Montebello Regional Library hosts book talk with author Navy Phim

08/09/2009
Whittier Daily (Whittier, California, USA)

The Asian Pacific Resource Center at the Montebello Regional Library, 1550 W. Beverly Blvd., is sponsoring a book talk at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

The book being discussed is "Reflections of a Khmer Soul" and author Navy Phim will join in the discussion.

Phim was born in Cambodia in 1975, the year that the Khmer Rouge took over the country. Four years later she fled with her family to Thailand, then immigrated to the United States in 1984.

The event is free and open to the public.

For more information call (323) 722-6551.

Cambodian immigrant shares hardships

Navy Phim during a book exhibit

3/4/08
By Virginia Huitrado
Talon Marks (Student newspaper at Cerritos College, Norwalk, Calif., USA)

"I am an earth child in Cambodia," is one of the lines in Navy Phim's biography entitled "Reflections of a Khmer Soul," about her life and finding who she is in Cambodia.

She presented the book to students, Tuesday in S201. She said it took one year to write and was published in August 2007 through Wheatmark Publishing.

A Khmer is a Cambodian citizen.

The book explains her being born in the killing fields, being a refugee in Cambodia and living in America.

She tries to understand Cambodia and why something like killing the fields took place.

She also has pictures of her life in Cambodia with her family in her biography.

She left Cambodia in 1979 when she was 4 years old and her first visit back to Cambodia was in 1998 when she was about 20 years old.

She now lives in Long Beach, where she's been living since 1990.

Long Beach has one of the biggest Cambodian populations in the U.S.

There are two main big events that happen in Long Beach for Cambodians.

One event which is Cambodian New Year that is held in Long Beach at El Dorado park, and Long Beach gave them the day to have a parade on Anaheim Street to celebrate and have a good time.

To learn more about Navy Phim, or if you are interested in reading her biography, go to her web site: www.navyphim.com.

THE FUSION GENERATION: Long Beach artists born during the Killing Fields share their lives through music and literature

Prach Ly on stage

Navy Phim signing her books

THE FUSION GENERATION: Long Beach artists born during the Killing Fields share their lives through music and literature.

By Tiara Delgado
for the Khmer Post

Born during the Killing Fields… with childhood memories of Thai refugee camps.

They are the fusion generation. A fusion of two cultures. They are the middle generation of Khmer-Americans now in their late-20’s to early 30’s. Unlike older siblings who have extensive memories of Cambodia before and during the genocide, the fusion generation has limited or no memory of Cambodia. Unlike younger siblings born into peace and privilege, the fusion generation struggled with their parents to survive as refugees in their new American society.

Two young Long Beach artists from the fusion generation have chosen to share their lives with the world. One artist through music. One artist through literature. Both have incredible tales to tell. Their messages connect not only with Khmer communities but will resonate with audiences worldwide.

PRACH LY – Rap Artist – Dalama 3: Memoirs of an Invisible War


Prach Ly was born in 1979 at the end of the Killing Fields. His family made their way across landmine infested jungles to a refugee camp at the Thai border. After being sponsored to the US he struggled to survive the mean streets of Long Beach, California. He blossomed into a talented rap artist, writing powerful lyrics about his family’s escape from Cambodia and the hardships of being a refugee youth.

Prach became a huge success in Khmer communities across the US and even caught attention of Newsweek and the LA Times. Although Prach had never been back to Cambodia his music made its way over to the Kingdom. Bootlegged copies sold like crazy bringing him to superstar status. His first album, Dalama- the Endin’ is just the Beginnin’ was released in 2001. His second album, Dalama 2 – the Lost Chapter was released in 2003. Since then he has been busy producing and developing new musical talent and creating music for film soundtracks. He also made two journeys back to Cambodia (his trip was the subject of an award-winning documentary.)

Dalama 3- Memoirs of an Invisible War is expected to be released no later then April 2008, in time for Cambodian New Year. His new album is highly anticipated because it is the last in the trilogy. “The music is more mature than the previous two albums. The lyrics are more fierce. I took off the gloves and put on brass knuckles,” says Prach. “The last two Dalamas were more about the Killing Fields and my past. This Dalama is more about the present and future… yet it doesn’t forget about the past or my roots.”

The new album is definitely harder and darker than the previous albums. Masterful lyrics draw the listener into a tortured past, a complex present and – ultimately - a hopeful future.

Prach explains, “This album is called Memoirs of an invisible war. Everyone’s got their own invisible war inside their mind. This album is about mine.” His music never contains lyrics degrading women, obscene language or glorified violence. While other rappers express their “invisible wars” about gang life, drugs and girls, Prach raps about the legacy of Pol Pot, contemporary Cambodian politics and the culture clash of his generation.

“Hells Gate” is a powerful track on Dalama 3 that recalls his family’s experience in refugee camps at the Thai border:

“My sister waits in line to get us some food
while my brothers and others search for firewood.
Or water or whatever they could get.
While my mama watch me; I wasn’t even a year yet.
No blankets, I was wrapped in a Khmer sheet.
Turned into a hammock, I sleep while the family eats.”

The mesmerizing drumbeat and haunting melody of this track make it destined to be an audience favorite. The lyrics are merciless in detail, describing life inside the Thai border camps.

“Lucky for us we were all OK. Not like the others losing arms and legs.
Stepping on bombs, grenades…”

The upcoming album has 13 songs in Khmer and 13 songs in English compiled into a double-disc CD. Each song is different (not translated) with its own story and message. It will be available in Khmer music stores nation-wide and possibly Tower records. It can also be purchased online at Prach’s website www.mujestic.com. CD’s can also be purchased directly from Prach if you catch up with him on tour. (Check his website for 2008 tour dates.)

The anticipated album hasn’t been without controversy. Certain songs have caught negative attention with the government in Cambodia. There are rumors that if those songs are released on Dalama 3 that Prach himself will be banned from Cambodia. “I owe it to the people in Cambodia to let them hear the music. If I give in to the threats it’s a lost cause,” Prach states. “I’ve got to complete the album. The music’s gotta be heard.”

NAVY PHIM – Author – Reflections of a Khmer Soul

Navy Phim was born April 9, 1975 – a week before the Khmer Rouge captured Phnom Penh and turned Cambodia into a bloodbath. From 1979 – 1983 Navy and her family lived in Thai refugee camps. At age six she sold French bread in the camps while dodging menacing Thai soldiers. In 1984 Navy and her family arrived in the USA. Navy accomplished what most would consider to be the American Dream. She excelled in academics earning a Bachelors in Anthropology and English and a Masters in Counseling from Cal State Long Beach. She traveled the world visiting exotic lands such as India, Nepal, Peru, Costa Rica and Scotland. She also traveled four times to Cambodia.

“The kind of love, heartache, and pain I feel for Srok Khmer is deeply embedded within my soul; these feelings are suffused with glorious memories and stories that are real, even if they are stories and distant memories that may not even be mine” (Phim, page 47).

In 2007 Navy published her memoirs in a passionate and intriguing autobiography titled Reflections of a Khmer Soul. The book accounts the timeline of her compelling life: beginning with her 9-months pregnant mother fleeing from encroaching Khmer Rouge, through her childhood in refugee camps, to her upbringing in Long Beach and self-discovery as a young adult.

“… my soul feels poetically Khmer. The past 20 years have been a process of assimilating, eliminating, and accepting different aspects of Khmer and American cultures” (Phim, page 64).

Snippets of endearing memories and interesting historical facts add depth to the book. The author reveals her personal opinions about the Khmer Rouge, Communism, racism, religion, ethnic cleansing and other sensitive topics with bold honesty.

“Cambodia is the home of memories, the taste and scent of tropical fruits, the call of childhood… California is a home that provides many reasons to disregard Cambodia, but Cambodia is not easily forgotten” (Phim page 49).

Reflections of a Khmer Soul can be purchased through many retailers:

1. Directly from the publisher www.wheatmark.com.
2. Through online bookstores like Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Borders.
3. autographed copy from www.khmerhut.com.
4. At local coffee shops in Long Beach: Portfoilo Coffee House and NuArt Café.

The book has already received rave reviews by many top academic scholars across the country. Even with the growing success of her book, the author has remained humble and even contributes a portion of book sales to charitable fundraisers.

On October 20, 2007 Navy sold and autographed copies of her book at a cultural event held at CSULB. The public event - Cambodia 30 years after the Killing Fields - was hosted by the Dr. Haing S. Ngor Foundation. Excerpts from Navy’s book were read aloud. The audience, comprised of Khmer and non-Khmer- listened… captivated… contemplative. This book is highly recommended for audience of any ethnicity because it is ultimately a story about humanity. For more information please visit the author’s personal website www.navyphim.com.

Reflections of a Khmer Soul: A review in the Gazettes My.Style

January 7, 2008

Navy's Blog
http://www.gazettes.com/khmersoul1072008.html
Please post your comments at the author's blog

BOOK REVIEW
“Reflections of a Khmer Soul”
Published Jan. 7, 2008

By K. Joy Wood
my.style Contributor

“Dear World,” begins Navy Phim’s memoir-like exploration of experiences, thoughts and questions. “I cannot fight and die for you, but I can speak a little on your behalf, examining the sentiments of war and the wasted blood that has spilled over you. I am an earth child rooted in Cambodia. I have lived a life that requests expression and understanding.”

It is this Cambodian-American’s journey to find personal expression and understanding that is Phim’s primary and passionate mission in her autobiographical debut, “Reflections of a Khmer Soul.” From recollections of her childhood in Cambodia to revelations of her current life in Long Beach, the author poignantly reflects on what it means to be of two different cultures, half a world apart, and to find meaningful reconciliation with historical tragedy as well as with the demands of modern living.

“I’ve tried to make sense out of where I came from in terms of the stigma of the Killing Fields, the issue of identity and the process of assimilation here in the states,” shares Phim. “I believe that sharing myself helps me connect to others, and my hope is that this book offers to Cambodians living in Long Beach, and to the greater community, a better understanding of how we live and how we want to participate in and contribute to our community.”

In addition to providing insights to her personal journey, Phim also offers a window to past and current conflict among Cambodians both in their native land and here in Long Beach. Her recollections include the April 2005 dispute about the date for a New Year’s parade in what is now Cambodia Town in Long Beach.

The initial date had coincided with the date that Khmer Rouge had claimed victory in Cambodia, leaving about one million people dead.

While the conflict was resolved with a date change, it stirred many issues within Phim, including her focus on humans and their biases.

“We need to remember to evaluate our own biases and perspectives, not only politically but even about what our idea of beauty is,” Phim states.

Indeed, not only does Reflections of a Khmer Soul examine local and international bias across multiple cultures, but also rhetorically questions the existence of cruelty among humankind; ultimately, she finds that pity overrides anger after discovering the often frail, bewildered souls beneath the exteriors of those who have committed atrocities against fellow beings.

The author closes with honoring the need for dignity and respect for all humans, rather than allowing the filling of shallow graves.

To purchase a copy of the book or for more details, visit www.navyphim.com. Phim frequently offers a percentage of her book sales for Cambodian-related fundraising and educational events, and she is available for speaking engagements.

Reflections of a Khmer Soul - a book by Cambodian-American Navy Phim

Paperback, 5.5x8.5 in, 164 pages
Wheatmark, August 2007
ISBN: 9781587368615
Click here to purchase the book online

Endorsements

"In Reflections of a Khmer Soul, Navy Phim explores what it means to be a child of the ‘Killing Fields’ raised in the United States. In the thirty years since the Khmer Rouge came to power in Cambodia, many personal narratives of that horrific period have been written, but Navy offers a new point of view on this tragic story. Hers is the story of the middle generation growing up with, and trying to make sense of, two cultures and two worlds—the beauty and tragedy of her Cambodian past (her Khmer soul) and the comfortable restlessness of her American present. Through stories, memories, and ‘snippets,’ Navy shares her life journey from her birthplace in Battambang, Cambodia, to Kao-I-Dang refugee camp on the Thai-Cambodian border, to a refugee processing center in the Philippines, to Long Beach, California, home to the largest population of Cambodians outside Southeast Asia. Told from the perspective of a seasoned world traveler, this book offers a unique perspective on both Cambodian and American cultures and history. ”

—Dr. Susan Needham, associate professor, anthropology, California State University, Dominguez Hills

“Navy Phim brilliantly weaves a story of being Khmer and American like an intricate pattern of the Sampot Hole (Khmer Silk Skirt). Her narrative represents many Khmer-American voices of the post Khmer Rouge generation searching for identity. She writes with a candor and passion that expresses a faithful soul.”

—Sovathana Sokhom, former consultant to the United Nations in Cambodia

“With a passion for speaking the truth, Navy delivers a well-written book that touches on the global issues of political correctness, skin color, class status and socioeconomic background. Her narrative takes readers on a journey through her past and present and engages them on discussions of cultural diversity, spirituality, beauty and justice for all. I highly recommend this personal story of success and stigma faced by immigrants in America to educators of immigrant students.”

—Alex Morales, university instructor, multicultural education

Description

A lyrical journey of self-acceptance as the author questions and comes to term with the Killing Fields and other genocides. This journey involves traveling inside oneself and to a distant past to discuss what it means to be Khmer, a hyphenated American, and different misconceptions about Cambodians and Cambodia, a place that still haunts and inspires her.

About the Author

Navy Phim came to the United States in 1984 when she was nine years old. She graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1999 with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Anthropology. She also received a Master of Science in Counseling, Student Development in Higher Education from California State University, Long Beach in December 2006. Navy is a world traveler and has returned to Thailand and Cambodia. She has also visited England, Scotland, India, Nepal, Peru, Mexico, Costa Rica and Canada.

To learn more about the author, the book and her future endeavors, visit:
http://www.navyphim.com.