Customer Reviews

Escaping the Tiger

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The qualities of Laura Manivong's "Escaping the Tiger" go beyond the beautiful writing and riveting story. By connecting the reader so intimately with Vonlai and his family we cannot help but feel our own vulnerabilites, our shared humanity and compassion for refugees worldwide - past and present. This book offers the perfect opportunity for discussion across generations, across cultures.
"Escaping the Tiger's" reach is broad, its characters very real, and its message profound.

Escaping the Tiger is the story of Vonlai Sirivong, his sister, mother and father and is based on the first hand experience of the author's husband.

Twelve-year-old Vonlai wakes one night when his father shakes him and says, "We're crossing tonight." Vonlai and his family paddle, then swim for safety across the Mekong river from communist Laos into Thailand. As Laotians say, "Escaping the tiger to face the crocodile." The refugee situation in Thailand leaves Vonlai and his family in fear for his sister's safety from the camp guards and in constant hunger for both food and a home.

There were so many gorgeous, touching moments in this book, it's not fair to share just one. However, I hate spoilers, so I picked the following passage. It was the first, but not the last time I cried. Early on, we learn of Vonlai's dream to become an architect like his father was before the war. His father's book of western architecture was a prized possession until the communists learned of it through Vonlai's indiscretion and they burned the book:

"From then on, his father stopped telling stories about America, but Vonlai repeated the old ones to himself and drew the pictures in his mind so he wouldn't forget. And Vonlai did dream, while vowing never to betray Pah's trust again. He dreamed of one day seeing those architectural marvels with his own eyes. Building a life for himself as strong as skyscrapers, double-decker bridges, underground trains, and soaring highways that looped up and around one another like ribbon on a gift."

Those desires and dreams are difficult to hold onto when a month in the camp turns into a year, then four years. Vonlai makes friends with Colonel, a kind old man with hideous war wounds earned from the Pathet Lao communist guards in Laos. Colonel teaches Vonlai how to survive hell and still cling to his dreams. Their interaction remains true throughout the book and moved me to tears. Have I mentioned how much I love books that elicit strong emotional responses?

"Escaping the Tiger" is among the most uplifting pieces of literature I've been privileged to read and I want to thank the author and her husband for sharing the tale.

This is one of those books that I have the opportunity to read every now and again that I really cherish. My favorite books in the young adult genre are those that delve into the difficult, real-life experiences of teens placed into impossible circumstances. I also love learning about these other cultures and the truth behind what has been happening around the world. It's unfortunate that all too often here in America, we don't care enough about the world outside of our own country to pay it much mind. The entire story is happening during my lifetime, and I had no idea that there was such strong oppression in Laos until after reading this book.

As for the text itself, Manivong narrates the story in a way that creates an excellent balance between the plot and characters and the description of the world. I could have used a bit more, actually, of the description of the awful circumstances in which our main characters have found themselves. Overall, it's a compelling story with beautiful narration and an educational journey that is good for American audiences. I recommend it to readers 12+.

-Lindsey Miller, [...]

Twelve-year-old Vonlai lives in the oppressive Communist Laos. He knows that soldiers who guard the Mekong River shoot at anything that moves. Nothing is left for his family here, but the hope that their will be something better on the other side of the river in Thailand, even if that means a refuge camp. Even in the camp, their struggles are far from over. Na Pho is a forgotten place, with poorly made huts, stifling heat, and rationed food. Still, Vonlai tries to carry on as if everything is normal. He pays attention in school, a dusty barrack overcrowded with kids too hungry to learn. And, to forget his empty stomach, he plays soccer in a field full of rocks. But when someone inside the camp threatens his family, Vonlai calls on a forbidden skill to protect their future, if only they can make it out of Na Pho alive.
Volai is a strong character. I loved that he had such a positive outlook on life, even in his situation. I also love Dalah. She was such a positive girl and so spirited at the darkest times. His mother and father were great parents and wanted the best for them. Colonel was also a fun character, and he had such a strong and distinctive personality. The plot is similar to other books in some ways. The characters are in a refuge camp and are hoping for a better life. I loved how they tried to be optimistic about all of the horrible things that were happening in there world. I also liked that Manivong based this on her husband's experience in a refuge camp, it made it more truthful and personal. Manivong is a brilliant writer that weaves real life into such a unexplainable situation. This book made me feel so thankful for where I live and what I have. I feel that this book will make you appreciate all the little thing. I recommend this book, to anyone that like books that are so full of true emotions.

I finished this late last night and am still thinking about it. Manivong does such a great job bringing the reader into the world of refugees that their normal becomes our normal and affects the way one thinks about our lives today. As I took a shower, I found myself thinking about the lack of basic amenities so many people around the world live with every day. As Vonlai's family is stripped of everything material, the sense of hope that shines through is enough to keep them going. At times, I had tears in my eyes as I read about the special bond between Vonlai and his mentor, The Colonel. Just when I was wary of the family's worship of everything American, Manivong shines a mirror on our own culture and the way we treat those who are seeking a better life. The writing is beautiful, never condescending or trite, and the fullness of the experience will keep even reluctant readers engaged. I can't recommend this more highly, both for in-classroom use and as independent reading for tweens, teens and adults alike. This book will stick with you long after you turn the last page. - C.J. Omololu

It's 1982, 12 yr old Vonlai, his older sister Dalah and their parents must escape their home country of Laos, which was had a Communist government. In the beginning the family leaves in the night for Thailand. While in Thailand they must stay in a refugee camp. Vonlai's father tells the family they will only be there a few weeks. However, they aren't given an opportunity to leave for a few years. Escaping the Tiger centers around Vonlai and his families time in Thailand.

The author will hook many readers with the midnight escape. It moves at a good clip, there's danger and a little action. We get to know the family and what they are leaving behind, especially Vonlai. Young readers will be able to relate to Vonlai sadness at not being able to say goodbye to his best friend. Or never being able to play soccer with this friends again.

Vonlai's family must adjust to the hard life of living in a refugee camp. This is a visual story, readers will be able to easily picture Vonlai's new world. While playing soccer Vonlai becomes friends with, Kavin, an older boy. He was my favorite minor character. There were moments when the book crossed over into too much lesson not enough story. Except for the parts with Kavin. Vonlai was a strong enough character to over come this and keep my attention. Vonlai's relationship with his sister, Dalah was one of the stories strengths.

Escaping the Tiger is a good story with protagonist readers will want to follow until the end.

I've read the other reviews and yes, ESCAPING THE TIGER is beautiful, and yes, ESCAPING THE TIGER is heart-wrenching, but this book is written for kids! Vonlai is a boy who has to grow up fast, swim across the Mekong River while bullets whiz past him. He has to protect his sister from sketchy individuals in a dangerous refugee camp. He starves. Hauls water. Keeps his hope alive against all odds. He's surrounded by fascinating characters who are scarred by war, torture, poverty. He grows, he endures, he thrives. And it's all based on real people. How amazing is that? Laura Manivong will put your kid right in the middle of the action. He/She will come away with an appreciation of the refugee experience, and learn a bit of history to boot. GET YOUR HANDS ON THIS BOOK.

I was hoping to use this book as a reading selection for a group of students taking U.S. History in order for them to hear immigrant stories that are of more recent arrivals. The story itself is one that students, and adults, need to hear. What they don't need to read is vulgarity and swearing. It would have been so easy not to include those elements. I am so very tired of people writing for "children" yet put swearing and inappropriate language in them. I'm tired of editing books with the black marker. This book was sold by harpercollinschilrens.com.

My 10-year-old son read this book before I did. He came in to tell me about something that happened, and he was crying! Of course, you hate to see your kids feel sad, but you know what? Refugee camps are a sad place. You can't get around that. The thing is, to this day, this is one of his favorite books. And usually, he is a much more best seller type reader--we're talking Goosebumps, Harry Potter, Series of Unfortunate Events. Then I read it myself and also was crying throughout the end, but I also still love this book. On a personal level, we had a large refugee family in our school growing up. A boy in my class told me part of his story. I know now that I didn't understand the half of it. I kept thinking about that family when I read this book. I'm glad my son took a break from his favorite series to read this book. It's an important thing to know about. Beyond that, it's just a good book.