A Bright Shining Lie
by Neil Sheehan
A monument of history and biography that was awarded the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Nonfiction, a renowned journalist tells the story of John Vann—"the one irreplaceable American in Vietnam"—and of the tragedy that destroyed a country and squandered so much of America's young manhood and resources.
Catfish and Mandala: A Two-Wheeled Voyage Through the Landscape and Memory of Vietnam
by Andrew X. Pham
A moving memoir that follows a young Vietnamese-American man who quits his job, sells his belongings, and embarks on a solo bicycle journey across the Pacific Rim and into his native country of Vietnam
Communion, A Culinary Journey Through Vietnam
by Kim Fay
Fay recounts in savory detail a five-week journey with two friends from Hanoi to Saigon in search of the traditions, rituals and pleasures of food from local markets and street foods to haute cuisine.
Dust Child
by Que Mai Phan Nguyen
A moving, dual-timeline historical novel that explores the lasting trauma of the Vietnam War, focusing on Amerasian children and the forgotten lives left in the wake of the conflict. An unforgettable story of how those who inherited tragedy can redefine their destinies with hard-earned wisdom, compassion, courage, and joy.
Fire in the Lake
by Frances FitzGerald
A classic historical, political and cultural portrait of the Vietnam War, seen through the eyes of the Vietnamese. Winner of both the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award, FitzGerald, a staff writer at the New Yorker and a reporter in Vietnam, presents a vivid image of a revolution and a clear-sighted case for why the U.S offensive was doomed from the start.
Fodor's Essential Vietnam
by Fodor’s Travel Guides
A visually vibrant guide that gives excellent hotel and restaurant recommendations alongside beautiful color photography.
Saigon: An Epic Novel of Vietnam
by Anthony Grey
The sweeping saga follows the intertwined lives of three families—one American, one French, and one Vietnamese—over five decades. The narrative spans from the early French colonial era in the 1920s through the dramatic conclusion of the Vietnam War.
Southeast Asia Wildlife: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Animals
by James Kavanagh
A portable illustrated guide, which includes detailed descriptions of 140 common and familiar mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, as well as an ecoregion map showing prominent wildlife-viewing hotspots and learning sites. Laminated for durability, this lightweight, 12-panel folding pocket guide is a handy resource for educators, learners, naturalists, birders, and wildlife enthusiasts who wish to learn more about wildlife in Vietnam and greater Southeast Asia.
The Mekong, Turbulent Past, Uncertain Future
by Milton Osborne
A cultural history of the great river from prehistory to European exploration, colonial tensions and modern challenges. It's an engaging introduction to the history of Southeast Asia.
The Mountains Sing
by Nguyen Phan Que Mai
The Mountains Sing tells a multigenerational tale of the Tran family, set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War. The story brings to life the human costs of this conflict from the point of view of the Vietnamese people themselves, while showing us the true power of kindness and hope. The Mountains Sing is celebrated Vietnamese poet Nguyen Phan Que Mai's first novel in English.
The Quiet American
by Graham Greene
A classic, this is the most famous Western work of fiction on Vietnam. Greene writes of a love triangle between a war correspondent, his Vietnamese consort and an optimistic young American during the last days of French rule. It offers a fascinating look at the political tension and the local culture at the start of the Vietnam War.
The Things They Carried
by Tim O'Brien
A classic collection of interconnected short stories about American soldiers in Vietnam, exploring the physical and emotional burdens they carry, blurring the lines between fact and fiction, and examining themes of memory, storytelling, courage, and fear.
The Vietnam War
by Ken Burns
Ken Burns ten-part, 18-hour documentary series, The Vietnam War, tells the epic story of one of the most consequential, divisive, and controversial events in American history as it has never before been told on film. The series explores the human dimensions of the war through revelatory testimony of nearly 80 witnesses from all sides—Americans who fought in the war and others who opposed it, as well as combatants and civilians from North and South Vietnam. Available on PBS or streaming services.
Vietnam - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture
by Culture Smart!
Culture Smart! Vietnam is for those who want to learn about the values, sensibilities, and modern way of life of the Vietnamese. It explains deep-seated attitudes and describes some of the social, economic, and cultural changes now under way. Aimed at helping you make the most of your time abroad, it also gives practical advice on what to expect and how to behave in unfamiliar situations so you can discover for yourself the warmth and humor of this tough, resilient people.
Vietnam, A Traveler's Literary Companion
by John Balaban, Nguyen Qui Duc
From rain forest and rural countryside to the cities, these 17 stories from Vietnam's finest writers explore its landscapes, myths and changing traditions.
