“Killing Fields” Survivor Releases Inspirational Story
Author Hoang Taing looks to instill hope in others
Award-winning activist and former Cambodian refugee– Hoang Taing– and former White House Regional Finalist Fellow, George Washington Medal of Honor recipient and Fulbright Fellow today released her long-awaited first book entitled Journey to Freedom: A Buffalo Girl’s Search for Meaning. The book details Ms. Taing’s harsh but formative childhood in the Killing Fields of communist Cambodia.

As a child, Ms. Taing experienced firsthand the brutality of Cambodia’s communist regime, the Khmer Rouge. In Journey to Freedom, Taing recounts the Khmer Rouge’s rise to power in 1975 and her family’s efforts to escape and in search for freedom. Throughout the book, Taing shares with readers the lessons she’s drawn from her difficult past, including love from her parents and the importance of teamwork, self esteem, and resiliency.
Readers of all ages will undoubtedly be inspired by the author’s story, but more importantly, the author hopes her book will help those who have suffered traumatic events in their lives to have hope for a better tomorrow. “The book is part of my own healing process, and I also see it as a way to share what I’ve learned about coping with hardship,” says Ms. Taing.
Indeed, advance copies have received high praise from readers.
“Ms. Taing’s book makes me reflect on the struggles I have gone through, which pale in comparison, and yet provides a compass for anyone who feels a sense of loss and hopelessness due to a challenging life experience,” according to reader Richard Epsteen.
Steve Carr says of Journey to Freedom, “Hoang’s story draws you in and carries you along. Her reflections on the skills that spelled survival for her and members of her family are important, yet each of us can draw from her story and decide what we might have done.”
“The obstacles Taing describes are jaw-dropping. There is no doubt that the metamorphosis of a shy girl growing up in the bondage of communist Cambodia to an internationally revered philanthropist and peace advocate is a story that will inspire many for generations to come,” said reader Scott Figatner.
About the Author
Hoang Taing is an internationally recognized activist, poet, peace maker and motivational speaker. After immigrating to the United States as a child with little knowledge of English, she ranked 3rd in her high school class, and went on to graduate from University of San Diego and The American University’s School of International Service. She has also studied abroad in Oxford, England and studied French in Paris, France. Ms. Taing has been traveling to over thirty countries in all seven continents and now she is devoting her time to help others in dealing with tragedy and loss through public speeches and personal coaching.