thi bui the best we could do an illustrated memoir

As a former high school teacher for 10 years in New York and Oakland, “participation was highly important” to Bui. The first half of Bui’s talk was a live reading of her book. “I just want to say thank you so much for coming here tonight,” said Bui, “and I’m sorry if my book was required reading for one of your classes.” Offering praise for “ The Best We Could Do ,” Antelman commented on the book’s exploration of the power of origin stories and alternative forms of memoir writing.Īfter a brief introduction from Antelman, Bui took to the stage amidst waves of applause from the audience. with Gauchos (current and alumni), faculty, and members of the Santa Barbara community waiting for Bui’s talk.Īccording to University Librarian Kristin Antelman who opened the event, Bui was born three months before the end of the Vietnam war in 1975 and emigrated from Vietnam in 1978 as part of the boat people, refugees who fled Vietnam by boat and ship following the end of the Vietnam War. This year’s book “ T he Best We Could D o ” was the first graphic narrative to be selected, chronicling generations of Bui’s family history in Vietnam, including her birth during the final months of the Vietnam War and her parents’ escape to, as well as their early years in, the United States.Ĭampbell Hall was completely packed when the lecture started at around 7:35 p.m. Speaking on her motivations and writing process behind the memoir, Bui weaved a compelling narrative about her family’s immigrant experience to address the common issues facing Vietnamese immigrants.Īccording to the UCSB Library website, UCSB Reads started in 2007 with the intention of bringing “the campus and Santa Barbara communities together to read a common book that explores important issues of our time.” Thi Bui, author of the 2019 UCSB Reads book “ The Best We Could Do ,” visited Campbell Hall last Thursday, April 25, to talk about her memoir and to interact with UCSB students, faculty, and fans.

Thi bui the best we could do an illustrated memoir