The way James writes about the importance of recording his father's story, and remembering history's horrors as well in the preface, shows his passion for speaking up about this history. He is moving when he describes how it hurts our ancestors when we forget and neglect to remember.
The beginning of Red Thunder had me instantly engaged from the first mention of Apollo 11. The clues to the beginning of Cambodia's Civil War and Genocide are implemented cleanly alongside his early life. For example, when Mae is getting a ride back to Poipet and he encounters trenches obstructing the road, it's an eerie sign that the "freedom fighters" are getting closer to Mae's home.
The beginning of Red Thunder had me instantly engaged from the first mention of Apollo 11. The clues to the beginning of Cambodia's Civil War and Genocide are implemented cleanly alongside his early life. For example, when Mae is getting a ride back to Poipet and he encounters trenches obstructing the road, it's an eerie sign that the "freedom fighters" are getting closer to Mae's home.