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  • The Happiest Refugee

  • By: Anh Do
  • Narrated by: Anh Do
  • Length: 6 hrs and 31 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (2,531 ratings)

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The Happiest Refugee

By: Anh Do
Narrated by: Anh Do
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Editorial reviews

You may know him from his television series, his stint on Dancing with the Stars, or his long career as a comedian and author. In The Happiest Refugee, Ahn Do gives a rendition as you'd expect, narrating his own life story and bringing it to life with his recognisable voice and familiar sense of humour. Exploring the perils he faced while immigrating, the struggle to make a life for himself in Australia and the glimmer of eventual stardom, this listen blends joy, tragedy and honest insight in a way that underscores the nature of true perseverance. 

Winning numerous awards, including the 2011 Australian Book of the Year, The Happiest Refugee will bring you closer to the Do you know as a successful comedian, author and star. Be prepared to laugh, cry and laugh until you cry.

Publisher's Summary

The laugh-out-loud, reach-for-your-hanky story of one of Australia's best-loved comedians.

Anh Do nearly didn't make it to Australia. His entire family came close to losing their lives on the sea as they escaped from war-torn Vietnam in an overcrowded boat. But nothing - not murderous pirates nor the imminent threat of death by hunger, disease or dehydration as they drifted for days - could quench their desire to make a better life in a country where freedom existed.

Life in Australia was hard, an endless succession of backbreaking work, crowded rooms, ruthless landlords and make-do everything. But there was a loving extended family and always friends and play and something to laugh about for Anh, his brother, Khoa, and their sister, Tram. Things got harder when their father left home when Anh was 13 - they felt his loss very deeply, and their mother struggled to support the family on her own.

His mother's sacrifice was an inspiration to Anh, and he worked hard during his teenage years to help her make ends meet, also managing to graduate high school and then university. Another inspiration was the comedian Anh met when he was about to sign on for a 60-hour-a-week corporate job. Anh asked how many hours he worked. 'Four', the answer came back, and that was it. He was going to be a comedian!

The Happiest Refugee tells the incredible, uplifting and inspiring life story of one of our favourite personalities. Tragedy, humour, heartache and unswerving determination - a big life with big dreams. Anh's story will move and amuse all who hear it.

©2010 Anh Do (P)2017 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd
  • Unabridged Audiobook

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Inspirational Story

I loved this book from cover to cover. A family history of strength, courage, devotion and love. Thank you Anh Do for the down to earth person you are and for us to appreciate life in general. Beautifully written.

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nice book.

love the positivity from this book. great to listen to it . highly recommended for anyone.

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Such a beautiful story

Anh Do’s incredible story of survival, hope and gratitude was just beautiful to read. There were tears of sadness and joy throughout. He is an intensely likeable human and I just want to give him a huge hug. Thank you for penning this story Anh and inspiring countless others along the way.

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Ahn is a fabulous guy

What a wonderful family. Such hard workers, a loving family always ready to help those in need

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Absolutely Beautiful

I've always liked Anh, I love his painting show and he seems like such a lovely person but this book has been such an eye opener. He's let us in to some of the most difficult, heartbreaking moments of his life but he continued to find the positives in every situation! I hope that I can bring some of his positivity and upbeat attitude into my own life. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone!! He wrote it so so well and the narration was spot on!

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What an amazing positive story!

A story about a boy and his family who overcome so many obstacles to achieve happiness and success.

There are so many great one liners of positivity that can possibly change anyone’s life.

What an amazing family. Anh’s story telling made me giggle out loud on many an occasion as well as drop a few tears..

Such a beautiful book.. very easy to listen to x

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Real

Great that the author read it himself, gives so much authenticity. I learnt more about my country.

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Loved it

I didn’t want this story to end. A story of hope, love & resilience. Anh you are a man of many talents & I absolutely love & admire your story.

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Hi 5 to the Do family

Great story of Anh’s family and what they endured for a safe and happy life. Much respect for all those who took such a risk to come and live in Australia.

It was great to hear of how much hard work and tenacity it took Anh to achieve his successful as a artist, author, Comedian, dancer etc 🙌🏽

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Anh Do for PM

a wonderful, heartfelt story of pure joy. Family, fun, laughter, tears. I cannot wait to listen again.

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