A Refugee's American Dream

From the Killing Fields of Cambodia to the U.S. Secret Service

De: Leth Oun, Joe Samuel Starnes - contributor

Narrado por: Tim Lounibos

"I saw many killed. I almost starved. But I escaped to refugee camps in Thailand and eventually made it to the U.S." Thus begins Leth Oun's poignant and vivid memoir. A survivor of the Cambodian Killing Fields—having spent a torturous three years, eight months, and ten days imprisoned by the Khmer Rouge—Oun thrived in America, learning English, becoming a citizen, and working as an officer in the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division. In A Refugee's American Dream, Oun shares hard memories of Cambodia, where his father was executed, and his family enslaved in labor camps.

Following the fall of the Khmer Rouge, Oun survived a year of homelessness then nearly four years in refugee camps. Arriving in America, seventeen and penniless, Oun struggled, washing dishes at a Chinese restaurant for $3.15 an hour. Still, he persevered, graduating from Widener University and completing thousands of hours of training to pursue a career in the Secret Service.

While on President Obama's protection team, he returns to Cambodia after thirty-two years, reunites with family, and bonds with Reik, the Secret Service dog he handles. Through his most difficult moments, Oun displays truly inspiring resilience that ultimately leads to great achievements.

©2023 Leth Oun and Joe Samuel Starnes (P)2023 Tantor

Important story perfectly told.

Narration is absolutely first class. This is a very impressive audiobook. Don’t let it get away.

Outstanding story of resilience and hope

Oun’s story is an outstanding account of resilience through the many tragedies he faced. Highly recommend this book!