Beggars or Angels: How a Single Mother Triumphed Over War, Welfare, and Cancer to Become a Successful Philanthropist by Rosemary Tran Lauer and Scott Beller: A Book Review

Beggars or Angels: How a Single Mother Triumphed Over War, Welfare, and Cancer to Become a Successful Philanthropist
Authors: Rosemary Tran Lauer and Scott Beller
Genre: Nonfiction, Autobiography & Memoir, History
Publisher: Oaklight Publishing
Release Date: 2013
Pages: 256
Source: This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: Imagine waking up tomorrow in a foreign land with no home, no money, no grasp of the language, no formal education, no friends or family for support, and with two kids under age three depending on you. What would you do? 

     Beggars or Angels: How a Single Mother Triumphed Over War, Welfare and Cancer to Become a Successful Philanthropist tells the inspirational story of Rosemary Tran Lauer, a mother who found the will and a way to survive when faced with this overwhelming scenario. Drawing on her strength, bold resourcefulness, and sense of humor, Rosemary was eventually able to give her family a wealth of opportunities they wouldn't have dared dream about in the war-torn homeland they left behind. A courageous welfare-mother-turned-philanthropist, she was willing to sacrifice everything but her self-respect for the sake of her children's futures . . . and for the futures of thousands of families around the world. 

     Beggars or Angels is about one woman's dare to care and her persistent search for a reason "why." Once she discovered it, Rosemary transformed her years of struggle into an altruistic ambition and purpose-the child care advocacy nonprofit Devotion to Children.

     My Review: Rosemary Tran Lauer’s Beggars or Angels tells the story of survival and of her relentless faith in God as she embarks on her journey as a single mother Vietnamese War refugee and her immigrates to the U.S. Rosemary faced tremendous struggles in her new country. She had no money, family, support, and no career. In order to survive, she decides to go on welfare, and take odd jobs, while thinking about what her career path should be. Despite her tough life challenges and obstacles, including cancer, Rosemary Tran Lauer finds happiness in her life, along with peace, comfort, hope, and God’s endless love. Because God had sent help to her in many ways during her lowest times in life, Rosemary wanted to give back and becames a successful philanthropist through her foundation, Devotion to Children, which is a child care advocacy nonprofit organization.

     In the  beginning of her book, Rosemary lives a peaceful life in Vietnam. She has a happy and joyful marriage with her husband, Binh. However, her happiness did not last because the Vietnam War changed her life forever. She finds that she and her family is in danger, and that her marriage was not as happy as she thought it was. Her life becomes more difficult when unfortunate circumstances force her to leave Vietnam with her two children to pursue a new life in the U.S. Rosemary’s life in the U.S. is filled with ups and downs, but through her unwavering determination, courage, and love for her children, Rosemary is determined to be successful and find ultimate happiness in her life.

     Overall, I felt this book to be an important book about love and to never give up. Rosemary was a woman who knew little English and had no one to help. She almost wanted to give up, but she realized that if she did, her children wouldn’t survive. Her children needed her and depended on her and this gave her the determination to not give up. In her times of despair, she found God. Through God’s love, she became a stronger person. The message of the book is that everything happens for a reason, and that even though you don’t see it then, you will eventually get through your suffering. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and that when you come out, you will become a stronger person. For at the end of your suffering, you will be rewarded in ways you have never imagined. This novel is very thought-provoking. I encourage you to read this book for it gives us a helpful reminder of God’s love, that there is happiness, light, and hope during our times of darkness and despair. It also shows that anyone, no matter what their circumstances, race, and age, can help make a difference that can change the world for the better.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars