This year’s Read ME selection bills itself as “a misfit’s memoir of great books, punk rock, and the fight to fit in.” Can you get any better than that?
A coming of age story told through the lens of classic literature, Phuc Tran’s memoir tells the story of his family’s immigration from war torn Saigon to Carlisle, PA, and what it was like to grow up as well read skateboarding punk child of immigrants in the 80s and 90s. Tran’s voice is funny, smart, heartbreaking, and occasionally profanity laced; in short, everything needed for a great memoir. His story is specific yet universal, and will be altogether too familiar for anyone who has struggled to stand out while fitting in. Not only a great read, but an important one.
Phuc Tran will be at the Patten Free Library Tuesday, August 2 and 6 p.m.
