Culture and literature

Sigh, Gone: A Misfit's Memoir of Great Books, Punk Rock, and the Fight to Fit in

Updated: Jan 26, 2023

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Junior League of Richmond

The Junior League of Richmond’s 75th Annual Book and Author Event

 

In 1975, during the fall of Saigon, Phuc Tran immigrates to America along with his family. By sheer chance they land in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, a small town where the Trans struggle to assimilate into their new life. Against the hairspray-and-synthesizer backdrop of the ‘80s, he finds solace and kinship in the wisdom of classic literature, and in the subculture of punk rock, he finds affirmation and echoes of his disaffection. In his journey for self-discovery Tran ultimately finds refuge and inspiration in the art that shapes—and ultimately saves—him.
For anyone who has ever felt like they don't belong, Sigh, Gone- A Misfit’s Memoir of Great Books, Punk Rock, and the Fight to Fit In shares an irreverent, moving tale of displacement and assimilation woven together with poignant themes from beloved works of classic literature.  While exploring one man’s bewildering experiences of abuse, racism, and tragedy it reveals redemption and connection through books and punk rock. Called by one reviewer the “Great American Nerd-Punk Boyhood Memoir” this story is considered both laugh-out-loud funny and piercingly profound.   

 

About the Junior League of Richmond: The Book and Author Event has long been one of the JLR’s largest fundraisers with the funds benefitting the Junior League’s work in the greater Richmond community. The Junior League of Richmond has been involved in key initiatives and advocacy efforts that have improved the well-being of women, children and families. The 75th Book and Author Event will take place virtually on Thursday, May 7th. At 7 p.m.  For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, please visit bookandauthorevent.org

 

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