Kao Kalia Yang's "The Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir"

[aweesomemusicftw]

reading this book for my english class. (: i gotta say, besides the book thief, it was one of the best choices my teacher's ever made.

[pato4ify]

i can relate...

my grandma went through the same thing :)

[xxmaiseexx]

I just love Kao Kalia's elaborate speaking skills and how she articulates her thoughts and feelings into flawless English. Beautiful interview!

[GiiRLiie2011]

I love her book!! Its so sad =( It connected with me in so many ways [even though I am native American-born]. I relate to The Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir by all the stories of how our families came to America, France, Australia, ECT.

[michaelbyt]

I love her book, and hearing her talk she seems like an amazing person. I'd love to interview her!

[gkraz]

you are gorgeous Kalia!

[brilliantbroonette]

Ever since I first saw her speak, I have admired her immensely. Unlike nearly everyone else I have ever heard, her speech - and her writing - comes straight from her heart, and so goes straight into ours.

I have immense respect for this woman =)

[subjectb]

2:18 "How we are born and how we die again"

Heavy stuff. I like it!

[xmoriebby]

i want to buy the book; where can i get it?

[HeartedAngel27]

@xmoriebby amazon and ebay has them!:))) I just got mine!:)))

[YLLJB]

i feel just like her..whenever i speak in english i feel like there is not enough air for me to say everything i waanted to say..

[pac916]

Her book is not just about her story but gives us reasons to love our parents and grandparents. To see what they have been through before most of us were born. If your Hmong and you read this book, you will learn to love your parents so much more.

[aliasdoe007]

@pac916

If you truly want a book to appreciate your parents, especially if you are a Hmong girl, then I stronly recommend P. Symond's book "Calling In The Soul". It is possibly one of the best if not the "best" book I have read to date on Hmong. It is non-political yet touches on all facets of Hmong life, culture, and spiritualism. A must read for any Hmong - boy, girl, man, woman especially Western-borned.

It even has "hu plig" in full text for you to learn, practice, and use.

[aliasdoe007]

I haven't nor do I plan to read it anytime soon. Those who read and commented are: unaware of previous works, bias on selfperception, cannot even accurately summarize the book. All I see are a hodge podge of inuendos. From what I gather its her US cultural shock and experience peppered with Hmong anecdotes.

[GleekChannel]

@aliasdoe007 Her book is not "the" Hmong story, it is "her" Hmong story. You only think it is bias because you think it is about the Hmong people. But it is not. She is sharing her story. So next time you judge, be careful.

[aliasdoe007]

@GleekChannel

Emmm, quote, "From what I gather its her US cultural shock and experience peppered with Hmong anectdotes." You even understand that remark. Obviously not. But yeah, whatever.

[va701]

@aliasdoe007 LOL.... have you read her book. Please understand that people out there will take it literally as a generalization of Hmong people. I had an Idiot instruct in my undergrad class who recommended this book, so I had to point out all the grammars and mistake and mistranslation ok... By the way, I was born in Nam Nyao-a refugee camp that is now closed, and having to escape genocide I do know about the Hmong Struggle.

[aliasdoe007]

@va701

No. I don't plan to anytime soon as there are plenty of good/better books I have yet to read/find on Hmong - its history etc. Personal experiences, I really don't care for because as you've said we all have our own - its variances, perception. And one opinion/experience cannot resonate all our, Hmongs', pains and struggles etc. I am of the opinion this book is off the mark more than alongside it in terms of what is Hmong etc., at least by everyone's comments etc.

[va701]

@aliasdoe007 LOL.... have you read her book. Please understand that people out there will take it literally as a generalization of Hmong people. I had an Idiot instruct in my undergrad class who recommended this book, so I had to point out all the grammars and mistake and mistranslation ok... By the way, I was born in Nam Nyao-a refugee camp that is now closed, and having to escape genocide I do know about the Hmong Struggle.

[va701]

@aliasdoe007 Next time when I have time I will break her book out and point out page by page ok…

[va701]

WYF... Your book is missinforming, it is a bais opinion base on your experiece.. It dose not make it a fact bout the Hmong People.... Please learn to be humble and d more research before you start blabbering about the hmong peple......

[GleekChannel]

@va701 It is not misinforming. Her book is not about all the Hmong people. It is about her story. She is being humble. Her book was to share her life, not to brag about it.

[GleekChannel]

@va701 What do you know about Hmong people? Were you born in during the war  If not, you should be the one to keep your mouth shut before you start bad mouthing. Her story is her story, not the Hmong story.

[BIGmike974]

She has so many unique chararistics that so many people need to observe and adopt. 

[airiaram]

I just started reading this book a few days ago and I think I've already cried a liter of tears.

[jthor003]

@airiaram

reading what you wrote made me cry. The book holds many many memory, something almost magical.

[paovxeemvwj]

kao kab liags, hey tôi muốn có một cuốn " the latehomecomer" thì phải làm thế nào đây? làm ơn hãy giúp tôi, kuv yog ib tug hmoob nyob nyab laj teb os!

[tisfatty]

i hope your husband is not a white dude lol... regardless power to you and your excess....

[darkAngelLuna]

i met this lady today. she's the most inspiring person ive ever met in my whole life. she's just SOO amazing in soo many different ways that makes me speechless. im inspired.

[KaomaStyle]

I can't believe that I've never herd of this book right when it came out. I'm so glad my teacher showed our class this book. I'm hmong and I thought that I knew everything about the Vietnam War but this book had details that I've never knew about :)

[CLYchannel]

the way she talked about her grandma was as if she was reading a book about her grandma

[KillerXify]

wait a minute. DId she say she can try to speak Kuwait? Im wierd.

[BKKTran]

Read her book. Learn the history. Listen to her story.

[maijib2009]

15 years ago I saw a lot of Hmong ganster kids on the street. I lost hope for the Hmong people and myself I hate kids. After I got married I only want two kids. Now I have two kids. It looks too many for me. But now I saw this video, I realized that NOT every Hmong kid is BAD.

I hope you know why I hate kids.......?????

Kao Kalia you are the best role model for our kids. Keep writing more books.

Thank you.

[SinFromFar]

chapter 10 isn't scary yet my classmate think it is :/

[elddle]

im reading it right now like i mean right niow kinda while im typeing.. im on chapter 8

[TahDao2003]

Ohhh yeah. I forgot to say, "Buy the book people. It's a touching story."

[TahDao2003]

This book is awesome. I love it. It's not just a good book but then it tells others about the Hmong people. The book tells others what the Hmong people have done for America. Not just that but then how they suffered for helping then and today. Thanks Kalia for writing such a book. Continue to do your work/s of art, which is writing. (^_^) I support all the way.

[meng120690]

wow, i would love to read it too. nice job girl.

[kvlovesj]

i love this book

i read it so many times and i'm still reading it

i can never stop reading this book

[mua3831]

this is so inspiring! thank you for sharing this interview. i'm going out to get the book later, and i'm very excited to read it. will let everyone know how it goes!

[tellittomonday]

aww this is freaking amazing <3

[TheZacamon]

I as a Hmong American is very proud of what she has done. We need more role models like her to come forth and lead our youths into the next generation.

To Kalia, I applaude and very proud of your accomplishment. Keep on writing and return to the community to make the younger Hmong generation to follow your footsteps.

[HasGoneFishing]

This is a interesting book to read. I know that this book actually relates to a lot of the hmong families and their struggles from the jungle and their journey to the united states. The way she wrote her book and the voice it had made me think about my own family and what if I was in her shoes. I'm not a person who would just pick up a book and read but this book can really get to you. this book deserves a thumbs up!

[Darren47X]

u r the voice of people hmong,im so proud of u,wish u win ur struggle. friendly shun.

[KajNrig]

This requires a bit of correction: Kao Kalia Yang is "A" voice of Hmong people, not "THE" voice of Hmong people.

[lovebie27]

omg guys i have to say im 16 and i never liked reading but after i found the this book i have been reading. and i'm feelING so good after reading this book.and i HOPE HOPE SHE WILL WRITE ANOTHER BOOK. so if she do write another book that is going to come out .if any one know plzz tell me. PLZZ. AND KEEP IT UP KAO KALIA.

[ngongim]

It is so amazing of how she speaks. She is so lyrical with her words. I am just awed. She came to my university today and every word she spoke just touched me. It was very hard to hold the tears. You can tell that she is a natural writer just from how she speaks so eloquently and creatively. I wish I can hear her speak again. Wow.

[y2yang]

Great writer (Hmong). Her's philosophy is astonishing. I'm delighted with joy to see Kalia as a role model for so many young Hmong scholars. Indeed, she is very talented and beautiful. Write more, I and all people* will support you! Would definitely love to meet her and have my book signed one of these days.

[nkaujsua09]

She just came to our university to speak about her book. She is so amazing that she brought tears to, not just other Hmong people, but other races too. She is so empowering and strong as a young Hmong woman author and artist. A Hmong role-model indeed!!!

[mongzxiong]

her voice is very soothing.especially when she speaks hmoob! thnks to her and her book.this is actually the first book i read in like a year.she shares something that we(hmong people) can relate too. I never got to meet my grandma from my moms side but from her book I can understand the love of a grandmother. My only memories of my grandma are pictures and one time when I got to speak with her over the phone but then she was very sick so I couldnt talk with her for lone. Thanks for the book

[kmeejthoj03]

WOW. I was fortunate to meet her at CSU, Fresno, snap a picture with her and have my book signed.

[Inedrief]

Gosh... This lady sounds so sweet that it's so depressing. Where can I pick up this book? Any general bookstore?

[thatwerethat100]

This book is really low key. I hope it becomes more popular.

[sweetdejalee]

OMGsh, I saw her at my school and I even shook hands with her. She's so inspirational. Too bad I didn't have my book that day, I couldn't get her autograph.

[BIGSLiiCK]

Darn, I had a chance to see her but i didnt go. Frick.

[suzukiRk6]

Wow! I just love the cover of this book @1:12. Just amazing, the people, the bus with the mountain in the background. Bring back lots of great memories.

[nkaujsua09]

i just love her voice. she came to my english class in may. Shes so talented and brave. She's my role-model.

[tuamyaj]

Keep it up my Hmong sister...  Tuam Yaj...

[qhuaglis]

thank you miss nkauj kablias. i've looked everywhere for a book written by hmong american about hmong americans. there were so many books written by other americans about the hmong, but not many thatare written by a hmong person. it's different reading a book about your people written by your people. they understand you so much better. the others may try but i always feel like an alien reading books those books, when it's supposed to be about me and my people.

[KhibKojCesTuagMus]

WOWers...i read her book but never got to finish it cause it was getting near the end skool year and we have to return all books to the skool library..im tyring to find her book and buy one but cant find it...good job.

[Smack437]

Write a rap.

Try.

[nkaujphem]

I read her book; it was very moving. I couldn't put it down. The part where they're living in the haunted section 8-housing...I got scared cause it was at night. It truly was an inspirational story! We sure have some very talented Hmong writers..keep our culture and stories alive.

[weejiweeg]

kalia, you are the truth.

[hmongmike]

she is so hot, mentally and phisically. i wonder if she's married

[k0jtuaa]

she was in minnesota :D

[kxlee1]

Kao Kalia Yang is inspiring. She makes me proud of being Hmong!

[nkaujhmoobmn]

I love it how her earliest memory of her grandma

was not an event with her grandma

but what her characteristics and looks were

I've never thought of an earliest memory that way

[asiane]

i only have one comment. i wish we all Hmong should pronounce our name corectly and not just by how it is written in English. Like the spanish & chinese, we must not lose the accent.

[kxlee1]

That's a good point

[qhuaglis]

i totally agree. it sounds so much more beautiful when you say a name in Hmong. Kao Kalia sounds too jarring but Nkauj KabLias sounds beautiful

[yangml]

Thank you for your book...your memories. When I read the book, I realized how much I missed my grandmom---I miss the sleepovers and her strong minty herbal scent. I never got the chance to tell how how much I love her. Thanks..

[steve0h2004]

She speaks english really well. I was born and raised here and my words are so basic. haha. Well i was raised in a ghetto area so i guess a lot of people keeps their words simple.

[APPLESMOUA]

Just beautiful. She's such an inspiration to the Hmong community.

[Azian2008]

this is a hmong scholar, I'm impressed with her literacture.

[Sashaiswow]

I love her. She's bomb.

[hmoob21stcentury]

Hey. Is she single?

[hisnan11]

she was a great speaker.

[everlasttt]

Dam!... Nice documentary there!... Hats off to Mlle Kao Kalia Yang!... Hum... Where do u purchase the book though?!...

[xab12]

She looks Sad!

[verul123]

part two

one of them is called "hey hmong girls whats up?" and the other one is about hmong food and traditional clothes. And i love all of them. Each one is special. But in my opinion "the latehomecomers" is the best.

I really recommend this book (the latehomecomers) specially for those people that had pass for situations like that ones the kao pass. This book is the mouth of all of us. the mouth of all the immigrants.

[verul123]

part one:

i thought it wasn't good book. But now that i'm reading this book. I change my mind. I'm learning many things that i didn't know about hmong people. For example i didn't know that the hmong community doesn't have a country. I thought all of them were from Thailand.i think is a great book. I had read 3 books already about the hmong community "the latehomecomers" included.

[ddunks]

I finished reading the book two weeks ago. I also made my sister in law read it. It's the best book I've ever read. :D

[akikowolf]

My English class was assigned to pick a book from a list of books about immigration. I picked The Latehomecomer, and I just finished it only a few seconds ago. It is the best book I've read in a long time. I love it, and I'm very greatful to Kao Kalia Yang for sharing her family's story. Although I am not Hmong, I enjoyed learning about their culture greatly. I love this book so much.

[YangCYV]

the book look nice and interesting..., i will buy in during my summer and read it when i have nothing to do in the summer time.....we need more hmong writer like her.....but must write good book and interested too.....nws zoo nkauj heev taum nws muab nws cov duab nthuav rau peb saib...

[LyricalLordz]

"It becomes a story of a Generation, of young Americans"

Great quote from you. Keep inspiring us all!

[soniavang]

I should start reading her book. Seems like something I can really relate too. And just listening to her talk about her experiences and stories, I know the memoir is going to be A+.

[jessicay99]

I finished the book lastnight and that is my stpry too. I am her age and I was born in the US so this helps me to understand my elders.

[392jkyiv]

wow, im amaze!!! good job, keep it up, you got the hmong support...hopefully, and im sure you know how hmong ppl are...but hopefully they will slowly learn...

[blah0417]

I just finished the book, and I have to say that this is one of the best books that I had ever read. I think a lot of Hmong kids understand what she's gone through, translating for her parents, and watching her parents struggle to make ends meet. It's the story of a real Hmong child in America.

[yayableu]

im on like... page 10 and ive cried a bucket of tears already.

[yAv3es08]

Yay u rock. Your book made it to Century's Book of the year of 2009-2010 :)

[HerZong]

Nyob zoo tus muam Kab Lia, cov muam zoo li koj, ib tug nus zoo li kuv nriav tsis tau li, kuv xav kom muaj cov muam hmong zoo li koj coob coob ntshe yuav tsis nyuaj cov tub hmong li kuv siab puas tsawg.

[kmeejthoj03]

You are the voice for the Hmong and a painter of our countless untold story. You are an inspiration to all the youngs Hmong and a spokeperson for our elders definitive sacrafice. I want to thank you so much for writing your book, The Latehomecomer. Your story have inspired me and reminded me to never forget my parents very own bittersweet journey to this country. Thank you.

[cloyang]

Love the book. Couldn't put it down.

[Paogrin]

i want to try having one tooth someday too ^^

[DevilsCuz]

Very touching story.

[MissHaily09]

you are inspirational and intelligent. thank you so much for writing this novel. you will set a great example for the younger ones.

[BBoiATee]

i find this book really passive, it touch my heart.....i would recommended this book forsure, a great story about her journey to the winter snow of st.paul and memoriable times with her grandmother.....hearbreakin forsure....thanks you for creatin a great novel hehe you made me understand the meaning of being Hmong, a beautiful woman with great thoughts and images of the Hmong history...you speak of many words of passion

thank you- teng thao

[vangsengyee]

Whoever gets her will be so dayem LUCKY she's HOT SEXY AND SMART!

[haivmoob]

very intelligent young woman. she serves as a inspiration for us all.

[haivmoob]

sounds like an intelligent young woman. we need more people like her in our community so that it'll inspire all of us to succeed in life.

[ascandaloussin]

I can't wait to read her book. She sounds so sweet and nice. Her memory of her grandmother was so sad and sweet.

[tuyujtu]

Kao Kalia,great job. Keep it up. It is the first time that I have seem our Hmong become writer,especially you are Hmong girl. I hope to see more Hmong writer in the future.

[FearlessHmomgGirl]

i got her autograph. shes really nice.

[windiestwind]

I went to high school with her and had the same home room. I remember she was a very bright young woman, but I don't remember her talking the way she does in this video. She sounds like she's going to cry.

[punkyme94]

OMG!!

i went to her writing thing..

it was awesome!!

her book is soooo freaken awesome!!

she's the bomb!!

i cryed to her book..

it's sooo sad..

i can't believe i meet her real life!!

cool!!!!

[vue084783]

wow, she's so pretty

[milwaukeemeng]

smart lady

[sy285]

this book is so good. it's my favorite of all time. and kao kalia is such a good writer!

[HmongKingXXX]

Zoo heev uas..koj tseem sau tau ib phau ntawv piav txog "Hmoob Noob Neej" thiab..Tiam sis, zoo li koj tsis nco ib qhov dab tsi lawm... Tej zaum, koj tsis tshua nco qab zoo hais tias koj yog hmoob lawm..Zoo li lawv cov lawbdab, lawv cov "VajLugKub(Bible)" Twb muaj ib sab Hmoob ib sab English... Ua li cas koj tsis ua li ntawd thiab... Hais lus Meskas los tsis ua cas..tiamsis..hais ib cov lus Hmoob thiab mog...Lawv cov laus saib ces..lawv yeej tsis paub xyog koj hais txog dab tsi li os,NkaujKabLia.

[dibi]

Kuv ntsib Nkauj Kablia Yaj lawm. Paub tias nws txawj hais lus Hmoob heev. Nws hais lus Askiv hauv no vim tias yog Iowa Public Television yog tus hnug nws. Yog tias koj xav pom nws hais lus Hmoob no, koj tsum mus mloog nws "lecture" rua pem university. Nws yog ib tug professor.

[NexChampion]

i don't think it matters neither you speak your native language or not...if you can stil communicated with me then its fine!

[saibhlob]

Nyob zoo Nkauj Kab Lia, Koj phau ntawv puas muaj ntawv Hmoob thiab? kuv xav nyeem ib phau ntawv Hmoob.

[qhuaglis]

i agree! i totally need practice with my Hmong

[seevheev]

Hey.. keep up the good work. And tell my cousin Gao chang i say hi

[sty94racer]

wow keep up the good work sis.....STY

[ericenrico]

hi kao kalia--im eric-filipino--came across yur video by accident--how th hmong are being killed for nthing espcially the children-i cried and prayed--i keep goin back 2 yur blogg-dont know why but u inspire me-tenks

[p90p90]

HER BOOK IS FUCKING AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!! im so happy i met her at HND and got her to sign my BOOK I RECOMMEND THE BOOK TO EVERYONE if your HMONG YOU PROBABLY CONNECT TO THE BOOK!!!!!! :] GOOD JOB GIRL!

[dis1kid]

"In English I feel like there's never enough air"

That's exactly how I feel! Looking forward to reading your book.

[LyricalLordz]

Wow, I love how you spoke your Hmoob! You should consider speaking more Hmoob.

[dibi]

Great interview because of its thoughtfulness. Kao Kalia Yang is a wonderful writier with lots of talent and a natural hunger for truth. I greatly enjoyed her book and found that the writer is equally beautiful.

[hmglor]

I must say, she have the most natural beauty look I've ever seen... Gosh she's so pretty!

[HaivHmoobTsojSiab]

yep thats tru....

what she's said at the beginning

[LPhlubKOJxwb]

I saw her came by at my work for an oil change...LALALA

[niamtxiv]

She is an inspiration. I am touched by her words. My parents migration to the United States wasn't easy. It was a life and death situation. Her story is my story as well. My mother was a blessing. She is a caring grandma, a beautiful strong mother who sacrificed so much... I am looking forward to read this semi-biography book. Thank for sharing.

[kuvna]

you are truely a hmong woman. Love kuvna

[believer1965]

she looks like a chick i knew in southeast asia boy she was fun and beautiful 1972 wow

[petecha84]

such a brilliant person. listening to her speak just made me think of so many things.

[yellowladee]

then you must go back and ask if you need to redefine yourself. If you watch this video and can't relate yourself to it you must be a lost soul.

Watching this video really summerized my year as a college HSA president. I will be sharing this video with all my members. Beautiful inside and outside author. 5 stars!!!

[b4sunrise83]

good interview, thanks for uploading

[koobphong]

I read it, it's a very nice book and it's refreshing to read our story from our perspective.

[Txivhlubniam]

WOW THAT'S GREAT KEEP UP KALIA YANG

[BoUnIeYo]

Just Ordered the book. ^^

[yangtaylor]

this is a great interview!i also think that she's a lovely girl!

[yongly07]

That was a successful interview. It was great to see an update from you. Still..your number one fan! Keep up the good work Kalia.

Hopefully I can get a copy straight from you.

-yong ly

[kemishistory]

An unfiltered - very personal interview. Thank you for sharing. Can't wait I get chance to read.

[thekongshuproject]

You are an inspiration to all! Well said..we look forward to getting a copy of your book. Go Kao Kalia Yang!

- THE KONG & SHU PROJECT