I’ve just finished reading Anh Do’s biography, The Happiest Refugee, and it has left me with an immense feeling of happiness and gratitude.
What an amazing man, family and life!
From a toddler who nearly lost his life at the hands of pirates whilst at sea escaping a communist regime, to a household name and one of Australia’s most loved celebrities, the man and his story are truly inspiring and heartwarming.
There have been so many sliding door moments where his future could have turned out very differently, but with every decision, it seems that he’s made the choice that made his life richer.
There are so many lessons to learn from this book – from the value of hard work and taking a chance when it’s presented, to being terrified and doing it anyway, to his mum’s determination for a better life and to give back to her community, to their sense of adventure and fun as a family. I love Anh’s Dad’s saying, “There are two times in life. Now and too late.” It really reminds you to live in the moment!
But most of all, my greatest takeaway was their love for each other and their love of the country that they’ve adopted.
Actually, I love everything about this book and this family and their spirit. It truly reminds me to grab life with both hands and make the most of it.
Have you read it? Or have you read another book that left you with a similar feeling?
