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American Dreamer: How I Escaped Communist Vietnam and Built a Successful Life in America

Tim Tran

$9.99$18.99

American Dreamer is an inspirational, first-hand account of the motivating power of an immigrant’s dream for a better life. From the rural Vietnam of Tim Tran’s childhood to his eventual escape to America and his rise as CFO of a multi-billion-dollar company, Tran’s memoir is a lesson in perseverance and ingenuity. After he initially left Vietnam in 1970 to attend American universities on a USAID scholarship, Tran’s sense of commitment led him home shortly before the fall of Saigon in 1975. Suspected of being a CIA agent, he found life under Communism increasingly difficult and dangerous, and was forced to flee. During multiple attempts to escape, he encountered deceit, betrayal, and even murder. Finally, in 1979 Tran and his wife, Cathy, escaped with 350 others in a rickety, overcrowded boat, and faced pirate attacks and months in a Malaysian refugee camp before reaching their new home in Oregon. American Dreamer, written with passion, unflinching candor, and wit, is an extraordinary debut that confirms the American dream is alive and gives hope to anyone willing to work for a better life.

Description

American Dreamer is an inspirational, first-hand account of the motivating power of an immigrant’s dream for a better life. From the rural Vietnam of Tim Tran’s childhood to his eventual escape to America and his rise as CFO of a multi-billion-dollar company, Tran’s memoir is a lesson in perseverance and ingenuity. After he initially left Vietnam in 1970 to attend American universities on a USAID scholarship, Tran’s sense of commitment led him home shortly before the fall of Saigon in 1975. Suspected of being a CIA agent, he found life under Communism increasingly difficult and dangerous, and was forced to flee. During multiple attempts to escape, he encountered deceit, betrayal, and even murder. Finally, in 1979 Tran and his wife, Cathy, escaped with 350 others in a rickety, overcrowded boat, and faced pirate attacks and months in a Malaysian refugee camp before reaching their new home in Oregon. American Dreamer, written with passion, unflinching candor, and wit, is an extraordinary debut that confirms the American dream is alive and gives hope to anyone willing to work for a better life.

Additional information

Publication Date

June 2020

Paperback

390 pages, 6" x 9"

ISBN (pbk)

978-1-945398-02-5

ISBN (ePub)

978-1-945398-03-2

Contents

  • Acronyms, vii
  •  
  • Preface, xi
  •  
  • Acknowledgments, xiii
  •  
  • A Note from the Author, xv
  •  
  • A Note about Vietnamese Names, xvii
  •  
  • Prologue, xix
  •  
  • The Early Years, 1
  • Discovering America, 41
  • Eight Months in Saigon, 95
  • Living Under Communism, 121
  • Voyage to Freedom, 215
  • The Refugee Island of Pulau Bidong, 233
  • Rebuilding My Life, 269
  • Giving Back, 343
  •  
  • Epilogue, 349
  •  
  • Chronology, 355

© 2020 by Tim Tran (Tran Manh Khiem). All rights reserved.

Biographies

Tim Tran

Bio. Text Coming Soon.

4 reviews for American Dreamer: How I Escaped Communist Vietnam and Built a Successful Life in America

  1. Jason Felton

    “My goal in life is to make a humble contribution to the society that accepted and helped me when I was a person without a country.” – TimTran

  2. Jason Felton

    “Oregon history is rich with stories of courageous individuals who overcame tremendous odds. Few stories are more compelling and inspirational, however, than that of Tim Tran. In American Dreamer, Tim shares the remarkable journey that brought him from communist Vietnam to personal and professional success in Oregon. It should be required reading for anyone who doubts that the American dream is alive and well.” – Kerry Tymchuk Executive Director, Oregon Historical Society

  3. Jason Felton

    “An exceptional memoir. America Dreamer reminds us why the United States is a beacon of hope around the globe. Tim Tran’s book stirs the heart and reminds us of the sacrifices others make to become Americans. The rest of us would do well to sacrifice far less to help preserve the nation that has been so good to us.” – Les AuCoin, Former US Congressman, author of Catch and Release: An Oregon Life in Politics

  4. Jason Felton

    Note: Retail editions will be available from online retailers; bookstores may order via Ingram or directly from the Press. Visit the author’s website for additional information and reviews of the title.

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