CHECKLIST OF WHAT TO INCLUDE:

 The Happiest Refugee chapter summary for each chapter

 Summary for each short story
 Narrative practice   
 Character Summaries

Anh Do: 
Anh Do was born on June 2, 1977, in Vietnam. He grew up in a loving and tight-knit
family, including his parents and his two siblings, Khoa and Tram. The family faced
numerous challenges and hardships due to the Vietnam War and the oppressive regime
in their home country. In 1980, when Anh was only three years old, his family embarked
on a dangerous journey to flee Vietnam by boat.

Experiences as a Refugee:
Anh's family encountered numerous life-threatening situations during their escape,
including a treacherous ocean voyage and being attacked by pirates. They faced
hunger, fear, and uncertainty, but managed to survive and were eventually rescued by a
German cargo ship. The family was taken to a refugee camp on an island in Indonesia
before being sponsored to migrate to Australia.

Life in Australia:
Upon arriving in Australia, Anh's family settled in Sydney. They faced many challenges
as they adapted to a new culture, language, and way of life. Despite the difficulties,
Anh's parents worked hard to provide for their children and instilled in them the values
of resilience, gratitude, and the importance of education.

Education and Career:

Anh excelled in his studies and showed a talent for storytelling and humour from an
early age. He attended university, where he studied law and arts, but his true passion
lay in the arts and entertainment. Anh decided to pursue a career in comedy, and
despite facing initial struggles, he persevered and eventually found success as a stand-
up comedian.

Achievements and Success:

Anh Do's career took off in the early 2000s, and he became a prominent figure in the
Australian entertainment industry. He won several awards for his comedy
performances, including the Harold Park Hotel’s Comedian of the Year award in 2004. Anh
expanded his career beyond comedy and ventured into acting, writing, and hosting
television shows. He also became a well-known public speaker and advocate for
refugee rights and charity work.

Personal Philosophy and Resilience:

Anh Do's personal philosophy is deeply rooted in resilience, gratitude, and the power of
a positive mindset. Despite the hardships he faced as a refugee and the challenges of
pursuing a career in a highly competitive industry, Anh maintained an optimistic outlook
on life. He believes in the importance of finding joy and humour even in the most difficult
circumstances.

"The Happiest Refugee":

Anh Do's autobiography, "The Happiest Refugee," published in 2010, is a candid and
uplifting account of his life journey. The book explores the themes of family, survival,
resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. It highlights the power of love, determination, and
the ability to overcome adversity.

Overall, Anh Do's character is defined by his remarkable resilience, humour, and
gratitude. His story serves as an inspiration to readers, reminding them of the strength
of the human spirit and the possibility of finding happiness in the face of adversity.

Khoa: 
Khoa Do is the younger brother of Anh Do and an important character in the book "The
Happiest Refugee." He is an Australian filmmaker, director, and community leader.
Khoa's journey, along with his family's escape from Vietnam and settlement in Australia,
is a significant part of the inspiring story told in the autobiography.

Background:
Khoa Do was born in Vietnam, and he is the younger son of the Do family. Growing up
in a challenging environment due to the Vietnam War and the oppressive regime, Khoa
witnessed the struggles and sacrifices made by his parents in order to secure a better
future for their children.

Experiences as a Refugee:
Khoa, along with his parents and siblings, embarked on a perilous journey to escape
Vietnam by boat. The family endured a treacherous ocean voyage, faced the threat of
pirates, and survived harsh conditions. Eventually, they were rescued by a German
cargo ship and taken to a refugee camp in Indonesia before being sponsored to migrate
to Australia.

Life in Australia:
Like his brother Anh, Khoa had to adapt to a new culture and way of life in Australia.
The family settled in Sydney, where they faced the challenges of language barriers,
cultural differences, and the need to establish themselves in a new community. Khoa's
experiences in Australia, along with his brother's, contribute to the overall narrative of
resilience and determination in the book.

Filmmaking and Social Impact:

Khoa Do developed a passion for filmmaking during his teenage years. He pursued his
interest in the arts and attended film school, where he honed his skills as a director and
storyteller. Khoa became known for his socially conscious films that shed light on
important issues such as poverty, youth homelessness, and the struggles faced by
disadvantaged communities.
Community Leadership:
In addition to his filmmaking career, Khoa Do has taken on a significant role as a
community leader. He has worked with marginalised and at-risk youth, using his
creative talents to empower and inspire them. Khoa has conducted workshops,
mentoring programs, and initiatives aimed at providing opportunities for personal growth
and social change.

Impact and Recognition:

Khoa Do's work as a filmmaker and community leader has garnered significant
recognition and accolades. He has received numerous awards for his films, including
the Young Australian of the Year award in 2005. His dedication to social impact and
empowering others has made him a respected figure in the Australian community.

Overall, Khoa Do's character represents resilience, compassion, and a commitment to

creating positive change. His personal journey and contributions, as depicted in "The
Happiest Refugee," serve as a testament to the transformative power of pursuing one's
passions and using them to make a difference in the lives of others.

Anhs Mum: Anh Do's mother, whose name is not explicitly mentioned in the available
information, plays a significant role in the book "The Happiest Refugee." She is
portrayed as a resilient and loving mother who supports her family through the
challenges they face as refugees and in their new life in Australia.

Background:
Anh Do's mother was born and raised in Vietnam. The book does not provide detailed
information about her early life or family background. However, it is evident that she
endured the hardships and turmoil of the Vietnam War and the oppressive regime,
which led her to seek a better life for her children.

Experiences as a Refugee:
During the family's escape from Vietnam, Anh Do's mother faced the same treacherous
journey and life-threatening situations as the rest of the family. She demonstrated
strength and resilience throughout the ordeal, ensuring the safety and well-being of her
children.

Life in Australia:
After settling in Australia, Anh Do's mother, like the rest of the family, had to adapt to a
new culture, language, and way of life. The book depicts her determination to provide
for her children and create a stable and loving home in their new country.

Role as a Mother:
Anh Do's mother is portrayed as a caring and nurturing figure in the book. She
prioritises her children's well-being, education, and future prospects. Her unwavering
love and support serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for Anh and his siblings
as they navigate their challenges and pursue their dreams.

Resilience and Strength:

Anh Do's mother embodies resilience, enduring hardships and uncertainty with grace
and strength. Despite the adversities she faced as a refugee and an immigrant, she
remains resilient and dedicated to creating a better life for her family.

While specific details about Anh Do's mother, including her name, may not be readily
available in the information at hand, her character is portrayed as a central pillar of love
and strength within the family. Her role as a mother and her resilience in the face of
challenges contribute to the overall narrative of hope, determination, and the pursuit of
happiness in "The Happiest Refugee."

Tam Do(Anhs Dad): 

Tam Do is a significant character in "The Happiest Refugee" by Anh Do. He is Anh Do's
father and plays a crucial role in the family's journey as refugees and their settlement in
Australia.

Background:
Tam Do's background includes his upbringing in Vietnam, experiencing the hardships of
the Vietnam War and living under an oppressive regime. The book may provide
additional details about his early life and family background.

Experiences as a Refugee:
Tam Do, along with his wife and children, embarks on a perilous journey to escape
Vietnam. They face the dangers of leaving their home country, enduring a treacherous
boat journey, and encountering threats such as pirates and harsh conditions. Their
resilience and determination to find a better life for their family are highlighted in the
book.

Life in Australia:
After settling in Australia, Tam Do, like the rest of the family, faces the challenges of
adapting to a new culture, language, and way of life. The book may delve into his
experiences in Australia, such as finding employment, building a home, and establishing
a new community.

Role as a Father:
Tam Do is portrayed as a loving and dedicated father who prioritizes the well-being and
future of his children. He is involved in their upbringing, education, and instilling values
that shape their character and resilience.

Hard Work and Determination:

Tam Do exemplifies the values of hard work and determination throughout the book. He
takes on various jobs and endeavours to provide for his family and create a stable life in
their new country.
While specific details about Tam Do may vary based on the book and the anecdotes
shared by Anh Do, his character represents the strength, resilience, and sacrifices
made by refugee parents. His role as a father and his unwavering commitment to his
family contribute to the overall narrative of hope, determination, and the pursuit of
happiness in "The Happiest Refugee."

Uncle Thanh: Uncle Thanh is a significant character mentioned in "The Happiest

Refugee" by Anh Do. He is a relative or family friend who plays an important role in
Anh's life and contributes to his journey as a refugee and his experiences in Australia.

Background:
Uncle Thanh was the eldest brother of Anhs Mum. While specific details about Uncle
Thanh's background may vary based on the book, he is depicted as a supportive and
influential figure in Anh's life. His relationship with the family and his own experiences
may have shaped his character and his role in their lives.

Role and Impact:

Uncle Thanh is portrayed as a compassionate and wise individual who provides
guidance, support, and a sense of stability to Anh and his family. He may play a
mentorship role, offering advice and wisdom based on his own experiences.

Support and Encouragement:

In the book, Uncle Thanh may offer emotional support and encouragement to Anh
during challenging times. He may serve as a source of inspiration and motivation,
pushing Anh to pursue his dreams and overcome obstacles.

Shared Experiences:
Uncle Thanh may have gone through similar experiences as a refugee, which allows
him to connect with and understand the struggles faced by Anh and his family. His
shared experiences create a bond and a sense of belonging within the family.

Positive Influence:
Uncle Thanh's presence in Anh's life may have a positive impact on his personal
growth, resilience, and outlook on life. His guidance and influence contribute to shaping
Anh's character and his pursuit of happiness and success.

While the specific details about Uncle Thanh may vary depending on the book and the
anecdotes shared by Anh Do, his character represents the importance of support,
mentorship, and positive influences in shaping one's life. Uncle Thanh's role in Anh's
journey contributes to the overall narrative of hope, determination, and the power of
relationships in "The Happiest Refugee."

Uncle Huy:  Uncle Huy is Anhs Mum’s second eldest brother who is five foot six and a half
and the most handsome one out of Uncle Thanh.One time when he was in the army. He was
told to take a boat travelling upstream. He missed the boat and watched it grow smaller. A few
moments later, it exploded and he became a Jesuit Priest in joy that he didn’t take that boat.
Uncle Dung: Uncle Dung is one of Anhs mum
Loc: Loc was a seventeen-year-old boy whose mother, a friend of Tam Do’s family, asked to
take him on the boat in hope of creating a better life for him. During the first two to three days,
Loc became feverish, started hallucinating and mumbling incoherent thoughts. He jumped into
the night see and committed suicide. 
Aunty Huong:
Aunty Huong was the wife of Uncle Thanh. She is portrayed as a compassionate and supportive
figure who plays a crucial role in Anh's journey as a refugee and in his life in Australia.

Background:
While specific details about Aunty Huong's background may vary based on the book, she is
described as a relative or family friend who is closely connected to Anh's family. Her relationship
with the family and her own experiences may have shaped her character and the role she plays
in their lives.

Role and Impact:

Aunty Huong is depicted as a compassionate and caring individual who provides support and
guidance to Anh's family during their journey as refugees and their settlement in Australia. She
may offer emotional support, practical assistance, and a sense of stability during challenging
times.

Support and Mentorship:

In the book, Aunty Huong may act as a mentor figure for Anh, offering advice, wisdom, and
encouragement. Her guidance and influence contribute to Anh's personal growth, resilience,
and pursuit of his dreams.

Contributions to the Community:

Aunty Huong may also be involved in community work or initiatives that aim to help refugees or
disadvantaged individuals. Her dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others
serves as an inspiration and example for Anh and the broader community.

While the specific details about Aunty Huong may vary depending on the book and the
anecdotes shared by Anh Do, her character represents the importance of support, mentorship,
and compassion in overcoming challenges and building a fulfilling life.

Chapter One summary

The chapter begins in 1976 at the end of the Vietnamese war. A young girl of 21 who is later
revealed to be Anh’s mother is illegally selling goods on a train when a guard suspects what she
is doing. She is panicked and doesn’t know what to do but then another skinny young man who
is later revealed to be Anh’s father comes from the back carriage saying ‘oi’ and he and his
‘lads’ defend Anh’s mom and he tells the guard off for mistreating her. The next day they both
meet each other again, then he buys her a lemonade and they get married six months later and
they have Anh Do. It then tells us about Uncle Thanh who is Anh’s mum’s eldest brother and
how he had to undergo surgery without anaesthetic to cure him of malaria. Then it tells us about
how Uncle Huy narrowly escaped death because they slept in and missed the boat which blew
up. It then tells us about how in Anh’s dad’s childhood, he had barely any food to eat and how
he and his brother Uncle Six once found a tree full of plums and they ran and climbed the tree
while rounds were being fired. They used a shirt to hold the plums in and took them home to
feed the family. This was known as the plum banquet. It then tells us how Anh’s dad
singlehandedly rescued Uncle Thanh and Huy by impersonating a high-ranking soldier and
taking the uncles out of the camp.

Chapter Two summary

This chapter is about Anh’s family’s escape to Malaysia from Vietnam. It starts off by describing
the boat which was 9 by 2.5 metres and was old and stank of fish. They didn’t bring any
belongings except for the clothes they were wearing and a week of food and water supplies. To
get to the boat, they woke up in the early hours of dawn and in groups of 3-4, they set off in
motorised canoes in different routes. Anh’s dad and 2 teenage boys had to row 50 km to get to
the boat and were nearly caught by the police. On the second day there was a huge storm and
some food and water was lost or ruined. Everyone still survived and they continued their
journey. In the middle of the second night, a teenager named Loc jumped overboard and no one
ever found him. On day three they were attacked by pirates the first time and they took
bracelets, jewellery and even their engine. They threatened to chop an old lady named Bao’s
hand off as her bracelet wouldn’t come off but thankfully Aunty Huong found a solution. The
pirates did miss the 2nd broken engine and Anh’s dad fixed it with a slipper and they were off
again. Then there was another pirate attack where Aunty Huong was taken hostage and Khoa
was threatened to be thrown overboard. The pirates changed their mind and gave Khoa and
Aunty Huong behind when the 40 people on the boat decided to fight. They took everything,
even the 2nd engine. But as they were about to leave, a young pirate chucked them a gallon of
water which saved their lives. On the fifth day, they were rescued by a German ship after
figuring out they could only be rescued if they were sinking so after purposely destroying the
mother fish, they were rescued.
Chapter Three summary
This chapter is about Anh’s family landing in Australia and the first years or so of their lives in
Australia. It begins with them landing in Pulau Bidong in Malaysia where they traded stories with
other refugees and then were accepted into Australia after three months. They landed in
Australia in August 1980 where 2 nuns gave them all free clothes and dressed Khoa as a baby
girl. They then went to St Vincent De Paul’s where they found a bargain table with even cheaper
clothes in a shop filled with already cheap clothes and Uncle Huy got made fun off for wearing
girlie pants. Anh’s dad found a job in a factory and they rented a 2 bedroom flat in Marrickville.
They met a woman named Miss Burke who helped Nah and his family with many documents
such as passports, work documents etc. Anh talks about how a kid named Sammy beat him up
and then they became best friends. They moved away from Marrickville and moved into a 2-
bedroom house in Earlwood. This is where Anh’s mom bought her first sewing machine and his
mum and dad started a clothing business. Then they moved into a factory in Newtown as
business expanded, where Anh recounts when Khoa thought a woman was going to eat him.
They lived in the factory with Uncle Two’s family who had lost a finger defusing a landmine.
Uncle Two had four boys around Anh’s age and they had a blast living together. There were
some disadvantages, for example when Anh’s cousin had nits, Anh also had to go home from
school. Then one day their cousin’s mum accused Khoa or Anh of stealing her money but it
turned out that it was one of her boys just moving it for her husband. Then Uncle Two and his
family moved out. Anh’s mother invited many refugees to live with them. Uncle Six was a major
part of Anh’s life and had bought him his first ever footy jacket. One day Uncle Six helped Anh
write a class captain speech but it wasn’t very good or correct and he got laughed at. Anh didn’t
win class captain but his family still went out to celebrate. One day Anh won first place in maths
and Anh’s dad without a care in the world gave Anh a standing ovation by himself in front of the
entire school. This is where Anh states ‘My dad is a legend’
Chapter Four summary
This chapter is mainly about life on the farm. It starts off with Anh telling us his first girlfriend, a
Vietnamese girl 10 months older and half a foot taller than Anh named Karen. They were
together for six months before they broke up. Uncle Six was like a surrogate father to Anh and
helped Anh through the breakup. He then recounts a story where he and Khoa where with
Uncle Six delivering some clothes to Melbourne when their tyre got punctured and Uncle Six
fixed it with some sticks and stones. One day, Uncle Six left and And didn’t find out where he
left until after 20 years. Then Anh’s dad and his uncles together bought a farm because Anh’s
dad saw potential to sell duck eggs to Asians. Anh had many adventures at the farm including
finding a turtle while fishing and waking up at 6 everyday to find duck eggs. One day their dog
named Blackie got sick from eating a dead carcass and he had to be put down (killed). Anh’s
dad taught Anh how to unlock a car with a coat hanger. They also made a budgie cage so they
could keep some budgies. They also once got a golden pheasant at an auction after they had
missed out on the alpacas. After this, Anh’s dad bought some dodgy feed which killed all the
ducks when they were fed which led to the farm eventually being sold at a loss.
Chapter Five summary
This chapter is about life with his paternal grandmother (Ba Noi) and how he and Khoa won a
50% scholarship. Ba Noi loved to garden and was asked many questions by Australian women.
One time she was up late at night playing on Anh’s Switch because she had insomnia. Another
time Anh accidentally left his citizenship certificate on the kitchen counter and she used it to
wrap up some fish heads and threw it away but thankfully he retrieved it. Then after this Uncle
Huy, who was a priest, told Anh’s parents about a good school called St Aloysius and Anh and
Khoa got a 50% scholarship for it and then they celebrated with a Maccas happy meal. This is
where Anh reflects on all the things his parents have done for him such as crossing the seas
and staying up until 3am sewing to give Anh a better life.
Chapter Six summary
This chapter is about Anh’s dad leaving. It starts off with Anh stating that his dad is an optimist
and then tells us about a series of events that were trying to ‘break’ Anh’s dad. Such as when
the farm was prospering, Anh’s father invested in a bunch of properties such as a huge three
story factory, a house, and a block of rural land. But after the interest rates rose, they couldn’t
afford repayments so they had to sell everything at a massive loss. This made Anh’s father feel
very guilty as he felt responsible for losing all his brother's savings. One night Uncle Three and
Anh’s dad were fighting with the intent of murder and then Uncle Three left for America and
Anh’s dad went into a downward spiral of heavy drinking. It then tells us a story where Uncle
Three had come to Australia six months before Anh’s family and their ship was sunk by pirates
and Uncle Five and Seven had died but Three and Nine survived and came to Australia. Anh’s
dad feels guilty for wasting all of his brothers savings and for the dead of his eldest brother.
Anh’s dad became a violent drinker and started to hit for no reason with intent to cause harm
and on one occasion Anh hit him back. Then Anh’s mum one day told Anh that his father had
gone to Vietnam for a while. One day Anh’s father came back to Australia and came to their
house and Anh confronted him with a knife and Anh’s father left the house sobbing. Anh didn’t
see his father again for the rest of his childhood.
Chapter Seven summary
 This chapter is about Anh and Khoa’s life in high school. They went to St Aloysius which was a
very expensive school. It starts off with Anh describing how difficult it was for his mother to find
a jacket for Khoa as he was overweight. She also bought a lot of the uniforms from Vinnies and
stuck the logo onto them. He then tells us about how he was part of the rejects when their year
8 drama teacher, Mr Stevens decided he wasn’t good enough for drama but his other teacher,
Ms Borny, decided that the rejects weren’t hopeless and started her own secret drama class.
She once told Anh ‘Anh, you’re a very talented storyteller’. This inspired him to be what he is
today and he thanked her on TV. Anh’s mother decided to cut Anh and Khoa's hair at home.
This left Anh with uneven hair, bald spots and left people to question whether he was okay. She
first started to use kitchen scissors but moved onto a trimmer. This is where Anh states that he
started to look alot like his father. He then recounts a time where Mcdonalds Yagoona had a
closing down sale where one big Mac was only 50c and they bought 24 big Macs. Another time,
he found a green chip in his packet and sent it off for a refund and instead got a whole entire
box filled with branded packets of chips. He didn’t like showing his mother the list of textbooks
he needed because the combined cost was $1000 so he instead used to borrow his best friend
Phil Keenan’s books. Halfway through year 10, he decided that he didn’t want to subject his
mother to the extreme price the school cost and told his mother he wanted to go to the public
school but she saw right through it and declined. This is where Anh’s mom is extremely sick but
she still finds the energy to sew and Anh felt terrible because he secretly wanted her to keep
sewing even though she was very very sick. Anh’s childhood was filled with random strangers
living in his house because his mother always offered help to those who needed it. Anh used to
play basketball but he had very crappy Chinese shoes that sucked. So he decided to ‘promote’
himself to a lower level so he could score 30 points to get a new pair of Reebok Pumps. This
plan failed because his shoes had the most rubbish grip ever. He then decides to play cricket
with Phil as Phil had a ton of spare gear and totally flukes 2 wickets in 2 consecutive bowls. He
also used to do all his homework on the train home so when he got home, he could help his
mother sew clothes. He also nearly got mugged on the train but he didn’t have any money so he
was okay unlike another boy who was mugged for his Reebok pumps. He then decided to do a
job delivering pamphlets when he was 14 so he could earn more money. This ended badly
because he ran out of time to deliver the pamphlets. He and Khoa once decided to make two
fish fight but they didn’t know that one of the fish was female and when they started breeding,
they realised a shop size fish could be sold for $3 and they made $60. Anh decides to build 20
fish tanks and buys a ton of fish as he calculates an income of $1200 per month but this fails
because the fish tank exploded. He then recounts a time he played chess and got checkmated
in 9 moves and then was taught how to play chess by his opponent. He once volunteered at a
homeless shelter at 15 and saw a guy with vomit coming out of his eyes, mouth and nose from
drug withdrawal and decided he would never do drugs. He then recounts when he had a really
racist History teacher that made the class make racist posters about Asians and how he once
was called a ‘gook’ one the footy field but this was okay because the guy who done it got
targeted the entire game by Anh’s team. He also once tried to apply for the army when he heard
that he could make 15k a year but this failed when they found out he had asthma. He is then
told he should apply for special consideration to get extra marks for a degree in Uni but he flatly
refuses and then decides to study law at the University of Technology in Sydney.
Chapter 8 Summary
This chapter is about Anh’s uni life. It starts off by him falling in love with a tall blonde girl named
Suzie in his first class in Uni. Over the next few months, he became good friends with her and
they used to spend hours on the phone after classes. He asks her on a date but she refuses as
she sees him as a friend. He then decides law isn’t right for him and begins studying visual arts
at TAFE in Meadowbank and studying law at the same time. Anh used to skip lectures and only
attend the important ones and sometimes used to ask Suzie to skip lectures so they could get
ice cream and stuff. One time Anh needed to go shopping and he got sick of waiting for Tram
and Khoa so he decided to go by himself. This turns out to be a brilliant decision because right
outside of his house, just down the road, a bus runs into his car and the back seats of the car
get completely crushed. Anh is not injured but does get $4000 as a result of the accident. Anh’s
family spent $3750 on a computer and the rest on a Toyota Corona for $250. This computer
was important because it helped Khoa write his very first screenplays which helped him become
a movie director. After this Anh decided to work at a post office and had to memorise the
postcodes for all the suburbs in NSW. He passes this test and while working he meets a
Vietnamese guy who escaped as a refugee as well named Minh. He uses this knowledge as a
party trick to impress people. Then Anh’s mum buys three industrial strength sewing machines
for 15k altogether. But they all get stolen in the night. Anh curses everyone and everything for
the theft and decides to make his father pay for leaving them and causing his mother to struggle
so much and allow the theft. He calls up Uncle 8 on the payphone and gets his dad’s number
and tries to call him but dials the wrong number and he doesn't call him for 2 years. He signed
up for extra art classes and this is where he meets Rachel and they start going out. He then
starts a stall selling crystals but after they break up he gives Rachel all the profits as they used
her savings to start the stall. He then meets a psychology student named Juliette after a fire-
twirling class in his hippy stage and he becomes vegan for her. They also broke up after 6
months and Anh buys himself a 500g steak with 4 monster prawns to make up for all the meat
he missed out on.
Chapter 9 Summary
This chapter is where Anh gets married and where he starts doing standup. It starts off by
recounting a time where he and some mates when hiking in Moreton National Park and their car
got separated from the other but Anh’s sleeping bag was in the other car so he had to share a
sleeping bag with a guy named Steve. Then he goes to watch some stand up and gets inspired
when he realises he’s funnier than the guy on stage and does a successful routine. He then
gets a very hard to get job at Anderson Consulting but he didn't want to work a 60 hour week
and then when he asked his friend Dave Grant who was a comedian how many he worked and
he said four, he told Anderson consulting he was going to try it out. He then worked at whatever
place gave him a gig and won the Harold Park Hotel’s Comedian of the Year award. He then
enters a comedy competition called the Green Faces in Canberra and wins $5000 and uses this
to fix Tram’s teeth. He then calls up Suzie randomly and they start going out. Then, Anh starts
appearing on many TV shows including Rush TV which gave him a regular income which
allowed him to take a loan from the bank to buy a house for his mum in Yagoona. After three
months, Anh proposes to Suzie and she says yes. He then calls his dad up and drives to his
house. Anh plays around with a kid named after him but looks like Khoa who was his step-
brother. They talk for an hour and then Anh drives back home. He then flies down to Melbourne
with Suzie to see his dad after a month and he surprises them with a seafood banquet full of the
finest seafood. Anh’s father tells Suzie stories of Anh when he was a kid such as when he
sewed himself to the machine. Suzie then goes home but Anh stays for a while. He then buys a
huge diamond ring for Suzie after the manager recognises him from TV shows and gets a
discount. Then they have an engagement party at Suzie’s house and Anh’s family brings a huge
one metre long hog ready to be eaten and cook the rest of the food at Suzie’s house. Anh’s
family kept inviting Suzie over and prepared a different food every time. Then they started to run
out of ideas and made a dish called Vietnamese Pizza which is duck blood with chickens and
stuff floating over it. It was just a joke and Suzie didn’t have to eat it but she still did and then
endured wave after wave of “strange crap”. Anh then goes for a very formal dinner at Suzie’s
house and struggles to understand what utensil to use as he has not been to many formal
dinners in his life. Then on another occasion, Suzie’s dad, Robert, is jackhammering tiles of his
pool so he can put new ones in and Anh offers to help and he jackhammers the whole pool in
like 3 hours and this was just a test to see how resilient Anh was. Their wedding reception was
held at Taronga Zoo and it was expensive. Anh was to buy alcohol and entertainment while
Robert was to pay for the rest. The wedding was held at a chapel in St Aloysius College and his
uncle and his favourite priest for school, Father Dooley led the service. After their honeymoon,
they moved into an apartment in North Sydney and Suzie continued working as a lawyer while
Anh continued to do stand up. He was offered the chance to do three shows in Melbourne and
took the opportunity straight away because it gave him a chance to hang out with his father. His
dad became his roadie, carrying the huge props case he took to every show. He then explains
his guilt for not jumping off the boat to look for Loc and explains his life’s philosophy. There's
now and too late. He then asks Suzie to quit being a lawyer as it was obvious she was not
enjoying it and they moved back into the house Anh bought for his mother. One time, Anh’s
mum had two dogs who escaped after a gate broke away in the rain and Anh had to go find
them and he found them in a Vietnamese woman’s house. He then is struck by bird fever and
buys 9 birds. One of them was a corella named Pacino and this was his favourite bird. He
taught it how to say Phoo Wah and taught it to poop on command. But Pacino didn’t like women
for some reason and he eventually had to leave because Suzie didn’t want him in the house any
more.
Chapter 10 Summary
This chapter is mostly about Anh’s life as a comedian. It starts off by telling us a story about how
a racist bouncer didn’t let Anh into a club for his job and Anh stood his ground and told the guy
to go tell the manager that Anh Do the comedian is waiting outside for him. He then recounts a
gig he had to do in front of 200 drunk men with some of them having killed Vietnamese people
in the war. He didn’t regret it however because he says it was the hardest gig of his career he’ll
ever do and all the others are now easy. He also learned that a famous Australian musician
Jimmy Barnes was singing about his uncle who was a sapper. And also learned that all of his
dad’s and uncles stories were true. Anh also started doing more TV work on shows such as the
Footy Show and Rove. Most of these were filmed in melbourne so he hung with his dad alot. He
also once did a show where Will Smith was present. Then Anh’s dad tells Anh how his eldest
brother was killed and why he feels guilty for it. Here it is: Uncle One was called Binh. He was
the nicest and nicest of all ten brothers and used to help his mother a lot. One day he and dad
went to go buy a boat. Uncle One had half the money and Anh’s dad had the other half. They
met up with three men and were told only one of the men was to come with them. Uncle One
went with them but never came back. When Dad went to look for him, he heard from a lady that
she had seen something weird in the bamboo. When Anh’s Dad went to look, he found the
dead body of his eldest brother. Anh’s dad feels guilty because he believes he should have
followed them. This is where Anh understood his father’s life philosophy, there’s now and
there’s too late.
Chapter 11 Summary
This chapter is about Anh’s TV life and how Khoa won Young Australian of the Year. It starts off
by recounting a story where Anh's father teaching Anh how to handle animals became useful as
he got a role in a show in 2002 called Don’t blame me. He had to handle a carpet python and
then it went to the toilet on his back so yeah. Anh then tells us how he and Khoa volunteered for
a charity in 2003 and they made a movie with the kids part of the charity called the finished
people. One of the kids in the charity told Anh that he would have committed suicide 5 times if it
wasn’t for Khoa Do. Anh then nominates Khoa without telling him for the Young Australian of the
Year. Khoa is mad at first because he doesn’t do charity for fame or money and hates showoffs.
But later he thanks Anh for nominating him as Anh explains more publicity means more people
will come to him for help. Anh also got offered a role in All Saints and was beginning to like
acting. But he was impatient and didn’t like waiting around for roles and decided to make his
own movie called Footy Legends. He got help from Khoa and Suzie and then they were funded
by Icon. They have players such as Cliffy Lyons starring in the movie. He then recounts a story
where when he was filming the opening scene for the movie, he had to submerge himself in
freezing water and emerge with an acting turtle named Bob but he got a cramp underwater and
needed help but Khoa who was the director thought he was overreacting until the safety guy
realised it was serious and rescued him. After Footy Legends was released, Anh received many
invitations from countless TV shows including Dancing with the Stars. Anh was paired up with
Luda Kroitor and surprisingly made it to the grand finals of the show despite his abysmal
performance because of the audience voting for him every week. One day, Anh was walking
down the street when he saw Uncle Six, the uncle who helped Anh write his captain's speech
and bought him his first footy jacket. Instead of catching up with him, Anh says hi and moves on
because Anh’s father had told Anh about how Anh’s grandmother had adopted Uncle Six and
Uncle Six turned his back on her and left her without even saying anything. But when Anh was
doing research for this book, his grandmother revealed that Uncle Six 

Only Ten summary

The story revolves around a mysterious boy named Hussein, initially nicknamed "The Shah" by
his classmates. He is perceived as different because of his appearance and behaviour. Hussein
remains silent and avoids interacting with others. The students try to engage him in
conversation but don't make much progress. Pearl, a classmate, takes an interest in Hussein
and tries to connect with him. She discovers that he had a fondness for plants and had
previously worked in a plant nursery. Pearl starts calling him Hussein instead of The Shah and
tries to understand him better. The story shows how Hussein behaves strangely in various
situations, such as during a swimming carnival or a Rules footy game. However, the students
gradually accept him and make an effort to include him in their activities. They learn about his
past, including a picture of him as a child and his experiences in a war-torn city. Tragedy strikes
when Pearl's younger sister, Suzy, dies in an accident. Pearl is deeply affected, and Hussein,
without saying a word, comforts her and becomes a source of support. The incident brings Pearl
and Hussein closer, and the students start referring to him as Hussein or "Horse." The story
concludes with Hussein participating in a swimming race, revealing scars from his time as a
soldier. The teacher remarks on his young age and the hardships he has endured. Despite his
past, Hussein remains resilient and accepts the challenges he faces. "Only Ten" explores
themes of acceptance, empathy, and the power of connection in overcoming differences

Only Ten Events

1. The Shah's Arrival: The story begins with the arrival of a new student, known initially as
The Shah. His dark appearance and quiet demeanour make him stand out among the
other students.
2. The Shah's Silence: Despite attempts by Miss Ryan, their teacher, to engage him in
conversation, The Shah remains mostly silent and unresponsive. He only gives brief and
vague answers to questions about school and his preferences.
3. The Undercover Agent Speculation: Some students, including Pearl and Bruce, playfully
speculate that The Shah is an undercover agent due to his mysterious behaviour and
appearance. They compare him to fictional characters like Inspector Gadget.
4. The Shah's Tension and Combat Skills: Bruce teases The Shah, trying to provoke him
into a physical confrontation. The Shah initially shows restraint but eventually
demonstrates his combat skills by effortlessly dodging Bruce's ruler attacks.
5. The Shah's Solitude: The Shah often keeps his distance from the other students,
observing them from afar. He seems to prefer being alone and avoids interaction, not
only with his classmates but also with other people he encounters outside of school.
6. Pearl's Curiosity and Connection: Pearl takes an interest in The Shah and attempts to
understand him better. She discovers his fascination with plants and tries to establish a
connection with him, calling him Hussein instead of The Shah.
7. The Shah's Reactions at School Events: The story shows The Shah's peculiar reactions
during events like a swimming afternoon and a Rules footy game. He appears tense and
exhibits unusual behaviour, such as staring at the roof during the swimming event and
being startled by the starting pistol.
8. Bruce's Visit to Hussein's Home: Bruce visits Hussein's home and describes his
encounter with him. He discovers a photo of a woman and a young Hussein, as well as
Hussein's fondness for a pet mouse. Hussein doesn't talk much about his past but
mentions his experiences in a war-torn city.
9. Suzy's Tragic Accident: Pearl's younger sister, Suzy, gets hit by a truck and tragically
dies. Pearl is deeply affected by the loss, and Hussein provides silent support and
comfort to her during this difficult time.
10. Growing Acceptance: The students, especially Pearl, become more accepting of
Hussein after witnessing his kindness and support for Pearl. They gradually include him
in their activities and change their perception of him.
11. Hussein's Scars: During a swimming carnival, Hussein removes his purple T-shirt,
revealing scars on his body from his time as a soldier. The scars serve as a reminder of
the hardships he has endured at a young age.
These events depict the evolving dynamics between the students and Hussein, highlighting his
mysterious nature, their growing understanding and acceptance of him, and the impact of
tragedy on their relationships.
Only Ten Characters
1. The Shah / Hussein:
 Characterisation: Hussein is the main character in this story. He is very
antisocial, secretive, paranoid, and scared at the beginning of the story. At the
 start of the story he doesn’t like windows because ‘they’ can see in. He is scared
of the starting pistol because of its loud bang and searches the ceiling for bullet
holes when fired because he is reminded of his old country. Towards the middle
of the story, Bruce visits Hussein’s house and finds only an old uncle which
implies he has lost his parents in war. He also shows a picture of him with his
parents when Hussein was three but there are no newer photos which means the
war started when he was just three. At a footy game, Hussein rolls up into a ball
when he sees the ball falling at him from the sky as he is reminded of a grenade.
Then, towards the end of the story, Pearl’s sister is hit by a truck and dies. She is
away for two days and when she comes back no one knows how to talk to her
except Hussein which implies he has been through the death of a loved one
many times. He comforts her and Hussein becomes friendlier and even allows
Bruce to call him Horse. At the end of the story at a swimming race, Hussein
removes his shirt to reveal many scars, a soldier's scars. He goes from believing
they are a pack of apes, needed to be watched within caution, to understanding
they were humans too.
 Description: The Shah, whose real name is Hussein, is a new student who joins
Miss Ryan's class. He has a dark appearance and remains mostly silent, keeping
to himself.
 Personality: Hussein is reserved and introverted. He prefers solitude and avoids
interactions with others. He is observant and thoughtful, often lost in his own
thoughts.
 Background: Hussein's past is shrouded in mystery. He alludes to his
experiences in a war-torn city but does not reveal many details. He carries the
weight of those experiences with him, evident through his scars and his tense
reactions to certain situations.
 Traits: Silent, mysterious, introverted, observant, kind-hearted.
2. Pearl:
 Characterisation: Pearl is present throughout the story and is Chinese so she
thinks she knows where Hussein is from. She makes her debut by asking
Hussein where he is from and Hussein becomes paranoid and asks who she is
going to tell. She is caring and curious about Hussein and is the first to call him
Hussein instead of ‘The Shah’ after she sees him at a plant nursery. She also
comforts him when he is frightened of the starting pistol when Henney fires it and
they become close friends when disaster strikes and Pearl’s sister Suzy dies in
an accident. When Pearl comes back to school, Hussein is the only person who
knows how to speak to her and comforts her and they become close friends.
 Description: Pearl is one of the students in Miss Ryan's class. She is curious and
compassionate, often seeking to understand others and make connections.
 Personality: Pearl is friendly, empathetic, and open-minded. She is genuinely
interested in people's stories and tries to find common ground. Her curiosity
leads her to befriend Hussein and attempt to unravel the mystery behind his
silence.
 Background: Pearl comes from a loving family, as seen through her strong bond
with her younger sister Suzy. She is deeply affected by Suzy's tragic accident
and finds solace in Hussein's silent support.
 Traits: Curious, compassionate, empathetic, open-minded, caring.
3. Bruce:
 Description: Bruce is another student in Miss Ryan's class. He is a bit of a
troublemaker and enjoys teasing others, including Hussein.
  Personality: Bruce is mischievous and likes to push boundaries. He enjoys
attention and often tries to provoke reactions from his classmates. Despite his
teasing, he also shows moments of genuine curiosity about Hussein.
 Background: Bruce's background is not extensively explored in the story. He
seems to have a typical school life and is known for his mischievous behavior.
 Traits: Mischievous, attention-seeking, curious, playful.
4. Miss Ryan:
 Characterisation: Miss Ryan is only present in the beginning and middle of the
story. One time is right at the beginning when she is trying to get Hussein to talk
and asks him what he doesn’t like about the school and he says windows.
Another is when Miss Ryan is about to ask Hussein to not play around with the
pistol but Henney waves her away.: 
 Description: Miss Ryan is the teacher of the class that Hussein and the other
students attend. She is attentive to her students' needs and tries to create a
supportive environment.
 Personality: Miss Ryan is caring, patient, and understanding. She notices
Hussein's silence and attempts to engage him, encouraging the other students to
do the same. She genuinely wants her students to feel comfortable and included
in the classroom.
 Background: Miss Ryan's background is not explored in detail, but she appears
to be a dedicated and compassionate teacher.
 Traits: Caring, patient, understanding, supportive.
5. Suzy:
 Suzy is Pearl’s kid sister who though it may not seem that she plays a big role,
she does as when she passes away, Pearl is distraught and no one knows how
to approach her except for Hussein and this leads to everyone understanding
Hussein better.
6. Henney:
 Henney is what seems to be the sports teacher as he is only present during the
swimming race and the footy game. He understands what the Shah has been
through from the start and makes adjustments and breaks the rules for him such
as allowing him to race with his shirt, inspect the starter pistol, and not use the
starter pistol when Hussein races. He is very comforting and understanding
throughout the story and tells Hussein when he is scared of the ball because he
thinks it’s a grenade, you’re not there anymore, just here.