"By the end of the book, the overwhelming feeling is one of awe."

The Son in My Eyes  Mai Spencer with Dixie Philips

Reviewed by Graphoniac

ISBN: 10-1-935265-66-0
Deep River Books, ©2011
$11.24 @ Amazon.com

Overall Grade: A
Compelling first-hand stories, minor flow concerns

The Son in My Eyes is the auto biography of Mai Spencer, a Vietnamese lady who has seen the hand of God working through even the most dire of circumstances. As a child, she lost family members to war and sickness, and nearly lost her own life when Agent Orange was sprayed over the jungle--and over her!--to destroy the broad leaf plants near her village. She endured beatings, railings, rejection, raids, poverty, abandonment, and so many more unspeakable things. In her autobiography, her reflection on her life, she sees those events not in a bitter light, but in the light of grace.

After having married an American and moving to the States, Mrs. Spencer became a Christian. She left all her Buddhist traditions. She began following God with her sensitive spirit, and ultimately started a ministry in Vietnam, investing in lives and making a difference one child at a time. The Son in My Eyes tells, first hand, how God used each of the difficulties in her life to prepare her for this ministry.

The writing is clean and easy to read, though it takes a little getting used to Mrs. Spencer's gut-level honesty. She doesn't sugar-coat anything: this is a tough, tough read. I admire her transparency, telling her painful story with such openness had to have been hard. Through that transparency, you can't help but see her amazing heart. Towards the end of the book, Mrs. Spencer notes that while some come to Christ immediately, others, like herself, come to Him "inch by inch." She goes on to explain that God doesn't waste trials, but rather uses them later in life to bless others. And that's where she's at now: blessing others.

If you're a stickler for writing style, you may notice a few rough spots where flow is iffy at best. Sometimes it's hard to see the relevance of what she's telling us, and sometimes it's just hard to keep up with the story. After a little while you adjust, though, and it feels like you're sitting in this sweet lady's front room while she shares the stories that come to mind.

By the end of the book, the overwhelming feeling is one of awe. How God can take such horrible, terrible experiences and use them for good... well, I won't spoil it: go read it for yourself.

Pros:

• The hard-to-read stories are tempered with knowledge of God's grace, and often scriptures.
• It's clear that the author is not bitter, and wishes to share her story of God's protection through very, very difficult times.
• The author is courageously honest, sharing good and bad alike.
• Even with the story-telling style, the grammar is correct and easy to understand.
  

Cons:

• A little rambly, at times hard to follow, unpolished story-telling style
• Intense situations, told rather matter-of-factly, may be hard to read for some, especially if they come from abusive families.

This product was provided free of charge to Graphoniac for review. All opinions are my own.

"I cannot begin to tell my readers how wonderful this book is"

The Son in My Eyes

Reviewed by Sarah at Growing for Christ

By Mai Spencer with Dixie Phillips

ISBN: 978-1935265665
Deep River Books
2011
$14.99

About the Book: 

(from Deep River Books)

Raised a poor, young, Buddhist girl during the time of the Vietnam War, Mai Spencer nearly lost her life after being exposed to Agent Orange. Overcoming tremendous obstacles, and surviving the effects of the war, she found a sense of security in her new husband and life in America. It wasn’t until after three of her four children died prematurely, Mai turned from the false god of her childhood and cried out to Jesus, the Son of the Living God.

The Son In My Eyes – Seeing the Light Of Jesus In Vietnam, is a dramatic testimony of forgiveness and hope, and tells how God made Mai into a woman of destiny when He called her to return to Vietnam and build a church there.

My Opinion:

I had no idea what to expect when I first began this book, I mean I knew it was about a woman who was born and raised a Buddhist in Vietnam but beyond that I really didn’t know.  I cannot begin to tell my readers how wonderful this book is – even though you’ll read about the horrible things that happened to Mai as she grew up, you’ll see the wonderful woman that becomes one of God’s own children who is loved and protected even before she knew Him.

There were times that Mai should have been in a place where she would have been killed but God’s providence protected her – she didn’t know God but she knows now looking back that God indeed did protect her even while she was a Buddhist for His purposes.  She has sprinkled Scripture that means something to her or backed up what she was going through at a time in her life, even adding in Scripture that she later learned was applicable to her early life.

God can call even the hardest of hearts to Him even if at the time, that heart doesn’t recognize His sovereignty.  I have experienced this to in my life that God protected me even when I turned my back and hardened my heart toward Him, he kept me from things that would have all but ruined my life.  Travel with Mai from the time in Vietnam as she lives life with her dysfunctional family and on to her time in America with her husband and her children to being a successful business woman that begins church planting in her home country.

I have to say I loved this book even the pages that made me want to cry at her losses and the way she was treated as a child, this book was moving and so inspirational.  I will say the use of the word spanking was used interchangeably with beatings – that is the only thing I had an issue with – in that spankings aren’t the same as beating and abuse.  However, that being my only disagreement with this book, I wouldn’t let that deter me from reading it as I loved seeing how God was working in Mai’s life before she ever came to a Saving Faith in the True Savior.

Also Available on Nook and Kindle

**To read more reviews like this one, go to: Tell Us the Truth Reviews
**I was given a copy of this book from Bring It On! Communications in exchange for my honest review, no other compensation was given.

"Once I read the first couple pages I was hooked! Mai Spencer touched my heart."

The Son in My Eyes – Seeing the Light of Jesus in Vietnam

Author: Mai Spencer with Dixie Phillips

Review by Jennifer at Heavenly Mommy

I must admit, when I first read the title and realized it was a Vietnam story, I didn’t think I was going to like the book. Once I read the first couple pages though, I was hooked!

Mai Spencer touched my heart as I read page after page of her life growing up as a poor Buddhist girl in Vietnam. She nearly lost her life as a young girl when she was exposed to Agent Orange. But that was only the beginning. Spencer was faced with many more obstacles that she was able to overcome over the years.

She ended up finding true love when she met her American husband and moved to the United States with him. The tragedies kept coming though. Three out of her four children died prematurely and that’s what began to lead her to a life with Jesus. Even though Mai was raised in a Buddhist home, she knew that false god wasn’t who was protecting her. Spencer began to cry out to Jesus and she was saved!

Spencer’s love for God was so strong, she even gave up her successful business to return to Vietnam and build a church there. Her and her husband, Dennis, plan to spend the rest of their lives changing the hearts of the Vietnam people to follow Jesus. They are also the founders of Jesus in Vietnam Ministries. You can visit them here.

Mai Spencer demonstrates forgiveness and hope. She is such an inspiration to me and hopefully she will be for you as well.

Buy It!

If you’re ready for your life to be changed, The Son in My Eyes is available for $14.99 at Deep River Books by clicking here.

It is also available on Amazon at a more competitive price by clicking here.

Win It!

Editor's note: Jennifer feels so strongly that this book should be shared, she is giving away a copy of "The Son in My Eyes" over at her Heavenly Mommy blog. Stop by before Sept. 9 at 9pm PST to enter. Thanks Jennifer!

*I received a free copy of this book from Bring it On! Communications for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review in any way. All opinions are my own.

"After reading this book, I am in awe of the work that this couple has done to better the lives of others"

“The Son in My Eyes” Book Review

Review by Judy at What I Live For

Mai Spencer grew up witnessing the horrors of the Vietnam War first hand as she struggled to avoid the Viet Cong, gather enough food for her family and care for all of the younger children in her family. She knew nothing but extreme poverty until she moved away from home and eventually met Dennis, an American who fell in love with her and brought Mai and her daughter to America where they became a family.

Though Mai had grown up Buddhist, she found little comfort after the deaths of her son as a teenager and of her daughter just a few years later. Eventually, Mai and Dennis were led to Christianity where they changed their lives and through great sacrifice have sought to bring Christianity to her people in Vietnam.

As soon as I started reading this book, I honestly struggled with how extremely religious and “preachy” it felt. I chose to read The Son in My Eyes because of the opportunity to learn about Vietnam and the culture there, knowing before-hand that it would be somewhat religious because it talks about Mai’s conversion to Christianity. It was just too religious for me and I ended up skipping sections that frustrated me in this manner.

All of that aside, the stories that Mai tells of her years growing up were fascinating and horrifying. It is incredible that Mai and Dennis, through their great faith and diligence, were able to build a Christian church in a country that was so opposed to anything of the sort as well as help so many Vietnamese people who were struggling financially. After reading this book, I am in awe of the work that this couple has done to better the lives of others and appreciate the opportunity to read their story.

The Son in My Eyes is written by Mai Spencer and is published by Deep River Books, ISBN 978-1935265665. For more information visit www.DeepRiverBooks.com.

This book was provided to me by Bring It On Communications for free in exchange for my open and honest review. All opinions stated herein are mine. To read more reviews like this one, go to Tell Us The Truth Reviews!

"I ended up wanting to take my time and soak and savor the messages God was speaking to me through Mai’s writings."

The Son In My Eyes: Seeing the Light Of Jesus In Vietnam
Review by Andie of Ours + His + Mine = Nine


Mai Spencer with Dixie Phillips
978-1935265665
Deep River Books
2011
$14.99

The Son in My Eyes is first and foremost a beautifully inspirational testimony of Mai Spencer’s life. I was captivated from the start by her recollections of her childhood growing up as a young Buddhist girl in Vietnam. My heart was spoken to and encouraged as the author wove the memories of her rather dramatic life into the pages of this book; stories of her poverty and struggle to provide for extended family, surviving Agent Orange exposure, the loss of children and more all unfold between its covers, yet even the tragedies can’t keep her from sharing peace, hope and the promises of God.

I loved the way scripture is fluidly included. I started out with the intention of reading this book from cover to cover in just a day or two. Instead, I ended up wanting to take my time and soak and savor the messages God was speaking to me through Mai’s writings. This book brought a sort of reawakening to my heart of the passion I once had for missions. I would be happy to read more from this author as the book truly touched me. I believe this book is a good example of “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Coming from someone who grew up reading fiction and humor, especially science fiction or westerns this would not have been the first book I pulled from the shelf due to its peaceful, quiet beauty. Even so, The Son in My Eyes did not disappoint.

I think the back cover sums it up well when it calls this book “an amazing testimony of tragedy and loss…[which] speaks to the broken-hearted and brings hope to the hopeless...”

I recommend this book be added to your nightstand, or at least your wish list. I pray it touches your heart and leaves an impression just as it has my own.

 

"The Son in My Eyes" is available through Amazon.com and Deep River Books.

I received a complementary copy of this book to read for the review from Bring It On! Communications. All opinions are completely my own.

"This book is a clear inspiration for everyone" - says Jayda, a blogger who read The Son in My Eyes.

Review done by Jayda

This summer along with trying to keep my 2 and 4 yr old entertained I have been making sure I am finding time for myself to do what I love.  Reading!!  Recently I was given the chance to read the bookThe Son in My Eyes: Seeing the Light of Jesus in Vietnam.  If you have looked over the books that I have read so far in the 50 book pledge you will clearly see there is an array of books that I read.  However, this is the first time I have read a Christian book.

I am always looking for great books to read and many times I find if you do not open yourself up to all types you might miss out on something fabulous .  This book I have to say is one of those books.  I am sure I am not alone with having heard stories about the Vietnam war, but it was always from the point of view of someone in the western hemisphere.  The Son In My Eyes allows you to understand what life was like for a Vietnamese girl growing up and her journey through life.

This book is told in the words of Mai Spencer with Dixie Philips and takes you through her journey of life and how her life started as a Vietnamese girl who grew up worshipping Buddha as she followed her family traditions and then showing how Christ had always been a part of her life and how she changed once she realized this.

This book is a clear inspiration for everyone.  There is no question at all that Mai was blessed with many things in her life.  Even with all of the hardships and loss that she has had to deal with it is refreshing to see how her point of view is.  For many of us we will probably not go through much of what she has in her life.  However, it does not mean that the road is any easier.  Though this book helps you realize that no matter the road you will always be able to see the light and it truly gives us all hope!

You can purchase this book at Deep River Books for only $14.99. This has been one of my top books I have read this summer and I definitely recommend getting a copy.

Disclosure: I received no monetary compensation for this post. I did receive the book for review purposes.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine.

After reading Mai's story, I have found I have so much more to learn...

Review done by Mrs. Mandy

We are told to pray without ceasing, specifically “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everythinggive thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), I thought this was something everyone strived for, I thought I was someone who did this. After reading The Son In My Eyes by Mai Spencer I have found I have so much more to learn.

I was first introduced to Mai’s story as a poor Buddhist girl in Vietnam, her life there during the Vietnam war, and subsequent life in America as the wife of a U.S. soldier as just another book review. My father had served as part of the 101st Airborne in Vietnam during the height of the war and it is a time and place which has so profoundly affected his life that I had wanted to read Mai’s story to try and understand a little of what he had seen during this time. You see my father never speaks of Vietnam. Sure he will make flippant remarks here and there but it is never any real story, you never hear about the real people. The ones like Mai, that had to live in the middle, that suffered before and after the war because of their own country’s policies.

Mai recounts with amazing memory her years as a young Vietnamese girl and the things she had to do to survive. After she meets and leaves Vietnam with Dennis Spencer her American husband, she feels called to help her native people. She endures trial after trial and eventually answers God’s call which she has been hearing all her life but never knew it.

This a heartbreaking, yet poignant tale of how we as humans can endure so much yet God never is far from us whether we know him or not. Mai has had it all and gave it all away to follow her Lord, she has lost 3 children but has worked tirelessly for all children in Vietnam. Throughout her story, Mai uses scripture to point us to God’s goodness in her life. Even before she knew him she has recognized his love and has passed that onto others by introducing them to Christ and by being a step on their journey to know the Lord.

As Mai’s tale takes us back to Vietnam where God first touched her heart, we see he is using her to do his good works there. As founder with her husband Dennis of Jesus In Vietnam Ministries, Mai works tirelessly for her Savior and the heart of Vietnam.

I really enjoyed this book, it broke my heart to see all that this woman has endured but I rejoiced as she did with the blessings God has given her. I truly understand what it means to pray without ceasing and to rejoice in all things. Perhaps God’s mercies come with pain, tears, and suffering for without it we may miss his love.

You can find this book at Deep River Books, retail price is $14.99.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Bring It On! Communications for review purposes. I received no other compensation for this review. All opinions are my own.

"Mai's story is one of hope, love and forgiveness." - said this blogger about The Son in My Eyes

Review done by Sarah

Book: The Son In My Eyes , Seeing the Light of Jesus in Vietnam

Authors: Mai Spencer
               Dixie Phillips

The Son In My Eyes is an intriguing story of Mai, a young Buddhist girl who survived the Vietnam war. Mai shares the hardships and abuse she endured while helping to support her family at the young age of 8. She not only felt terrorized by the American government while dodging bombs in the jungle. But also by Vietnam's own militia, the Viet Cong, who were responsible for the deaths of two of her uncles. Mai had her own near death experience when she was directly exposed to Agent Orange. 

Mai's life changed when she married a young American solider named Dennis and moved to the United States. But sadly tragedy still followed her. It wasn't until one of her daughters was diagnosed with Cancer that Mai fell on her knees and prayed to Jesus for the first time. Almost immediately her life was transformed into something beautiful. It wasn't that the trials had left, but Mai began to see that placing her trust in Jesus could bring the peace that she had been longing for. Even though she didn't know the Lord as a young girl, Mai could see that Jesus had been with her for her entire life.

Shortly after Mai's conversion as a Christian, her husband Dennis committed his life to Christ. Mai never forgot her hometown of Binh Chau, and felt a deeper burden for her countrymen that they would also have the opportunity to know this wonderful Savior. Through a lot of hard work and prayers, and once again coming against obstacles from the government of Vietnam, Mai succeeded and built her church!

Mai's story is one of hope, love and forgiveness. When she knew she couldn't go on, she found a Savior with whom she could cast her burdens on. Mai's story is heartfelt and inspiring as she shares her testimony of how God teaches her to forgive her past and let go of bitterness. Her desire to reach others is very compelling. I was also impressed with her humility. She takes no credit for the things she has been able to accomplish through Jesus Christ, but she points to the one who gave her the ability. Although Mai doesn't give herself the credit, she is a Missionary for our Lord.

This book is really fast paced. Every page felt like a new adventure and I couldn't stop reading once I started. It seems surreal that one person could go through so much. But it is also exciting to know that no matter what walk of life we come from, Jesus is waiting for us all! I know you will be inspired by Mai's story, and will be encouraged to take that leap of faith for yourself. I highly recommend you read "The Son In My Eyes"!

You can get your own copy of Mai's book The Son In My Eyes at Deep River Books for $14.99.

*I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this novel.*

If you like to read inspiring true stories...this book is for you!

Review done by One Mommy

It’s no secret: I LOVE to read.  Even when I was little, I’d read the backs of cereal boxes, shampoo bottles, anything with words that I could get my hands on.

That being said, I never really did a lot of reading of what you might call Christian books, until recently.  After doing the book review for Lonely Girl, Gracious God, I was asked to review a couple more books.  I have to say I was pretty excited to get some new reading material in the mail just in time for some summer reading.

I chose The Son in My Eyes:  Seeing the Light of Jesus in Vietnam because part of the book takes place in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, and  it’s a topic that I am not as familiar with as I feel I should be,  so I was interested.

The Son in My Eyes is a 285 page true story written by Mai Spencer with help from Dixie Phillips.  The book details Mai’s life growing up in Vietnam during the war, worshipping Buddha just as generations of her family had, and how Christ slowly changed her heart and her life.

Growing up Mai faced numerous challenges due to poverty, abuse, and the war going on around her.  Many were unimaginable to me, living here in the United States at present time.  Her ability to overcome each obstacle was inspiring as I read her story.  Not only that, but I was able to get a glimpse of life in Vietnam, learning a little about their culture and beliefs.  For instance, when Mai was a girl women were not allowed back in the family home for a certain number of days after giving birth; it was thought that they were unclean.  I can’t imagine separating a mother from her family at that time, a time when a family should be celebrating and pulling together.

Being one of the oldest children in her family, Mai worked extremely hard to help support her family; she had no time to be a child.  After moving away from her family she met an American soldier, whom she later married.  She and Dennis eventually moved to the United States.  At that time she received a Bible written in Vietnamese.  Mai compared this to God planting a seed, which was “watered” over many years, leading her to choose Christ as her savior.

Mai’s life in America was still faced with hardships; she had three children die in the course of the book.  She never blamed these tragedies on God, as so many people are tempted to do.  Even more inspiring, to me, was that she was actually thankful that God had brought her home early from one of her visits to Vietnam so she was home when her son died.

My Thoughts

One thing I liked in the book was how Mai talked about the “little prayers” she would say and then how they were often answered.  I believe that God is always listening, and there is no prayer that is too big or too small.  Mai incorporates many Bible passages in her book. At times I felt like they overpowered her story a little, although I understood her desire to share God’s word.

Mai’s faith in the Lord is so strong that she gave up a successful business to create Jesus in Vietnam Ministries with her husband.

If you like to read inspiring true stories on how Christ has changed lives, this book is for you.  You can find it at Amazon for less than the list price of $14.99, or at Deep River Books.

*I received a free copy of this book from Bring It On! Communications for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated in any way for this review. All opinions are my own.

This book really highlights how truly blessed we are in the United States - on The Son in My Eyes

Review done by SimpleWyrdings

 The Son In My Eyes by Mai Spencer is a very interesting book. It started off a bit slow and picked up speed after the first few pages. It is the story of a girl who grew up in Vietnam during the war. She tells about her life there, her family, the culture, the poverty, and the religion.

She talks about many bad things that happened as she was growing up. The deaths of some of her family members, bombings, sickness, and government raids. She talks about mistakes she made as well. She definitely lived an interesting life. 

It prepared her in many ways for things to come later. She met and married an American man. She came to the United States; she lived here for many years. It wasn't all wine and roses here either. She went through the deaths of two of her children. She became a christian and decided she needed to help her family back in Vietnam to become Christians.

The book is basically the story of why and how she ended up building a Church and Vietnam. It is a very good story. I liked the parts about the culture and lifestyle of the people in Vietnam. It really highlights how truly blessed and even spoiled we are in the United States. The poorest people here are rich compared to what she describes in this book.

There are many scripture quotes in the book as well. The scriptures are well chosen and fit in with the story. It sometimes comes across as being preachy so if you really don't like preachy you might not like this book. Other than that I would recommend it to anyone. 

The Son In My Eyes by Mai Spenser
ISBN-978-1-935265-66-5
ISBN-10-1-935265-66-0
Published by Deep River Books in 2011
Buy it at Barnes and Noble : The Son In My Eyes

I received this book free for review. No other compensation was received.

"To read more reviews like this one, 
go to Tell Us The Truth Reviews!"

Regardless if you are a Christian or not, this book is an amazing glimpse into life during wartime in Vietnam.

Review done by Shari

I recently was given the opportunity to read the book: The Son in My Eyes.  It is written by Mai Spencer with Dixie Phillips, published by Deep River Books.  The ISBN # is: 978-1-9352265-66-5, and published in 2011.  It is currently selling at Amazon.com for $11.69

This book is the life of Mai Spencer, who started her life as a Buddhist girl in Vietnam, during the war.  You follow her life from the humble beginnings to growing up, meeting her husband, moving to the US, having children, and eventually her ministry as a missionary back in her home country of Vietnam.

Mai has had some serious tragedies in her life, and one such incident was when she lost a child.  She wrote how she believes that God could work this loss for good, and if you have never lost a child you can never fully understand how someone else feels when they lose a child.  How can you comfort them, or minister to their broken heart if you haven't been there.  This really touched my heart, as I feel the same way.  I had a miscarriage in 2005 and I remember thinking that while I didn't know why this happened, I knew God had a reason.  I just had to be open to whatever good he was going to bring out of it.  Well, since that time, there has been many times when miscarriages have come up in conversation, and when I mention that I had one, someone tells me they are either experiencing one, or recently did.  Sometimes someone remembers that I went through one, and will contact me about it.  I have been able to talk to so many hurting hearts because of what I went through.  It was a hard and heart-breaking experience, and one I still think about, but God truly works things for good.  If you are hurting you should read this book, she has a real heart for the heart-broken.

I did find that sometimes she was a little hard to follow as her time line jumped around a little with her train of thought.  Or when she added in the scripture that went with her story she was telling, she would explain what is happening in the scripture, then add the scripture in and then go back to her story.  I would get lost and have to go back to see where we were.  Now part of that is because with 3 boys running around my life is a little crazy and I can get distracted easily.  It wasn't a big problem, just sometimes I would get lost.  Sometimes I see in a book they will do a scripture at the beginning of a chapter, and then during the chapter the story will tie in, that might have helped eliminate the confusion.

I have seen alot of American versions of what happened in Vietnam during the war, but to hear it from someone who lived it, and lived through some harsh life experiences, I really was opened to what life was really like for the Vietnamese.  It also really made me think about how no matter what life throws at us, we need to really thank God for his provisions and know that he is in control, and will work it for good if we give him a chance.

The cover really does draw you into the book, and the back cover really tells you a good summary of what the book is about.

Raised a poor, young, Buddhist girl during the time of the Vietnam War, Mai Spencer nearly lost her life after being exposed to Agent Orange. Overcoming tremendous obstacles, and surviving the effects of the war, she found a sense of security in her new husband and life in America. It wasn't until after three of her four children died prematurely, Mai turned from the false god of her childhood and cried out to Jesus, the Son of the Living God. 

The Son In My Eyes - Seeing the Light Of Jesus In Vietnam, is a dramatic testimony of forgiveness and hope, and tells how God made Mai into a woman of destiny when He called her to return to Vietnam and build a church there.

If you are a Christian, you will rejoice in how God works in the life of a buddhist girl, and see how he is drawing her to himself. If you are not a Christian, you will still learn how to handle tragedies in your life, and learn what the life of the Vietnamese citizens were like during the war.

To read more reviews like this one, go to Tell Us The Truth Reviews!"

BUY IT: Go to Amazon and purchase this book!
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.  No compensation was given, and all opinions are my own.