Writer Jana Laiz visted Norwich Tech on Friday, May 15th to speak to students and staff. Laiz is the author of Weeping Under this Same Moon, a book on Vietnamese Boat people, the aftermath of the Vietnam War, and Vietnamese culture.

Weeping under This Same Moon is based on the true story of Mei, a girl who escapes the aftermath of the Vietnam War and becomes one of thousands of refugees known as “Boat People.” As the story continues in America, it is the tale of two teenage girls from different cultures, whose paths intersect to form a friendship that saves both girls from their loneliness. This novel speaks strongly to the power of courage, friendship, the spirit of volunteerism, and conveys the message that when we do for others, we enrich our own lives as well.  Through this story, the author vividly conveys a culture, illustrates the struggles others have encountered, as well as presents the common human traits that bind humanity together.