Reading Between the Words
Reading Between the Words
Hear the inspiration behind each book as authors share why they wrote it, what they hope readers take away, and the personal stories that bring their words to life.
LS Kirkpatrick

Surviving the Killing Fields: Sara Im's Journey of Resilience and Hope

S1 E33 • Jul 9, 2025 • 49 mins

Sara Im shares her harrowing experiences during the Cambodian genocide and the inspiration behind her book. She recounts life before and after the communist regime, her evacuation, and concentration camp struggles. Sara discusses her escape plan, challenges faced, and reuniting with family post-war. She reflects on immigrating to the U.S. and crossing the Thai border. The conversation emphasizes global awareness, the healing power of writing, and hopeful narratives in her anthology. The episode concludes with the value of sharing personal stories, her book's availability, speaking engagements, and contact information.

Key Points

  • Sara Im's journey of surviving the Cambodian Killing Fields is a testament to the power of resilience, hope, and the human spirit.
  • Her escape from the concentration camp, despite the immense risks, underscores the lengths one will go to reunite with family and find freedom.
  • Sharing personal stories, like Sara's, can provide profound healing for both the storyteller and the audience, offering hope and perspective in the face of adversity.
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