The Best That WE Can Do
“The Best We Could Do” is not just a title to a book written by This Bui, it’s also a phrase that can mean various things. In the book Bui writes about her childhood and her Vietnamese immigrant parents. When I first heard what the book is about it reminded me of my own life. Of how my parents had moved to America for better opportunities and give their children a better life. Not only that but the phrase could also reveal depeer things. For instance, Ma and Bo moved to America for similar reasons to my parents, but also because they wanted to leave behind all the trauma stuck with them. From the death of their children, abuse, war, etc I couldn’t imagine them staying in Vietnam anymore. Not only that but although Ma and Bo cross the border, Bui illustrates how that trauma never goes away. This can be revealed in the way they parent and argue in America. That’s why the title is so heart wrenching because Ma and Bo were shaped by survival, not comfort. Alternatively, the title also questions whether if doing your best is always enough. I can sometimes see this in my own life. For instance, when I’m given opportunities my parents never had, I feel obligated to take them. Sometimes it’s easy to judge our parents without understanding everything they went through to give us the life we have today. So don’t take it for granted, give them a hug and tell them how much you appreciate them. After all, it’s the best that we all can do.
This was a nice reflective post! I appreciate how you point out at the end that everyone is doing the best that they can. Many people blame their parents for their downfalls, but we forget that our parents have had tough lives themselves and are trying their best. I like how you expanded on the title of the book and interpreted it further. Thanks for the post!
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