Headline »

Tuesday, February 7, 2012 – 8:11 pm |

This afternoon I finally met travel blogger, Evelyne, from Indonesia who runs the blog, V-in-V.  V-in-V is a multi-language Indonesian/English blog about her life and experiences in Saigon and Vietnam.  Most of you …

Read the full story »
In the News

Current articles, commentary and blog posts on everything about or related to Saigon, Vietnam.

Halal Guide

Reviews and information about halal restaurants in Saigon, Vietnam.

Food and Coffee

Reviews of some of the most interesting restaurants, coffee shops and cafes throughout Saigon.

Technology

tech@saigonnezumi: Technology related posts and video interviews of tech leaders, open source, etc., throughout Vietnam and the World.

Saigon Photos

Some current and past photos of Saigon either submitted by saigonnezumi or readers.

Home » Vietnam

Good Books to Read on Vietnam

Submitted by on Thursday, December 28, 2006 – 5:03 pm2 Comments |

Want a better understanding of the Vietnamese people and their culture.  I highly recommend that you read the following books:

1. Asian Face Reading: Unlock the Secrets Hidden in the Human Face by Boye Lafayette De Mente

1582900671.01. BO2,204,203,200 PIsitb dp 500 arrow,TopRight,45, 64 OU01 AA240 SH20 SCLZZZZZZZ  Good Books to Read on Vietnam

The Vietnamese claim that they know what you are thinking by the actions of your face.  I argue with many of my Vietnamese friends that they are just making ‘assumptions’ but they deny it.  I picked up this book at a bookstore in Saigon Center and thought it was interesting.  Maybe they are right, may they are not.  Maybe they are just generalizing.  It is hard to say but the book is worth a good read.

2. Understanding Vietnam by

0520201574.01. BO2,204,203,200 PIsitb dp 500 arrow,TopRight,45, 64 OU01 AA240 SH20 SCLZZZZZZZ  Good Books to Read on Vietnam

3. The Sorrow of War by Bao Ninh

1573225436.01. BO2,204,203,200 PIsitb dp 500 arrow,TopRight,45, 64 OU01 AA240 SH20 SCLZZZZZZZ  Good Books to Read on Vietnam

A very sad story of a North Vietnamese soldier, pay particular attention to what happened to his high school sweetheart.

There are many great books on Vietnam.  I will add some more later but you should definately read these three books before coming to Vietnam.

Related posts:

  1. Where There Is No Doctor I mentioned about this book, Where There Is No...
  2. It is good to be a Girl in Vietnam Well, finally, the endless marathon of giving gifts and flowers...
  3. Good Morning Vietnam!!! Another fine morning on Nguyen Van Troi street in the...
  4. WordPress 2.7 Release Delayed – Good move WordPress announced that they we be delaying the release of...
  5. Visa Rules Widen The Rift Between Vietnam And U.S. Families Just read this piece from Chao-Vietnam: Getting that ever elusive...

Post comment as twitter logo facebook logo
Sort: Newest | Oldest

Duong Thu Huong's books are excellent as well. I just started reading them. When I get time, I want to co-author a book on the "Vietnamese Way."

I love Bao Ninh's book. Asian Face Reading sounds like a hoot. I yearn for books about VN that manage to evoke the outsider perspective/love that I have; The Lover, written my Marguerite Duras, who grew up in Vietnam, and The Quiet American do this better than any other novels I've come across.