Family Style

Written by Thien Pham

A Vietnamese boy's journey through food reveals his quest for belonging in America.

4.3 Goodreads · 4,361 ratings

240 pages· 7,501 words· Est. 56 min read· ~400L

$25.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Thien's journey from Vietnam to America is marked by the flavors of his past and present. As his family navigates life from a Thai refugee camp to California, each meal tells a story of struggle and hope. Strawberries symbolize hardship, while potato chips become a rare joy. Through these culinary memories, Thien searches for belonging and the elusive American dream. Will he find his place in a world where every bite holds a new meaning?

From the publisher

A moving young adult graphic memoir about a Vietnamese immigrant boy’s search for belonging in America, perfect for fans of American Born Chinese and The Best We Could Do! Thien’s first memory isn’t a sight or a sound. It’s the sweetness of watermelon and the saltiness of fish. It’s the taste of the foods he ate while adrift at sea as his family fled Vietnam. After the Pham family arrives at a refugee camp in Thailand, they struggle to survive. Things don’t get much easier once they resettle in California. And through each chapter of their lives, food takes on a new meaning. Strawberries come to signify struggle as Thien’s mom and dad look for work. Potato chips are an indulgence that bring Thien so much joy that they become a necessity. Behind every cut of steak and inside every croissant lies a story. And for Thien Pham, that story is about a search– for belonging, for happiness, for the American dream.

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