Catfish and mandala

            Catfish and Mandela is a memoir of a Vietnamese American man's return to Vietnam. In the book, the author, a recently divorced engineer, quits his job and sets out on a bike tour of places in Vietnam that are important to his family's history. In doing so, he weaves together a history of his family's sojourn to the U.S., their subsequent experiences in America and his reflections on returning to Vietnam as an Americanized Vietnamese. As a result, the book provides an interesting overview not only of the refugee experience, but the challenges that Asian Americans face in resolving their feelings toward the countries of their ethnic origin.
             The book also touches on the effects of American foreign policy on Vietnamese culture today and most strikingly, issues of sexual orientation. Two of Pham's brothers are gay and one of his sisters is a transsexual. Herein, the book details how each family member comes to terms with his/her sexuality in the context of the family's assimilation into American society. The discussion of these issues is done with frank realism but in a manner accessible to high school students.
             Many sections of the book will resonate with teens, such as the chapters where Pham describes growing up in the United States. Younger teens, however, may have difficulty with the reading level, as well as the fact that the book is written from the point of view of an adult male reflecting on not only his heritage but the choices he has made as an adult. Teachers should also be conscious of the way gender issues are addressed. As a result, teachers should preview the book before using in class.