Family Style: Memories of an American from Vietnam

Thien Pham’s graphic memoir traces his life through specific food memories, beginning with his family’s escape from Vietnam by boat. Each chapter centers on a particular dish—such as salty fish, strawberries, banh mi, and steak and eggs—that marks a stage in his migration and assimilation. The narrative follows his childhood in a Thai refugee camp, his family’s move to California, and his eventual path to US citizenship. Pham uses a simplified art style and a distinct color palette for each food-themed era to depict his evolving cultural identity.

Readers interested in immigration narratives and culinary history will find a tactile account of the refugee experience. The book serves those who want to understand how sensory details like taste and smell anchor a person's sense of home and belonging. By the end, the reader understands the logistics of displacement and the way a new country’s flavors eventually become familiar. It offers a clear look at the practical and emotional steps involved in becoming a naturalized citizen while maintaining connections to ancestral traditions.