Catfish and Mandala: A Two-Wheeled Journey Through the Landscape and Memory of Vietnam, by Andrew X. Pham

Catfish & Mandala takes readers on an unforgettable trip through the heart and soul of Vietnam. Andrew X. Pham's vivid storytelling transports us alongside him as he pedals his way from San Francisco to his homeland, unearthing buried memories and confronting cultural identity along the way.

Pham's writing brings to life the sights, sounds, and smells of Vietnam. You can almost taste the steaming bowl of pho he savors in a Hanoi street market, feel the humid air clinging to your skin as he cycles through lush rice paddies, and hear the cacophony of motorbikes in bustling Saigon.

The author's personal history adds depth to his observations. When he visits the prison camp where his father was held by the Vietcong, Pham's conflicting emotions are palpable. He grapples with his family's traumatic past while trying to reconcile it with the vibrant, evolving country he encounters.

Pham doesn't shy away from the challenges of his journey. He recounts a harrowing experience of food poisoning that leaves him bedridden in a remote village, relying on the kindness of strangers. These moments of vulnerability make his triumphs all the more satisfying, like when he finally reaches the northernmost point of Vietnam after weeks of grueling cycling.

Throughout the book, Pham's wry humor shines through. His interactions with curious locals, from children fascinated by his bicycle to elders skeptical of his "American" ways, are both amusing and touching. These encounters highlight the cultural tug-of-war within Pham himself – too Vietnamese for America, too American for Vietnam. Catfish & Mandala is more than just a travelogue. It's a deeply human story about finding one's place in the world and making peace with the past.