“The Son in My Eyes” Book Review

Mai Spencer grew up witnessing the horrors of the Vietnam War first hand as she struggled to avoid the Viet Cong, gather enough food for her family and care for all of the younger children in her family. She knew nothing but extreme poverty until she moved away from home and eventually met Dennis, an American who fell in love with her and brought Mai and her daughter to America where they became a family.

Though Mai had grown up Buddhist, she found little comfort after the deaths of her son as a teenager and of her daughter just a few years later. Eventually, Mai and Dennis were led to Christianity where they changed their lives and through great sacrifice have sought to bring Christianity to her people in Vietnam.

As soon as I started reading this book, I honestly struggled with how extremely religious and “preachy” it felt. I chose to read The Son in My Eyes because of the opportunity to learn about Vietnam and the culture there, knowing before-hand that it would be somewhat religious because it talks about Mai’s conversion to Christianity. It was just too religious for me and I ended up skipping sections that frustrated me in this manner.

All of that aside, the stories that Mai tells of her years growing up were fascinating and horrifying. It is incredible that Mai and Dennis, through their great faith and diligence, were able to build a Christian church in a country that was so opposed to anything of the sort as well as help so many Vietnamese people who were struggling financially. After reading this book, I am in awe of the work that this couple has done to better the lives of others and appreciate the opportunity to read their story.

The Son in My Eyes is written by Mai Spencer and is published by Deep River Books, ISBN 978-1935265665. For more information visit www.DeepRiverBooks.com.

This book was provided to me by Bring It On Communications for free in exchange for my open and honest review. All opinions stated herein are mine. To read more reviews like this one, go to Tell Us The Truth Reviews!