#loung ung

[rubypomegranates]

“I think how the world is still somehow beautiful even when I feel no joy at being alive within it."

Loung Ung "First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers”

[baejax-the-great]

What are your favorite genres or book tropes? Any recommendations? My TBR is about 1000 books long right now, mostly thrillers, romance, fantasy, historical fiction, and dystopia. Help me make it longer lol 😜

Sure, then I recommend nonfiction.

I just read "Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City" by Matthew Desmond, and beyond the subject matter being interesting and important (for Americans, anyway), the prose was beautiful. He is a great writer.

Other nonfic recs:

"Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers" by Robert Sapolsky. A different kind of brilliant writer. This book is dense but entertaining and useful to understand the neuroscience, biology and history behind stress.

"The New Kings of Nonfiction" is an anthology put together by Ira Glass in 2007. Not every work is a banger, but some definitely are, and it got me reading about things I wouldn't otherwise.

"The Good Women of China: Hidden Voices" by Xinran is a collection of stories put together by a radio host who during the late 1980s allowed women to call in and share their stories. Recommend so strongly.

Some memoir recs:

"H is for Hawk" by Helen McDonald

"Red Azalea" by Anchee Min

"First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" by Loung Ung

"Twilight over Burma: My Life as a Shan Princess" by Inge Sargent

[scarletwitchie2]

Angelina Jolie brought Shiloh and Zahara to meet with Sahle-Work Zewde, the president of Ethiopia and the first woman to hold the office. December 30, 2019

December 29, 2019 - with Loung Ung, Zahara, Shiloh, Knox and Vivienne

Mehreteab Mulugeta FB

I was privileged to welcome to Ethiopia for a private visit, the famous Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie and her four children. Including Zara.

arriving at airport on the 29th

[storyofmychoices]

SpreadJoy #887 spreading positivity with quotes and @playchoices characters.

Quote by Loung Ung

For @choicespride: Aisha Bhatt (BP)

[joliepasproductions]

Angie and the girls in Ohio to visit Loung Ung Friday and Saturday.

[rachel-sylvan-author]

"First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" by Loung Ung book recommendation by Rachel Sylvan

[bobbyinthegarden]

March & April Reading Wrap-Up

Just like my February Reading Wrap-Up, here’s March & April

Fiction

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen 

Might be my favourite Jane Austen novel? Maybe? I love the relationship between the sisters, and I hard relate to Marianne in an “I’m in the photo and I don’t like it” kind of way.

The Passion of New Eve by Angela Carter

This book is really weird. I think I liked it, but I’m still working through my thoughts on it. I saw somebody on Goodreads say that this book is a bit like a hybrid of Mad Max: Fury Road and The Handmaid’s Tale, and that is pretty accurate. It’s bizarre at times, I was trying to explain some of the plot to my partner who was extremely bewildered by it. Major trigger warning that there is a lot of sexual violence in this book, and it also features forced surgical transition as a major plot point, so, do with that what you will.

The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins

Did a whole review of this one

Silas Marner by George Eliot

Absolutely adored this book, I am now a full fledged George Eliot stan.

Axoim’s End by Lindsay Ellis

I don’t know if this will be a surprise or not, based on my blog, but I do actually like sci-fi. Not so surprising, considering my lifelong X-Files obsession, I like stories about aliens and weird conspiracies to cover them up, so this definitely appealed to me for that reason and this was pretty decent, I will be continuing the series when I have time.

The X-Files: Fight the Future by Elizabeth Hand, adapted from the screenplay by Chris Carter

I thought it would be fun to check out some of the X-Files novelisations. As with most TV shows that get novel tie-ins, some are adaptations of episodes and some are original stories, with X-Files, they seem to mostly be original stories, but this one is a novelisation of the first movie. It’s a very faithful re-telling, it doesn’t really add anything, but it doesn’t detract anything either, it’s a very straight re-telling of the movie. I like the movie (the first one anyway), so that was fine for me, and the books pretty short so it only took me two days to get through.

The X-Files: Cold Cases by Joe Harris and Chris Carter 

Debated if I should include this in my wrap-up or not, since it’s an audiodrama, not a book, BUT I listened to it specifically for my 2023 Reading Challenge (the audiobook category). Full review incoming.

The Railway Children by E. Nesbit

Read this one for my reading challenge too, this time the children’s literature category. Despite really loving the movie when I was a kid, I’d never actually read the book, so it was nice to finally sit down and read it. Full review incoming.

Colonel Brandon In His Own Words by Shannon Winslow

I read this purely because I was curious to learn what self-published Jane Austen fanfiction is like, and I chose this one because I had read Sense and Sensibility so recently (for the unaware, this book is a re-telling of that one). It’s basically exactly what you expect. I saw somebody on Goodreads say that they liked this book better than Sense and Sensibility, which is definitely not an opinion that I share. The depictions of the Indian characters and the British Army in this book was quite questionable, in my opinion.

Non-fiction:

The Medium is the Massage by Marshall McLuhan

I read this book several years ago, when I was doing my BA at university, and it totally blew my mind. I have far too many thoughts about this book to express in one short paragraph, other than to say that it’s amazing that this book was written in the 1960s, Marhsall McLuhan was out there, writing about the internet 20 years before it was even invented.

First They Killed My Father by Loung Ung

Did a whole review of this one too

Poetry:

Deaf Republic by Ilya Kaminsky 

This one too

Zines/comics:

The Fisherman’s Wife by @grendel-menz

A re-telling of the tale of the fairytale with absolutely gorgeous art that truly took my breath away. [LINK]

Two Pounds of Flesh by @thequeenofbithynia

I’ve talked about other comics by this user in my February wrap-up. This one is a beautiful and complex tale about gender, blended with horror - it’s extremely cool. I love everything that Andreas makes, and am planning on buying his most recent comic as well when I can. [LINK]

[digitalmoss]

10 Songs

thanks for tagging me!! @undisclosed-serendipity

Rules: You can usually tell a lot about a person by the type of  music they listen to. Put your playlist on shuffle and list the first 10  songs, and then tag 10 people. No skipping!

(I'm using my Spotify Liked Songs which has around 1700 songs at the moment. I usually just throw all kinds of stuff in there so this is gonna me fun!)

1. Isn't she lovely by Stevie Wonder

2. One of those summer days by Rhye

3. Runnin' by Blood Orange and Georgia Anne Muldrow

4. Back to the old house by The Smiths

5. Lay me down - BBC live Lounge by Hozier

6. En ung mor by Mando Diao

7. Uwa!! So HEATS!! by Toby Fox

8. My baby just cares for me by Nina Simone

9. Smooth by D'Angelo

10. Moog city by C418

Afterword: omggg this brought back som old songs I kinda forgot about! Also the video game music? bangers! I guess this gives a good representation of me except I'm listening to a lot of hiphop right now

I'm too shy to tag anyone so pls if u wanna do this one just do it and tag me!!

[bartholomaus]

Cateva mentiuni importante despre cele mai mari genocide din Istoria Umanitatii.

1. Nu se mentioneaza genocidul efectuat de Japonia in timpul celui de-al 2-lea razboi mondial, mai sangeros decat cateva dintre cele mentionate in clip. Japonia nu recunoaste nici pana astazi existenta acestuia, desi a fost unul din cele mai sinistre evenimente din secolul 20, cu experimente si executii din cele mai sinistre. Chinezii fac si ei un mic genocid cu minoritatile lor. Japonezii au omorât sute de mii de chinezi, sa nu mai zicem de experimentele pe care le-au facut pe ei, cu eliberarea din avion de antrax, concursuri de decapitări intre militari si alte chestiuni similare. Plus experimentele doctorului Shirō Ishii care l-au cam lăsat “de rușine” pe Mengele.

2. Turcia nici pana in ziua de azi nu admite genocidul armenian (asa cum nici Rusia nu admite holodomorul)

3. O alta actiune care a dus la decimarea unui popor, desi in cazul asta este discutabil daca a fost sau nu intentionata (desi mie mi se pare ca seamana foarte mult cu Holodomorul) a fost marea foamete a cartofilor din Irlanda, care a dus la 1 milion de decese din randul irlandezilor si alte cateva milioane carea au emigrat in speranta de a scapa de o moarte sigura (in conditiile in care populatia Irlandei la vremea aceea era de 8 milioane, cifra la care nu a mai ajuns nici in ziua de azi)

4. Genocidul cambodgian cred ca este singurul din istorie in care un dictator efectueaza un genocid impotriva propriului popor (pentru cine e interesat este o carte de tip memorii foarte buna pe aceasta tema, intitulata "Intai l-au omorit pe tata"- Loung Ung.

[hopelessly-hopeful-romantic]

Novel study of "First They Killed My Father" by Loung Ung

I can already tell that I'm gonna be doing a lot of silent crying in this class

[jerxiong]

Currently reading: "Ma and Me: A Memoir" by Putsata Reang (MCD & Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2022)

Status: I came across this book via work and decided to add it to my pile of to-read. Since I'm on a mission to read as many nonfiction books by Southeast Asians as possible, I've started on this book, alternating between the printed book when I'm free and listening to the audiobook when my hands are not free. I'm only maybe 1/6 of the way there, page 62 of 384.

Thoughts: This feel like a traditional family memoir. Weaving in her parents' history, unpacking their trauma, and beginning to reveal the specific details that have deepened the divide between her mother and her.

Reading this, I realized how little I know about the history of Cambodia or the lives of Cambodians. Some of the stifling traditions are similar to my own, but otherwise, topics like the Khmer Rouge, I've only known through summaries and through the movie First They Killed My Father (2017, Netflix), based on the book of the same title by Loung Ung. (It was a hard watch, and it's also been a while since I've seen the movie. I've never read the book.) I've been intentionally seeking out more Cambodian American writings and writers. I first knew of poet Monica Sok in 2020, and then heard about Anthony Veasna So around late 2020/early 2021. I'm sure there are many more; I have to keep looking!

[baejax-the-great]

Top five books this year? :3

I'm going to group series/authors together or else the list would be like 4 books by the same person.

Ancillary Justice series by Ann Leckie + Translation Slate. These books were really such a fun and satisfying read. I've read a few series recently that didn't/couldn't stick the landing, but I thought this one wrapped up really nicely.

First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers by Loung Ung. I'd been meaning to read this memoir for over ten years now (since I visited Cambodia), and I finally bought it for myself. The author was a young child when the events of this book happened, so it's a fairly easy read with the kind of descriptions you would expect from a child. It is a heart-wrenching story, and I spent a weekend just reading and crying.

Fitz and the Fool trilogy by Robin Hobb. I think everyone on tumblr has seen my reaction to these books 😭😭💕💕. This trilogy fucked me UP oh my god. Hobb is a freak, I'll never get over it, everyone should read these books, especially if you want to watch one character suffer constantly always for ever and ever and to think "I have no idea what the FUCK these two characters have going on but I'm obsessed with it."

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik. This was my first finished book of the year! It's not perfect, but I really enjoyed the fairytale of it all and the mix of characters introduced. Publishing has such a hardon for series these days, and I appreciate a self-contained stand alone story.

Delusions of Gender: How Our Minds, Society, and Neurosexism Create Difference by Cordelia Fine. Another book I've been meaning to read for ten years and finally got around to. For a science book, it's very accessible to laypeople, and it addressed a lot of things that irritated me with my own education in neuroscience (imaging studies are stupid, and that one study where they gave monkeys various toys and the female monkeys liked playing with pots and pans showing that kitchen supplies are inherently and naturally feminine...???? Monkeys don't cook.... they don't know what they were for... what the fuck WAS that study and how did a professor tell it to me with a straight face...). It is over ten years old now so somewhat outdated, and I saw criticisms that there are some very similar studies done with regards to race that she doesn't cover, but I kind of think there is value in a researcher staying in one lane. I don't know, I flip flop back and forth on this, but the take downs of the shoddy studies remains valid and it was a satisfying read.

[scarletwitchie2]

AngelinaJolieBrasil February 6, 2016. Angelina Jolie with Loung Ung and Maddox at a party with the cast of the movie "First They Killed My Father" Battambang, Cambodia.

[lamkieu112]

[SPOILER ALERT & WALL OF TEXT]

ĐẦU TIÊN HỌ G.I.E.T CHA TÔI (2017)

👉Rate: 9/10, mỗi một phút giây trong bộ phim hơn 2 tiếng quả thực rất đáng giá.

*Tóm tắt nội dung: Trong chiến tranh Việt Nam, chiến sự đã lan dần sang nước láng giềng Cambodia, cũng như Hoa Kỳ đã rút hết người bao gồm lính và đại sứ quán về nước. Sau đó, Khmer đỏ bắt đầu hoành hành và lùa dân thường về khu tị nạn ở nông thôn (còn những người trí thức cấp cao như văn sĩ, nhà báo, chính trị gia,...đều đã được bị Khmer đỏ liệt vào danh sách cần phải trừ khử). Bao gồm cả nhà 9 người của sĩ quan làm việc cho Lực lượng Vũ Trang Quốc gia Khmer (tên Ung), cũng như đứa nhỏ trong nhà (tên Loung Ung, 5 tuổi) cũng bị đày đi theo. Tại đây, lính Khmer đỏ bắt tất cả mọi người đã được lùa về làm việc khổ sai trên cánh đồng ruộng mà thành quả lại bị đưa đi phục vụ cho chiến tranh. Điều kiện sinh hoạt, ăn uống đói kém khiến nhiều người không chịu nổi lâm bệnh nặng. Dẫu vậy, lính Khmer đỏ vẫn không ngừng tuyên truyền về một nước Cambodia mới, nhân danh Angkar (*) để thúc giục họ làm việc không ngưng nghỉ tựa gia súc, gia cầm. Chúng có quyền bắt giữ người, tra tấn, chặt đầu,..bất kỳ người nào mà trái ý của chúng.

Loung Ung, một cô bé 5 tuổi đã trải qua 2 năm sống và làm việc dưới trướng Khmer đỏ. Chứng kiến nhiều người chết dưới lưỡi rìu, họng súng của tụi nó, cũng như bố mẹ và người chị gái lớn của em thì lành ít dữ nhiều. Sau khi Loung kịp di tản đến trại lao động khác với tư cách là trẻ mồ côi, em được nhận vào làm lính của Khmer đỏ, trải qua hàng đống bài luyện tập bạo lực: Loung học cách chiến đấu tay đôi, bắn súng và gài bẫy, cũng như đặt mìn chống lại quân Việt Nam. Trẻ em liên tục bị tuyên truyền lòng căm thù người Việt Nam, nhưng chúng được ăn nhiều hơn và được đối xử tốt hơn những công nhân trong các trại lao động.

Song, khi mà quân Việt Nam tràn sang biên giới Cambodia để cứu người dân. Trại lao động của em bị phá hủy và em bắt buộc phải tị nạn sang (cùng hai anh chị còn sót lại) khu dành cho người tị nạn do người Việt Nam quản lý. Khi khu trại bị quân Khmer Đỏ tấn công vào sáng hôm sau, họ tháo chạy còn quân đội Việt Nam ở lại để chiến đấu với quân Khmer Đỏ và bảo vệ cho họ, họ tiến về phía rừng rậm, nơi Loung bị tách khỏi anh chị của mình và chứng kiến những quả mìn mà chính em đã đặt gây thương vong cho nhiều người tị nạn.

Tuy nhiên, ba anh em đoàn tụ trong một trại tị nạn khác do Hội chữ Thập Đỏ quản lý. Ở đó Loung thấy người ta đánh một tên tù binh Khmer Đỏ. Em xem hắn như ba mình và nhớ lại những điều đau lòng đã xảy ra trong cuộc đời em. Khi em gọi tên tù binh là "Pa" thì những người khác bỏ đi ngay lập tức. Loung nhìn tên tù binh rồi sau đó cũng rời đi. Khi chiến tranh kết thúc, Loung đoàn tụ với anh chị của mình. Nhiều năm sau, những đứa trẻ giờ đây đều đã trưởng thành và cầu nguyện cho những người thân đã khuất tại một ngôi chùa đổ nát.

*Cảm nghĩ cá nhân: Tính ra coi phim thấy tụi nhỏ bị tẩy não kinh khủng, tuyên truyền, hô hào khẩu hiệu chống Việt Nam, quân đội Camodia là nhất. Đồng thời vạch ra được tội ác của Khmer đỏ khi dùng hành hình, lao động cưỡng búc, tra tấn giết chết 1/4 dân số của Cambodia. Bên cạnh đó, lý do mà khiến người dân ban đầu tin vào Khmer đỏ là bởi khi ấy Mỹ đã ném bom bí mật hơn 2,7 triệu tấn thuốc nổ lên một đất nước trung lập bấy giờ là Cambodia. Nên họ chỉ còn cách bám víu niềm tin vào Khmer đỏ, nhưng lại không tưởng tượng nổi một cảnh tượng khủng khiếp như thế này.

Phim được dựa trên hồi ký của Loung ngoài đời.

#MovieReviewing

[maxhunt0616]

Discovering Da Nang: Top Things to Do

Da Nang, a bustling coastal city in central Vietnam, is a perfect blend of urban charm, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of Vietnamese culture, Da Nang has something for everyone. From pristine beaches and delicious cuisine to exhilarating activities and vibrant nightlife, this city offers a wide range of experiences. In this blog, we'll explore the top things to do in Da Nang, making your visit truly memorable.

Da Nang

Nestled between the East Sea and the Annamite Range, Da Nang is Vietnam's fourth-largest city and one of its most important port cities. Known for its friendly locals and laid-back vibe, Da Nang has rapidly transformed into a popular tourist destination. With its stunning beaches, historical sites, and modern amenities, Da Nang offers a unique blend of attractions that cater to all types of travelers.

Adventure Activities in Da Nang

For those with a thirst for adventure, Da Nang is a playground of exciting activities. Trekking in Vietnam is a fantastic way to explore the lush landscapes and scenic trails around the city. The Marble Mountains, a cluster of five marble and limestone hills, offer excellent trekking and Rock Climbing in Vietnam opportunities. These mountains are filled with caves, tunnels, and Buddhist sanctuaries, providing a spiritual and adventurous experience.

If you're visiting during the warmer months, Sandboarding in Vietnam is another thrilling activity to try. The nearby sand dunes in Quang Phu are perfect for this adrenaline-pumping sport. Additionally, the Han River running through the city is ideal for River Rafting in Vietnam, offering both serene and challenging sections for different skill levels.

Beaches in Da Nang

Da Nang is renowned for its beautiful beaches, making it a prime destination for sun-seekers. Beaches in Vietnam are some of the most picturesque in Southeast Asia, and Da Nang’s coastline is no exception. My Khe Beach, also known as China Beach, is one of the most famous beaches in the area. With its golden sands, clear blue waters, and gentle waves, it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.

Non Nuoc Beach, located at the foot of the Marble Mountains, is another stunning beach known for its tranquil atmosphere and scenic beauty. For a more secluded experience, Bac My An Beach offers a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.

Cultural and Historical Sites

Da Nang is rich in cultural and historical sites that provide a glimpse into Vietnam's past. The ancient town of Hoi An, a short drive from Da Nang, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most romantic Honeymoon Destinations in Vietnam. Its well-preserved architecture, charming lantern-lit streets, and vibrant markets make it a must-visit.

The Dragon Bridge, a modern architectural marvel, is a symbol of Da Nang. Spanning the Han River, it is especially spectacular at night when it is illuminated and breathes fire and water. The Linh Ung Pagoda, located on the Son Tra Peninsula, features the tallest Lady Buddha statue in Vietnam and offers breathtaking views of the city and the sea.

Vietnamese Food and Dining Experiences

Da Nang is a culinary paradise, offering a diverse array of Vietnamese food. From street food stalls to upscale Restaurants in Vietnam, the city caters to all tastes and budgets. Must-try local dishes include Mi Quang (turmeric noodles with pork and shrimp), Bun Thit Nuong (grilled pork with vermicelli noodles), and Banh Xeo (Vietnamese savory pancakes).

For a unique dining experience, visit the Han Market, where you can sample an array of local delicacies. Madame Lan and Quan Com Hue are popular restaurants that offer authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a cozy setting.

Nightlife in Da Nang

The Vietnam Nightlife scene in Da Nang is vibrant and diverse, offering something for everyone. From beachfront bars and nightclubs to quiet cafes and rooftop lounges, the city comes alive after dark. The Sky36 Bar, located on the top floors of the Novotel Hotel, offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the Han River. For a more laid-back experience, head to one of the many beach bars along My Khe Beach.

Best Time to Visit Da Nang

The best time to visit Vietnam and Da Nang, in particular, is from February to May when the weather is warm and dry. During this period, the temperatures are pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach excursions. If you prefer a quieter experience, visiting during the shoulder seasons of September to November can also be enjoyable, although you may encounter occasional rain showers.

Conclusion

Da Nang is a destination that promises a rich tapestry of experiences, from its stunning natural beauty and adventurous activities to its cultural treasures and culinary delights. Whether you're basking on the Beaches in Vietnam, exploring historical sites, or indulging in the local cuisine, Da Nang offers an unforgettable journey. So, pack your bags, book your Vietnam tour packages, and get ready to explore the myriad attractions of this dynamic city. Embrace the adventure, savor the flavors, and let Da Nang's charm captivate you.

[mstiemountainhop]

Hello 😊 for the history asks : 1,4,8,9,10,19,20 ?

Thank you so much for the ask @eightysix-baby! Sorry that this took so long.

1. Who is your favourite historical person?

Mae Jemison

Marguerite Higgins

Veronica Foster

Vincent Van Gogh

4. Favourite historical era?

1940s or 1960s

8. What is the last thing you have read/ listened/ spoke with historical reference?

This was a hard one, I'm always making history references (which nobody understands). I guess the other day I was discussing the Titanic with a friend? Not sure if that counts.

9. Favourite historical film?

I don't watch many films but I'm trying to change that, more of a documentary person. I watched an interesting documentary a couple years ago about the Tiananmen Square protests which I knew basically nothing about.

10. Pieces of art ( paintings, sculpures, lithographies, ect.) related to history you like most ( post an image of them)

Homecoming Marine-Norman Rockwell

The Burning Ship-Albert Bierstadt (this picture I took at a museum when I visited Vermont)

19. Favourite historical book?

First They Killed My Father-Loung Ung

20. History crush?

Cleve Jones

Evelyn Nesbit