The Best We Could Do

by Thi Bui
The Best We Could Do cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Graphic Novels / Comics
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Technical
  • ID: 7536
  • Added: 2025-12-14
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781613129302
  • Publisher: Abrams
  • Published: 2017-03-07
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Best We Could Do is a beautifully illustrated and emotional memoir by debut author Thi Bui. It portrays the intimate and poignant journey of her family's escape from war-torn Vietnam after the fall of South Vietnam in the 1970s. The graphic novel delves into the struggles and sacrifices her family faced while building new lives, highlighting the universal themes of immigration, displacement, and the search for a better future. /n/n At the heart of Bui's story is her personal journey as a first-time mother, discovering the depths of unspoken love and the endless sacrifices of parenthood. With haunting, poetic writing and breathtaking art, Bui examines the strength of family, the importance of identity, and the meaning of home. This evocative memoir provides inspiration to all those who long for a simpler past while striving for a better future.

Reviews
Cannonball Read · 2019-12-09
intriguing 4.00

The story is raw and unfiltered, showing the harsh realities of Thi Bui's life. Despite the difficulties, it highlights her resilience and determination.

This memoir is a powerful narrative that doesn't shy away from the harsh truths of life. The reviewer appreciates the honesty and the way it portrays the struggles and triumphs of the author. It's a story that resonates with anyone who has faced adversity and found a way to overcome it. The graphic format adds a layer of depth, making the emotional journey even more impactful.

Quick quotes

    This is a story that needs to be told.

    It shows a not so pretty life, but the life that Thi Bui was given.

    She did what she could do with it.

Gates Notes · 2017-12-04
hopeful 4.50

The book is ultimately hopeful despite its heavy subject matter. It provides a deep understanding of the author's family history and their struggles.

The reviewer finds the book to be a profound exploration of family and resilience. Despite the heavy themes, the narrative is filled with hope and a sense of perseverance. The author's journey from Vietnam to the United States is depicted with a mix of pain and optimism, making it a compelling read. The reviewer appreciates the honesty and the emotional depth of the story, which leaves a lasting impact.

Quick quotes

    Despite covering such heavy subject matter, The Best We Could Do is ultimately a hopeful book.

    After learning what happened to her parents, Bui...

    The Best We Could Do is a deeply personal and universally resonant story.

Vulture · 2017-03-07
great 4.75

The graphic memoir is a sweeping tale of the author's family's lives in Vietnam and the United States. The reviewer finds it to be a great refugee comic.

The reviewer praises the memoir for its beautiful storytelling and the way it captures the essence of the refugee experience. The graphic format enhances the narrative, making it both visually and emotionally engaging. The reviewer appreciates the universal themes of family, resilience, and the search for a better life. The memoir is a powerful testament to the human spirit and the struggles of immigration, making it a must-read for anyone interested in personal and historical narratives.

Quick quotes

    Thi Bui's debut graphic memoir is a sweeping tale of her family's lives in Vietnam and the United States.

    My only complaint is that it ended too soon.

    The Best We Could Do is a beautifully drawn and deeply moving story.

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