A Book Talk and Community Healing Gathering with Susan Lieu

Join Vietnamese American author and performer Susan Lieu for an intimate community conversation inspired by her acclaimed memoir!
About this Event

We invite members of the Vietnamese diaspora, Vietnamese heritage speakers, and families navigating intergenerational healing to the gathering that will include a moderated book talk, breakout sessions, and a book signing. The evening will offer the community an opportunity to engage deeply with themes of grief, identity, trauma, and reconciliation through literature and conversation.

The program will be presented in English and will include:

• Community gathering and mingling
• Light refreshments
• Moderated fireside-style conversation
• Audience Q&A
• Breakout Sessions for deeper conversations
• Book signing

Vietnamese and English-language books are available for purchase

This event is especially for:

• Intergenerational families from the Vietnamese diaspora hoping to reconnect emotionally with their Viet-speaking parents or elders
• Families healing from intergenerational trauma
• Vietnamese language learners at advanced reading levels interested in contemporary Vietnamese literature
• Community members motivated to build emotional bridges with loved ones who have experienced diasporic disconnect from their families.

Born to Vietnamese refugee parents, Lieu has become a nationally recognized voice on intergenerational trauma and healing through storytelling. She has spoken at institutions including Harvard, Yale, the Smithsonian, and TEDxBellevueWomen, and her work has been featured at The Smithsonian, Wing Luke Museum, The Moth Mainstage, and is currently being taught in high schools and universities. Recognized as one of Seattle’s “Most Influential People,” Susan is a graduate of Harvard and Yale, with writing residencies at Hedgebrook, Millay Arts, and Vashon Artist Residency.

Lieu’s debut memoir, “The Manicurist’s Daughter”, has resonated deeply with readers for its vulnerable and humorous exploration of family silence, impossible beauty standards, inherited trauma, and the long search for belonging. “The Manicurist’s Daughter” was a best book of the year from NPR and the Smithsonian, a finalist for the Washington State Book Award and Goodreads Choice Awards, and a Must Listen of the Month from Apple Books.

The event also highlights the mission of Friends of Little Sài Gòn, a nonprofit organization based in Seattle, Washington, and Little Saigon Creative, a community-centered gathering space dedicated to Vietnamese culture, creativity, and connection, run by FLS.

Copies of both the English and Vietnamese editions of “The Manicurist’s Daughter” will be available for purchase and signing. Advance copies available here.

Space is limited. Registration required.

Learn more about Susan Lieu at her website: www.susanlieu.me