“The world is a book and those who stay at home only read one page.” This statement made by St. Augustine isn’t the only one encouraging the idea of travel. Take a peak at a book entitled, “The House on Dream Street” and you’ll not only read a well-written memoir but you’ll experience a journey.

Dana Sachs is the local author of “The House on Dream Street: Memoir of an American Woman in Vietnam.” Sachs, a graduate of UNCW MFA program in creative writing, is also a part-time lecturer in the English department. In an interview, Sachs talks about why she chose to experience Vietnam. “I had always wanted to travel, live in another place and immerse myself in a different language, a different culture.”

She comments both in the book and in person that she chose Vietnam because it wasn’t a normal travel destination. Vietnam was thought of as a place of war, not a place to visit. But when the war ended and travel visas for issued she jumped at the chance to embark on such a journey. “I felt like I was discovering something new. For me, that is exactly what it was, a process of discovery.”

When asked about how she felt living in such a different culture, she simply explains, “I had more in common with the people there than not. Many times, especially with trying to help the women in the kitchen, we would mime to communicate. Women there are essentially the same as women here. I learned that we are culturally different but fundamentally the same.”

Sachs continues to talk about how important it is for people to travel. “I think people should travel as much as they can, as soon as they can. Travel can be one of the best ways you can educate yourself about the world. I can’t think of anything better than the transformation that happens when people travel, and begin to get a sense of the world in all its vastness and diversity. Through travel we begin to make connections with other people that we couldn’t make if we didn’t travel. I believe, ultimately, that by traveling we are more likely to see our common humanity with the rest of the world, and that people who travel may be less inclined to support war. It’s harder to go to war with people that we see as very similar to ourselves. So, for me, travel is a great instrument for promoting peace.”

This book is the first selection for the New Hanover County’s “One book, One Community” program. Liza Palmer, Public Services Librarian at William Madison Randall Library comments through an email interview on her involvement with this program. “The OBOC project is a great opportunity to come together with your fellow community members to celebrate and share a common accomplishment – reading “The House on Dream Street.” It’s neat to attend these events and know that everyone in the room has read or is reading the same book – conversations flow easily and friendships are born. So in a small but significant way, this project helps to build community.”

Palmer comments with her own thoughts of the book. “‘The House on Dream Street’ is lyrical yet bold at the same time – you cannot help but admire Dana’s moxie throughout as she completely immerses herself in a different country and culture (which are not so different ultimately, as the book reveals). It’s a rare book in that it reflects a lifelong passion, and not merely a passing fancy that lasts long enough to enable the writer to produce a written work – Dana’s passion is Vietnam, and this passion permeates the entirety of her work. She continues to explore issues surrounding Vietnam and its culture – I can’t think of a more committed ambassador and advocate for Vietnam. Her love for the country is affecting, and easily transmitted to her readers.”

UNCW Professor Dr. Paula Kamenish recommended this book in one of her classes and in an interview. Dr. Kamenish comments, “The main thing I liked about this book is that it not only invites you to take a trip but to take a trip as the author.” She continues with, “This book really inspires me, it creates a gentle tone that again allowed me to travel with this person, in this person.” Kamenish is on the One Book, One Community committee and headed up the Read-a-thon that occurred last week.

Events through the OBOC program will continue through the end of February. On Monday, Jan. 31, Dana Sachs will be the featured author at 5:30 p.m. This event is sponsored by WHQR / Star News Book Club and will be held at 254 N. Front St.

On Wednesday, Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m., there will be a Screening of Vietnamese film (to be announced), featuring a lecture and discussion by Dr. Sue Richardson of the UNCW English department. This event is free, sponsored by UNCW Department of Film Studies and located in King Hall Auditorium.

Dana Sachs will then lead a discussion in the Learning Resource Center at CFCC Tuesday, Feb. 8, 10-11:30 a.m. Admission is free and refreshments will be provided.

Wednesday, Feb. 9, 7 p.m., a film screening (to be announced) will be held at Randall Library Auditorium, featuring a lecture and discussion by Dr. Tim Palmer of the UNCW Film Studies Department. This is part of the UNCW Office of International Programs’ Intercultural Week. There is no charge for admission and refreshments will be provided.

On Wednesday, Feb. 16, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Dana Sachs will be signing books at the UNCW Bookstore. Book sales. Free admission.

Wednesday, Feb. 23, 10 a.m., a book club event with Dana Sachs will be held at Northeast Regional Library. Refreshments will be provided and admission is free. Book sales.

Sunday, Feb. 27, 2 p.m., “Wilma! Magazine” Book Club will hold a discussion of “The House on Dream Street” at Bristol Books. No charge for admission.

So while reading about Saigon tea and “rice pancakes wrapped in grilled pork,” the urge may come to try some Vietnamese food for yourself. “The Viet Bistro” is right next door to the UNCW campus in Marketplace Mall, with authentic Vietnamese cuisine. So immerse yourself in the text and join the community on a journey through this cultural experience as Sachs revels a lost beauty of a country begging to be explored.