Thu’s Latest Work
Thu was honored to write the Reading Guide for The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong, an Oprah’s Book Club pick, and NY Times Bestseller.
50 Years of HOPE and HA-HAs
Vagabond presents “50 Years of HOPE and HA-HAs,” the DMV’s first Vietnamese American art exhibition, celebrating the expansiveness of the diaspora. 2025 marks the 50-year anniversary of the end of the war in Vietnam. The mainstream perception of Viets has remained unchanged for decades, rooted in the suffering of war, yet nothing about our community is static.
In the 1967 speech “Beyond Vietnam,” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. addressed the importance of understanding the Viet experience in saying, “we may learn and grow and profit from the wisdom of the brothers who are called the opposition.”
The exhibition features visual art, poetry, video art, zines and music by over 20 Viet artists including four zine collectives, offering counter narratives from the 1.5 and 2nd generation while uplifting the multi-cultural intersectionality of the diaspora. The theme of resilience is interwoven through joy, memorial, heritage, catharsis, solidarity, representation and community.
Engagement
Join four middle grade authors as they discuss the importance of using fiction to introduce tough topics to middle grade readers as part of an educator-led moderated conversation.
Thu Anh Nguyen is a Vietnamese Floridian whose parents did not settle in the United States until they found land (and humidity!) that could grow the same fruits as they did in Vietnam. Every story Thu tells as a poet, painter, and educator is in part that immigration story; therefore, Thu’s work centers around equity, justice, and community. In her most recent social practice art, Thu shapes poetry while listening to conversations about what makes a flourishing community.
Reading
The best gifts are books. We know this.
I wanted to find an easy way to put all my recommendations for the year in one place, and also support indie bookshops. So, I am a Bookshop affiliate now! Click here for all my lists. You can buy directly from there.
Thu READS for YOU
I read widely and deeply. I read every genre, and I don’t really believe in genres. I read for diversity in race, class, gender, sexual orientation, body shape and size, and neurodiversity. I read towards justice and wholeness. I read because it’s how I learned English as a Vietnamese immigrant, and then it became my career as an English teacher, and it still brings me the deepest satisfaction and joy
Author Panel Moderated by Thu Anh Nguyen
Behind the scenes of yesterday's webinar. I am so grateful to the International Literacy Society and Simon and Schuster for their partnership.
One thing that the authors all spoke about is how teaching and reading tough topics allows kids to be seen.
If you haven't read these authors, pick up their books!
Barbara Dee, author of MY LIFE IN THE FISH TANK
Supriya Kelkar, author of THAT THING ABOUT BOLLYWOOD
Hena Khan, author of AMINA’S SONG
Donna Gephart, author of ABBY, TRIED AND TRUE
Body Justice Activism
I am very proud of my contribution to this thoughtful, informative, NECESSARY book by @v_solesmith
I’ve been reading her newsletter, and sending her words of wisdom for ages (why don’t any jeans or underwear ever really fit?! Anyone?!)
She has really helped me find words for conversations about my own body in this world, and I found her last chapter here about how to talk to others so helpful.
And many of you with adolescent children have asked me about phone and social media for kids, so read this.
Any Way the Wind Blows by Rainbow Rowell
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Any Way the Wind Blows by Rainbow Rowell —
YA/teen recommendation:
I have been counting the days until the release of Any Way the Wind Blows, but now that it's here, I don't want it to end. For Harry Potter lovers who have grown up a bit, or for those who never really got into HP for reasons (ahem, I am those people), this series by @rainbowrowell is the answer.
Also just released is Six Crimson Cranes, and if Kristin Cashore blurbs the cover, it's an immediate buy.
Summer Reading Recommendations
My ladies of summer. Most of my reading right now is out of necessity for reviews and essays I am writing, but these books are my chosen ones. The books of my heart. Read with me!
How to Raise a Feminist Son by Sonora Jha
I don't have all the answers, but I want him to always write me notes like these, and read read read. This beautifully written memoir/guidebook has given me plenty to think about, aspire to. I recommend this to everyone, and especially if you are raising/loving feminist boys or men.
The Barren GroundS by David Robertson
Happy Hanukkah. If you want to give books, here's a great one. Don't forget to shop local and independent.
Libertie by Kaitlyn Greenidge
Mostly, I just want to say READ THIS BOOK. I can tell you about how it's the most devastating and realistic portrayal of a mother/daughter relationship I have ever read, that I learned so much about Haiti, and that the stories about the African diaspora are heart-breaking and beautiful, but you should read it for yourself. And there's also magic, and a Black female doctor when it was unheard of in the United States to be a Black female doctor.
I have read so many good books lately, and I meant to post about them, but this book stopped me in my tracks. Left me breathless. Order now from your favorite indie.
Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
After you commit to service on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, cozy up with these powerful, Black female leads. Two really different novels, but I tore through both of them.
In Happily Ever Afters, Tessa is learning how to trust herself and her writing. The passages about her disabled brother are written very carefully, and a great way to talk about ableism with young people.
And WHOA, Legendborn is an ADVENTURE. I was enthralled by the way the the author wove Black history, Arthurian Legend, and magic in the book.
Shipped by Angie Hockman
It's very cold outside, but I am warmed by this getaway of a book, which is an Amazon Editor's pick for Best Romance of the Month!
Wintering by Katherine May
I have officially entered the Nguyenter of my discontent. Getting dressed for my walk this morning, I felt like the three thousand layers were heavy and suffocating. My bones are cold. I need tea and a heated blanket all the time. If you also have winter blues, I really recommend this book. It is beautifully written, and speaks to this time of year--its difficulties--with understanding, and the kind of intelligence that makes you gasp.
Quote Source
Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang
My kids haven't put this down since they got it a couple days ago. Hayle says it's funny. I say it teaches him about racism and the Klan. We both say you should get it.
More Than Maybe By by Erin Hahn
Angelic Layer by Clamp
It Sounded Better in My Head by Nina Kenwood
Garfield by Jim Davis
You Say It First by Katie Cotugno
The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier
Time of Our Lives by Austin Siegemund-Broka and Emily Wibberley
Hex by by Rebecca Dinerstein Knight
Henry and I choose our top "making us happy now" books. He wore a suit and combed his hair because "books are serious business." Sometimes he scares me.
Thu Many Books
No better time to get reading. The libraries are closing tomorrow, but you can still download these books or order from a local bookstore.
If you read anything you really love, message me! Virtual book club!
Happy reading,
Thu
My weird allergies mean that I sit extra long after vaccines. I am so grateful for my second dose and for this beautiful book to keep my company.
If you haven't read Permanent Record and Emergency Contact yet, do! This latest, Yolk, rips my heart out, just the way I like it.
Yolk by Mary H.K. Cho
Red Comet by Heather Clark
This Sylvia Plath biography is over 1,000 pages long. I have been saving it for when I knew I'd need to just rest and let myself be sick. I am reading it in the one room that is my own, with this magnificent monstera plant to keep me company.
Do you have books you save for special occasions?
