Weeks before a planned return to Vietnam, Diana Dudzik’s life, work and marriage careened out of control. “It’s cancer.” The call left Diana asking, will I live? Will I work again? Will I ever get back to Vietnam?
Mountains Beyond Mountains is an international educator’s story of professional growth, cross-cultural understanding and the losses that come with cancer. Most importantly, it is a story of love—the partnering love of a good man; the extravagant love of a good God; the nurturing love of family, friends and colleagues; and an enduring love for Vietnam.
My Story
Vietnam
A love letter to Vietnam, this memoir describes some of the sights, sounds, tastes and experiences of living and working in this amazing Southeast Asian country
Cancer
As my hospice-nurse friend says, “there’s cancer and then there’s CANCER. You had CANCER.” How did I survive? What did I do? Why did I live?
What people are saying about the book:
Meaningful Work
As an international English teacher educator and curriculum consultant, I’ve worked with major universities and the Ministry of Education of Vietnam “for the good of Vietnam’s teachers and learners”.
Mountains Beyond Mountains is an inspiring account of one woman’s triumph against great odds—breast cancer. This is a glimpse of how all our resources—the physical and the spiritual— can be…part of every intelligent, scientific treatment plan.”
Larry Dossey, MD; Author, ONE MIND: How Our Individual Mind Is Part of a Greater Consciousness and Why It Matters
“Diana Dudzik’s brave memoir sweeps from the dark, scary days of cancer to the thrill of meaningful cross-cultural work. Ultimately, this is a love story that will inspire readers to pay…attention to our bodies, our spirits, and our relationships.”
Rachel Pieh Jones, author of Stronger than Death: How Annalena Tonelli Defied Terror and Tuberculosis in the Horn of Africa.
After reading, you will understand Diana’s dedication, “To Vietnam with love.” This memoir also contributes to the consolidation of the 25 year development of good diplomatic relationships and trust between the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the United States (1995-2020).
Professor, Dr. Tran Van Nhung, former Vice Minister of Education, former General Secretary National Council of Professors, Vietnam.
“This book is about healing. As Dr. Dudzik’s oncologist and as a fellow cancer survivor, I found her beautiful memoir to be acutely personal. As a member of the baby boom generation, with the Vietnam War forever seared into my memory, I find her story to represent healing of the deep wounds our two countries suffered.”
Dr. Candy Abramson Corey, Oncologist. Repeatedly voted among Minnesota’s Best Oncologists by MPLS/ST. Paul Magazine.
“Congratulations to Diana Dudzik, an ‘Uncle Ho’ fighter against cancer and to her wonderful husband Jerry on the publication of this moving memoir. Uncle Ho said there were three enemies: Giặc dốt, giặc đói và giặc ngoại xâm—ignorance, hunger and invaders. Cancer is a powerful invader. I believe Diana’s dramatic victory over illness is due to love: Her love for people and her work, and the love of her husband, her family and her colleagues and friends in Vietnam.”
Dr. Phan Văn Hòa, President Vietnam-American Friendship Association.
“This is not just a memoir, but a testament to a long-lasting commitment to and love for Vietnam, for family and for life…I’m so grateful for this story of inspiration and humility.”
Dr. Martha Bigelow, University of Minnesota, Co-author, Critical Reflections on Research Methods
GET THE BOOK
MOUNTAINS BEYOND MOUNTAINS is available in Vietnam for a donation to teacher development and cancer patient expenses through:
VietTESOL Professional Association
Ms. Nguyễn Thị Lan Hường, lanhuongnckh@gmail.com
Tea Talk Vietnam
Mr. Michael Ong, michael@teatalkvietnam.com
Hue University College of Foreign Languages Resource Center
Ms. Cao Thi Xuan Lien, ctxlien@hueuni.edu.vn
In the US
For US contact@dianadudzik.com
About the Vietnamese Translation
The translation by Mr. Le Thanh Dzung, who first suggested that she should write this memoir about cancer, enhances Diana’s memoir and faithfully renders it to readers. The harmonious connection between author and translator is evident.”
Professor, Dr. Trần Văn Nhung, former Vice-Minister of Education of Vietnam.
“The translation is excellent. The translator, a man of great heart, understands Diana’s story, her work and what she has suffered in life.“
Dr. Phan Văn Hòa, former president, University of Foreign Language Studies, The University of DaNang. President of Vietnam-America Friendship Association.
Diana Dudzik 