“Mother wants to sell the amethyst ring Father brought back from America, where he trained in the navy before I was born. She wants to buy needles and thread, fabric and sandals from the camp's black market. I have never… — Thanhha Lai Copy Share Image
“MiSSS SScott points to the numbers along the wall. I count up to twenty. The class claps on its own. I’m furious, unable to… — Thanhha Lai Copy Share Image
“Why no s for two deer, but an s for two monkeys? Brother Quang says no one knows. So much for rules! Whoever invented… — Thanhha Lai Copy Share Image
“At first the weight of loss was thrust upon me so harshly I could only take a short breath, just enough to endure the… — Thanhha Lai Copy Share Image
“I need the lessons. I’m hiding in class by staring at my shoes. I’m hiding during lunch in the bathroom, eating hard rolls saved from dinner. I’m hiding during outside time in the same bathroom. I’m hiding after school until Brother Khôi rides up to our secret corner. With Vu Lee I squat in weight on legs, back straight arms… — Thanhha Lai Copy Share
“She was promised to Father at five. They married at sixteen, earlier than expected. Everyone’s future changed upon learning the name H Chí Minh.” — Thanhha Lai Copy Share Image
“I tell you of loss, my child, so you will listen, slowly, and know that in life every emotion is fated to rear itself… — Thanhha Lai Copy Share Image
“This year I hope I truly learn to fly-kick not to kick anyone so much as to fly.” — Thanhha Lai Copy Share Image
“I wish our cowboy could be persuaded to buy a horse, that I could be invisible until I can talk back” — Thanhha Lai Copy Share Image
