What Are You Reading?
Your reading choices can give insight into who you are. The Cambodian American Literary Arts Association reached out to our Cambodian American community in Lowell, MA and allies who support us to see what book they are reading and to share why they think reading is so important.
Order any of the books mentioned below at Lowell Book Company Bookshop at https://bookshop.org/shop/lowellbookcompany or email lowellbookcompany@gmail.com for books available by special order!
Thank you to all who participated!
2022 What Are You Reading?
ANI VONG
Owner of Humanity and CMAA Board of Director
What are you reading?
Permission To Come Home by Jenny T. Wang, PHD
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Why is reading so important?
Reading enhances our life. It fuels our imagination, creativity and allows us to go on new adventures without leaving our home. It helps us develop empathy and dare us to dream big with infinite possibilities. Most importantly, this book written by a psychologist turned author has been instrumental for me in the last two years. Her words and stories made me feel seen, validated and helped me cope with my mental health while being Asian in America during the pandemic.
ELLEN PROEUNG
Volunteer for Cambodian American Literary Arts Association
What are you reading?
Out of the Shadows of Angkor: Cambodian Poetry, Prose, and Performance through the Ages
Guest editors: Sharon May, Christophe Macquet, Trent Walker, Phina So, and Rinith Taing; series editor: Frank Stewart. With a preface by Vaddey Ratner.
Series: Mānoa: A Pacific Journal of International Writing
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Why is reading so important?
From a young age, I have been enraptured by the written word especially in the form of fictional stories and poetry. Reading is my primary mode of relaxation and escape. It helps calm my mind and provide a reprieve from life stressors. Reading also gives me a sense of connection; that I am not alone in going through a particular experience. This can come in the form of a poet expressing an emotional journey or a character overcoming challenges. There is knowledge, power and a shared experience that can be found in reading.
TONY HOEUN
Volunteer for Cambodian American Literary Arts Association
What are you reading?
Straight Jacket: Overcoming Society's Legacy of Gay Shame by Matthew Todd
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Why is reading so important?
Reading is important to me as it has given me two things. Firstly, it has given me more knowledge of subjects I don't know. There are lots of things that I have learned through reading that I otherwise would have not been able to do. Subjects that greatly improved my life. The second thing that reading has given me is a place of peace. I read for enjoyment, but also to give myself peace of mind. Reading gives me a chance to step back and relax from the chaos that is sometimes life.
JOAN CHUN
Co-Founder & Board President of Cambodian American Literary Arts Association
What are you reading?
Voices of a New Generation: Cambodian Americans in the Creative Arts by Dr. Christine Su
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Why is reading so important?
One of my favorite childhood pastimes was reading the dictionary and poetry. You can learn so much from reading and it is one of the best forms of entertainment. I also love that through reading we can connect with each other's mind, body, and soul.
2021 What Are You Reading?
SOVANNA POUV
Executive Director of Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (CMAA)
What are you reading?
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
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Why is reading so important?
I'm reading this book because I find Trevor very smart, funny and an all out entertaining human being. It was recommended to me not just by my therapist, but also my executive coach. My executive coach wholeheartedly believes that I should publish a book one day about my life and he thought that Trevor's style of writing using humor and wit matches my personality.
PRINCESS MOON
Owner of Tiny Trophy Shop
What are you reading?
Everything Here is Beautiful by Mira T. Lee
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Why is reading so important?
Reading is my escape from the chaos of everyday life. It brings me peace. I think it’s important to put yourself in the shoes of other people and reading helps you do exactly that!
SOCHENDA UCH
Co-Founder of Cultural Shock Apparel
What are you reading?
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
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Why is reading so important?
Reading is important because words are one of the most important things in life. Reading helps us understand things we don’t. It helps us make decisions and it challenges and develops our mind. It’s a tool that enriches our body and fuels our mind to be creative genuises.
LENA SARUNN
Program Director for Cambodian American Literary Arts Association
What are you reading?
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
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Why is reading important?
Reading is a gateway to knowledge. It helps me to understand the different perspectives of the world and allows my mind to take me to a place of infinite possibilities.
SOVICHETH BOUN
Assistant Professor of ESL and Literacy at Salem State University
What are you reading?
How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi (2019)
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Why is reading so important?
Reading is important because it develops our mind and broadens our knowledge. Reading has helped me to become a critical thinker and writer. Research has also found other benefits of readings such as mental stimulation, stress reduction, better focus and concentration, and improved memory.
SOKHOM CHUN
Commercial Portfolio Manager at Enterprise Bank
What are you reading?
Badass Mom Therapy by Lin Sun
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Why is reading so important? Reading is important to me because it is an easy way to stay informed and it is fun way to get entertained. It also allows you to read different perspectives other than your own to gain insight on a topic.