien reconnects with an old friend and tries new sweet and savory snacks; strawberries and potato chips. When it is time for Thien to begin school, he is nervous of the language barrier, not understanding most of what is being said or done. When his teacher begins to work with him on learning English, he becomes confident as he tries to speak simple phrases and eats the school's salisbury steak lunch. After both his parents lose their jobs, they begin to indulge their American dream of running a bakery; learning how to bake ham and cheese croissants. Fast-forward to Thien in his teenage years, the once family bakery becomes a video store, in which Thien works at. He is comfortable living life in America, not much speaking his native language or eating Vietnamese food. While spending time with a Vietnamese friend, Thien reconnects with his native culture and enjoys eating cơm tâm dăc biêt. When Thien becomes an adult, he begins to analyze the country's view on immigration and realizes the importance of becoming an American citizen, using his voice to change things. He reminisces the journey his family made many years ago; how his family eventually overcame hardship and now he must take a stand against the treatment of immigrants. They are all people who have a dream and the right to contribute to society. Somehow, it all comes back to fish and rice. 
Pham is an inspiration to all, not only for sharing his immigration journey, but also for reflecting on his life and wanting to make the world a better place. Readers will be captivated to learn about this author and enjoy the comic book graphics.

Review Excerpt(s)
- 2023 YALSA Excellence in Young Adult Nonfiction Finalist 
- Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "A delicious series of memories full of hope and human connections despite the hardships of immigrating to a new home." 
- Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "An American story to savor." 
- Starred review in BOOKLIST: " Pham's (Sumo, 2012) extraordinary memoir just might be the toothsome gift we didn't know we needed." 

Connections
- For readers who enjoy reading graphic novels and memoirs, learning about the author's journey to becoming an American citizen.
- Readers will enjoy reading the author's immigration journey through food. An interesting connection made to each food signifying every important event in his life.
- Similar book recommendations:
Alsaid, Adi. COME ON IN: 15 STORIES ABOUT IMMIGRATION AND FINDING HOME. ISBN 9781335424365.
Bui, Thi. THE BEST WE COULD DO: AN ILLUSTRATED MEMOIR. ISBN 9781419718786.

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