Skip to main content

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

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Queen of Exiles by Vanessa Riley: A Book Review

Queen of Exiles Author: Vanessa Riley Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: William Morrow Release Date: 2023 Pages: 447 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: Acclaimed historical novelist Vanessa Riley is back with another novel based on the life of an extraordinary Black woman from history: Haiti’s Queen Marie-Louise Christophe, who escaped a coup in Haiti to set up her own royal court in Italy during the Regency era, where she became a popular member of royal European society.       The Queen of Exiles is Marie-Louise Christophe, wife and then widow of Henry I, who ruled over the newly liberated Kingdom of Hayti in the wake of the brutal Haitian Revolution.      In 1810 Louise is crowned queen as her husband begins his reign over the first and only free Black nation in the Western Hemisphere. But despite their newfound freedom, Haitians still struggle under mountains of debt to France and indiffe...

Lady of Avalon (Avalon #3) by Marion Zimmer Bradley: A Book Review

  Lady of Avalon (Avalon #3) Author: Marion Zimmer Bradley Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy Publisher: Ace Release Date: 2007 Pages: 404 Source: Personal Collection Synopsis: Journey to a time before King Arthur in this prequel to The Mists of Avalon —a spellbinding story of three remarkable women who alter the fortunes of Roman Britain as they fight to reclaim the magic and traditions of a once glorious past.        Caillean, the young priestess fated to become Lady of Avalon, who rescues and raises the orphaned Gawen—heir to a mystic and dangerous royal line...Dierna, who must use all her strength, wisdom, and love to guide Avalon through treacherous political waters and veil the island from a hostile world...Viviane, Lady of the Lake and keeper of the Grail, destined for true greatness as she prepares Avalon for the coming of a legendary king...      Bestselling author Marion Zimmer Bradley brings the mesmerizing world of ...

A Right Worthy Woman by Ruth P. Watson: A Book Review

A Right Worthy Woman Author: Ruth P. Watson Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Atria Books Release Date: 2023 Pages: 303 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: In the vein of The Personal Librarian and The House of Eve , a “remarkable and stirring novel” (Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author) based on the inspiring true story of Virginia’s Black Wall Street and the indomitable Maggie Lena Walker, the daughter of a formerly enslaved woman who became the first Black woman to establish and preside over a bank in the United States.       Maggie Lena Walker was ambitious and unafraid. Her childhood in 19th-century Virginia helping her mother with her laundry service opened her eyes to the overwhelming discrepancy between the Black residents and her mother’s affluent white clients. She vowed to not only secure the same kind of home and finery for herself, but she would also help others in her community achi...