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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 (2,523 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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What listeners say about The Happiest Refugee

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

An amazing story of strength and courage

Ahn has a very easy to listen to voice. I cried and laughed throughout this book. The experience of his families trip to Australia was truly incredible. Ahn is a very gentle and loving sounding man. I also loved the stories of the blending of his families with his wife. A very special story and I would highly recommend it.

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7 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Amazing

What did you like most about The Happiest Refugee?

Anh's positivity throughout his life experience

What other book might you compare The Happiest Refugee to, and why?

none that I have read

What about Anh Do’s performance did you like?

everything! he tells the story so well

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

the whole story was very moving and emotional

Any additional comments?

This is by far one of the best audiobooks I have ever listened to. Ahn does a great job narrating the story of his life. He truly is an inspiration

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6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Fabulous

I loved this book, an honest, interesting life story with hardship and kindness. Made better by Anh the author narrating himself.
I’d recommend to everyone who has a heart.

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5 people found this helpful

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  • Kim
  • 24-01-2018

Brilliant

Thank you Anh Do for sharing. A wonderful journey of your life. It was truly uplifting and inspirational. I will be a better person from this.

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Great read

Laughed and cried through Anh’s amazing story. The positivity he communicates throughout is brilliant. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, cover to cover!

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4 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Light Hearted and Entertaining

This book grew on me without it being a smash hit. Anh does pretty well with his narration. Worth the time to listen but not anything to write home about. Good story.

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2 people found this helpful

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Great Book Great Story

This was a great yarn. Honest and brutal recount of Anh's journey from poverty in post war Vietnam to his successes in Australia. Thoroughly recommend this book.

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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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Wow!

This is an amazing book. One minute I was crying, the next laughing. Beautifully written and told.
A must read!!!

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To laugh and cry at the same time

Wow! Arn Do thank you for writing such a beautiful and inspiring true story. I loved listening to your narration and how your childhood and family upbringing shaped you to be the humble, kind, caring, loving creature you are today. Thank you for allowing people the insight into your life. A fabulous story.

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.