The Beauty of Humanity Movement

"Subjectivity is a dangerous business: the government certainly doesnt envourage anyone to have an independent opinion. But has he not just put his hand in subjectivity's fire? Does he see loneliness where she sees hope?" (227) Gibb's novel stars a threesome of incredibly well-rounded characters--thei......more

I truly loved this novel. My Husband chose it for the book club at our Unitarian Universalist church, as we try to have a deeper understanding of other cultures. I don't usually join in the novels that this group reads as their choices have not appealed to me, but I joyfully said yes to The Beauty o......more

The novel focuses on a group of residents of Hanoi. Hung is an elderly pho merchant, moving his portable kitchen cart from location to location, but maintaining a loyal following. Tu is a young tour guide leading tourists, including American Vietnam Vets, through the city. He and his father, Binh, t......more

A tour of modern Vietnam that is still trying to shake off its murky past of Communist suppression. The story centres around Hung, creator of the most delicious pho (noodle soup) in the country. The Pho is also a central character in this book and a metaphor that art can be created from the heart and......more