American Dreamer is an inspirational, first-hand account of the motivating power of an immigrant's dream for a better life. From the rural Vietnam of Tim Tran's childhood to his eventual escape to America and his rise as CFO of a multi-billion-dollar company, Tran's memoir is a lesson in perseverance and ingenuity. After he initially left Vietnam in 1970 to attend American universities on a USAID scholarship, Tran's sense of commitment led him home shortly before the fall of Saigon in 1975. Suspected of being a CIA agent, he found life under Communism increasingly difficult and dangerous, and was forced to flee. During multiple attempts to escape, he encountered deceit, betrayal, and even murder. Finally, in 1979 Tran and his wife, Cathy, escaped with 350 others in a rickety, overcrowded boat, and faced pirate attacks and months in a Malaysian refugee camp before reaching their new home in Oregon. American Dreamer , written with passion, unflinching candor, and wit, is an extraordinary debut that confirms the American dream is alive and gives hope to anyone willing to work for a better life. "[A]an inspiring story of personal triumph. [...] Tran's book--written with Fields-Meyer--delivers an astute synopsis of a chaotic period in Vietnamese history and an intelligent commentary on the perspectives of Americans during that time. A candidly moving and historically thoughtful account". - Kirkus Reviews "This harrowing autobiography is inseparable from the war that engulfed Vietnam and scorched America's psyche. [...] Written in brief, easily readable chapters, this is a remarkable story of courage, determination and gratitude--one highly recommended for readers seeking an understanding of the risks refugees take to find freedom." - Blue Ink Review (Starred Review) "[S]hould be required reading for anyone interested in immigrant stories of struggle, survival, and rebirth. [...] Besides being a story of personal perseverance, Tran's is a tale of that adoption process and how America's promises ultimately came true for him, imparting a value system based on hard work, achievement, and grasping opportunity. [...] American Dreamer stands out for its sense of purpose, achievement, and ability to capture the promise and opportunities America represents." - D. Donovan, Midwest Book Review "My goal in life is to make a humble contribution to the society that accepted and helped me when I was a person without a country." -- TimTran "Oregon history is rich with stories of courageous individuals who overcame tremendous odds. Few stories are more compelling and inspirational, however, than that of Tim Tran. In American Dreamer , Tim shares the remarkable journey that brought him from communist Vietnam to personal and professional success in Oregon. It should be required reading for anyone who doubts that the American dream is alive and well." --Kerry Tymchuk Executive Director, Oregon Historical Society "An exceptional memoir. America Dreamer reminds us why the United States is a beacon of hope around the globe. Tim Tran's book stirs the heart and reminds us of the sacrifices others make to become Americans. The rest of us would do well to sacrifice far less to help preserve the nation that has been so good to us." --Les AuCoin, Former US Congressman, author of Catch and Release: An Oregon Life in Politics Tim Tran (Tran Manh Khiem) emigrated to America as a penniless refugee and quickly became a successful businessman and ultimately a university benefactor. In 1970, Tim (Khiem) and his future wife Cathy (Thuy) were top international students from South Vietnam who were awarded scholarships to study in the United States. They studied for two years at Pacific University in Oregon, after which Tim pursued his undergraduate degree at the University of California, Berkeley, and Cathy finished her degree at the University of Oregon. Per the conditions of their scholarships, the two returned to South Vietnam in 1974. When Saigon was overrun by communist forces in 1975, the family endured great hardships. In 1979, Tim and Cathy managed to escape via boat and eventually were able to immigrate to the United States. Tim went on to become the Chief Financial Officer of Johnstone Supply, and Cathy worked for U.S. Bank, then Standard Insurance, and became an accounting manager. In 2017, the Trans established a Library Endowment Fund at Pacific University. In honor of their gift, the library building on the Pacific University Forest Grove campus was dedicated as the Tim and Cathy Tran Library.