International Party Meet the Authors - Square Moon and An American Odyssey

MacKay Conference Center

1717 K St. NW, Washington, DC 20006

(One block from the Farragut North Metro Station)

(Parking from 5:30 pm until 9 pm - $8 at 1800 K St. NW/ 950 18th St. NW Garage)

In his memoir, Larry Trung La recounts his survival and success following the Vietnam War. La details his experience as one of the "boat people," fleeing South Vietnam with his family to escape the war's devastation. In Square Moon, he tracks his perilous journey crossing of the South China Sea with his family, as one of the boat people, his time in a Malaysian refugee camp, and his eventual arrival in small-town Tennessee with very few resources.

Square Moon highlights that the American Dream can be achieved. Through a relentless work ethic, La moved to Washington, D.C., where he eventually founded and became the driving force behind the renowned Mei-Wah restaurant. The story highlights the power of perseverance and the immigrant experience in pursuing success.

Political and Cultural Impact: La reflects on the contributions of refugees to American society and recounts his encounters with high-profile figures in D.C., including Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama. The memoir serves as both a personal history and a testament to the pursuit of the American Dream through entrepreneurship and hard work.

It chronicles her thirty-year journey from growing up in a small town in China to achieving the "American Dream" as a prominent media executive and cultural ambassador in the United States. The Immigrant Experience: Hong details arriving in the U.S. as a first-generation immigrant with only $35 and limited English. The narrative follows her struggles and eventual success in navigating a new culture and language.

A "Front Seat" to History: The memoir provides a personal perspective on major political events in both China and the U.S. that shaped her life, including China's economic reforms and the evolution of Sino-American relations.

Rose Hong describes her rise to becoming a successful TV producer, host, and business executive. She recounts her work with the federal government and her media career, which included interviewing figures like the Dalai Lama, Yao Ming, and Chuck Todd. A significant portion of the book focuses on her role, as a cultural ambassador, in fostering better understanding between China and America through her media platform, Global Dragon TV. Hong frames the book as a milestone of her first thirty years in America and a dedication to the family and mentors who supported her, including her parents who sacrificed to give her a new life.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

1717 K St NW, 1717 K Street Northwest, Washington, United States

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