When Broken Glass Floats

Yet again, I have a slew of book reviews to post. So prepare yourself to read nothing except my thoughts on a variety of books over the next few days...

As I just mentioned, I like to read a variety of books throughout the year, but I always end up reading at least a few about issues pertaining to refugees and international policy. Many refugees have written memoirs about their experience, including individuals who survived the horrors of World War II to individuals who fled their homeland simply because they were of a different ethnicity or religion than the people in power in their country. Even though I make it a point to read at least a few of these books every year, I also have the chance to talk with my clients and learn about their often-harrowing experiences. It can be a bit overwhelming at times, but it is important to be aware of the suffering around us so that we can be called to appropriate action.  The International Rescue Committee prepared a list of films and books concerning the refugee issue.  Check it out here.

You may remember that earlier this year, I read a book about the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. Admittedly, this particular bit of history is not often the focus in the typical high school classroom- at least, it wasn't in any of my high school history classes- and I was never very much interested in the people of Cambodia anyway. Yet when I look back, I find it quite sad that I know so little about certain areas of the world. It is good that I read the book earlier this year so that I can understand a little more about the genocide in Cambodia. If you need a little bit of background as to the actual events, read my post about First They Killed My Father.

When Broken Glass Floats: Growing Up Under the Khmer Rouge is a similar memoir. Chanrithy Him's father was an educated man, and when the Khmer Rouge took over, they were forced to flee their home. Him's memoir echoes much of what I read by Luong Ung. Those individuals who worked for the government were not spared; people who were "city dwellers" were forced to move into rural areas and to work on farms or sent to labor camps. Food was scarce and conditions were harsh. By the time the Khmer Rouge fell in 1979, half of Chanrithy's family was dead, the children left as orphans. This memoir conveys the completely desperate situation in which millions of Cambodians lived for years, but Chanrithy's story ends with hope and reminds us that we must do the same.