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FLASHLIGHT IN THE OCEAN
The Inspirational Story of a Young Boy’s Daring Escape from Saigon to Brave War, Worry,
and Water for a New World
by Brian Thuan Luu
Harrowing. Riveting. Redemptive.
AT THE FALL OF SAIGON on April 30, 1975, thirteen-year-old Brian Thuan Luu’s world changed forever. As chaos consumed the city, he faced an impossible choice: stay and risk an uncertain future or leave everything he had ever known behind. Making the fateful decision to escape Vietnam without his family, Brian braved the unknown, armed with nothing but courage, hope, a few provisions, and a small flashlight his brother had given him before he left. That flashlight would become more than just a tool in the darkness—it would light his way through some of the most perilous moments of his journey to freedom.
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What followed was a desperate flight across open waters with more than three hundred other passengers, ten days stranded on a coral reef, and the struggle to survive in a refugee camp before an unexpected sponsorship brought him to America. But Brian’s journey was far from over. As he faced language barriers, cultural isolation, and the relentless challenges of starting over, the question remained: would he ever truly find a place to call home?
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Flashlight in the Ocean is a gripping account of survival, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit, where every choice could mean the difference between triumph and heartbreak. With each step forward, Brian carried the light of his past—both the burdens and the gifts—illuminating a path toward an uncertain, yet hopeful, future.
An Unforgettable Read.
​BRIAN THUAN LUU is the author of Flashlight in the Ocean, a memoir of resilience, survival, and hope. Born in Vietnam to a traditional Chinese family, his life changed forever after the Fall of Saigon. At just thirteen years old, he made the harrowing decision to escape alone on a wooden boat, enduring ten days stranded on a coral reef before finally reaching safety. A Jewish synagogue in Long Island sponsored him, giving him a chance to start anew in America.
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Brian persevered despite language and cultural barriers, earning his education and building a successful career in finance and entrepreneurship. Alongside his wife, Jennifer, he found both love and purpose, helping families secure their financial futures through World Financial Group. He also turned his passion for music into a thriving event production business, bringing joy to countless celebrations.
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Brian's story is a testament to perseverance and faith. From a perilous journey across the ocean to a life of success and gratitude, he hopes to inspire others by sharing his journey—one that proves that even in the darkest moments, light can still shine through.
