Golden Leaf, a Khmer Rouge Genocide Survivor

This book is about the incredible journey of an ambassador for peace, from the Khmer Rouge killing fields to the Rotary Club of Portland and the fellowship of the Royal Rosarians, through minefields, rockets, bullets, refugee camps, and Reed College. It is the memoir of a Khmer Rouge genocide survivor who gives new meaning to the term golden leaf: golden leaf (gl'dn lf) n., pl. golden leaves (gl'dn lvz) 1.a survivor of a heinous act against humanity, especially genocide. 2.Golden Leaf (pl. Golden Leaves): a.A person who survived the Khmer Rouge genocide: Golden Leaf, A Khmer Rouge Genocide Survivor (Kilong Ung). 3.one who survives against extreme odds. As recounted in his memoir, Kilong Ung was a leaf at the mercy of the wind. The wind carried him from one remote part of the world to another. It blew him through turbulence and catastrophic weather. It took him to a Khmer Rouge labor camp and lingered for an eternity. It dehydrated him and nearly starved him to death. Ung helplessly watched the most devilish mother of all winds ruthlessly crush his tree into lifeless pulp. Like an almighty Olympian god, when the wind wanted to toy with him, it blew him through minefields, rockets, and bullets. While two million leaves disintegrated, Ung persevered. Through an extraordinary journey, he discovered himself. He is fortunate, and he doesn't easily perish. He was a golden leaf. Against all odds, he survived, laid down roots, and became a tree.

The memoir of a Khmer Rouge genocide survivor chronicles the incredible journey of an ambassador for peace from the killing fields to the Rotary Club of Portland and the fellowship of the Royal Rosarians, through minefields, rockets, bullets, refugee camps, and Reed College.