Top 10 Bestselling Books by Author Nguyễn Nhật Ánh

Once Upon a Love Story continues with Nguyễn Nhật Ánh's characteristic simple, relatable prose, marked by gentle, concise sentences. It is the same world the author has always painted, drawing readers into his familiar realm. With a captivating voice, Nguyễn Nhật Ánh maintains his remarkable ability to charm millions of readers, even after over three decades of writing, with stories set in the familiar world of school days. Perhaps, after witnessing the complexities and chaotic urban life, or the deep, dark sides of human nature, reading Nguyễn Nhật Ánh's writing transports us back to the innocent, pure years of youth. As people reach a certain age, they may yearn for simplicity—the beauty of childhood memories, the clarity of thought untainted by life’s burdens, and the goodness that requires no repayment.

In contrast to his previous longer works, Once Upon a Love Story opens with a moment of recollection in Phúc's mind, triggered by a chance encounter with a young boy in an orchard. This love triangle in the schoolyard leads to the birth of a child named Su, a story retold with nostalgia by Phúc, Vinh, and Miền. Readers will not be left anticipating an unexpected twist or a disappointing ending, as it is revealed in the title itself: a love story that once existed but didn’t come to fruition, and now the characters are confronting the past. For an author like Nguyễn Nhật Ánh, who is over sixty, writing in an adult tone for older readers (since he revealed that this story is intended for those 16 and older) is much easier than adopting the perspective of a young teen, viewing everything through the eyes of a 14- or 15-year-old. However, this might have simplified the story, as the narrative, told from a contemporary perspective, makes the three main characters reminisce about moments that defined their youth: Phúc protecting his friend, Vinh’s unfulfilled love story, their first kiss, or a fateful encounter. The narrative is told logically, almost too methodically, and the characters seem to analyze everything to the point of dullness, lacking the raw emotions that are often associated with youth. The most monotonous pages probably belong to Phúc and Miền, as they express a love devoid of youthful passion, and the awkwardness they feel as reluctant victims of Cupid’s arrow, as well as the quiet sorrow of parting ways. The late-blooming love between Vinh and Miền feels underdeveloped, as if the author was in a rush to end the story before covering all the necessary ground.

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I See Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass is a novel for teenagers by author Nguyễn Nhật Ánh, first published in Vietnam on December 9, 2010, by Nhà xuất bản Trẻ, with illustrations by Đỗ Hoàng Tường. This is one of Nguyễn Nhật Ánh's longer works, released after 'The Dreamy Island' and before 'The Leaves in the Leaves.' The novel reads like a diary, revolving around the lives of children in a poor rural area of Vietnam, with prominent themes of sibling love, community spirit, and the thoughts of growing adolescents. According to Nguyễn Nhật Ánh, this is the first time he has included antagonistic characters in his work, addressing moral issues such as indifference and evil.

As one of the best-selling books in Vietnam in 2010, I See Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass was reprinted on the very first day of its release, with over 20,000 copies sold. It also marked the beginning of the practice of releasing multiple editions of a book in Vietnam, with both softcover and hardcover versions sold simultaneously. The novel was adapted into a film of the same name by director Victor Vũ, released in October 2015, which was a box office success and gained significant public attention. Due to the positive influence of the film, the novel became the best-selling book at the Hanoi Book Fair in 2015. As of October 2018, I See Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass had been reprinted 28 times, with a total of over 249,000 copies sold.

The story is told through the diary of Thiều, a seventh-grade student living in a poor rural area, along with his younger brother Tường. Tường is a sweet, gentle, and caring boy who loves his older brother and enjoys playing with various animals, including insects and snakes. He is introverted, loves reading books, and is particularly fascinated by fairy tales, especially the story of the 'Purple Toad,' which leads him to care for a toad under his bed named 'Cu Cậu.' On the other hand, Thiều is an extrovert, mischievous, and often inadvertently causes trouble for his brother with his playful antics. Though Thiều sometimes appears selfish, deep down he loves his brother and is generous at heart. The two brothers enjoy thrilling games and have many memorable childhood experiences in their rural village. The novel also explores the relationships between the brothers and the people in their village, including their family and schoolmates. Thiều's father is depicted as a cunning man who is well-liked in the village but frequently loses his temper and punishes the boys for various reasons, while their mother is more gentle but also scolds them when they misbehave.

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Gentle yet profound, captivating from start to finish, this novel brings laughter to children and deep reflection to adults. The experiences of joy and sorrow, the painful losses, the shattered dreams, and the bittersweet realizations linger, subtly hidden behind simple words and a narration that is innocent and naive. It can be said that this is the most adult book by author Nguyễn Nhật Ánh. No matter when you read it, it's perfect. Reading alone, laughing and crying by yourself, and after finishing, anyone can say: I Am Beto.

I Am Beto weaves together a series of stories told through the perspective of “a dog named Beto.” The tale revolves around Beto’s life, with his owner Ni, his friends Binô, Laica, and the elderly Hiếng, who are also his companions. I Am Beto uses dialogues, everyday situations, and simple behavior to convey valuable messages not only for children: messages about friendship and the relationships with family members.

Book purchase link: tiki.vn/toi-la-beto-p10383904.html

Sitting and Crying on a Tree is a young adult novel by author Nguyễn Nhật Ánh, first published in Vietnam on June 27, 2013, by Nhà xuất bản Trẻ, with illustrations by Đỗ Hoàng Tường. It is one of Nguyễn Nhật Ánh’s later works, following Two Cats Sitting by the Window and preceding Wishing You a Good Day. The story revolves around the pure, innocent love between Đông, a young university student, and a 14-year-old girl named 'Rùa.' The novel delves into the deep thoughts and emotional struggles of adolescence, set against a backdrop of childhood memories filled with nature and rural life, evoking the spirit of the countryside and the close-knit ties of a village community. The story is mostly set in a village in Quảng Nam, the hometown of the author.

Unlike many of Nguyễn Nhật Ánh's earlier works, Sitting and Crying on a Tree introduces several tragic and difficult situations to challenge the characters, helping them mature emotionally over time. The book was one of the best-selling Vietnamese books of 2013, according to online bookstores, and was featured in Nhà xuất bản Trẻ's Bestsellers Collection. It was considered a publishing phenomenon, with over 20,000 copies printed for its first edition and reprinted before its official release. The novel is being adapted into a film by Velo Entertainment, set to be released in 2019.

The story begins in Đo Đo, a small village in Bình Quế, Thăng Bình district, Quảng Nam province. Đông is an 18-year-old university student who returns to his village for the summer break. He left the village with his family when he was eight, but had a carefree childhood filled with spinning tops, kite flying, and other simple games in his hometown. Now, he is looking to reconnect with the beautiful memories of his past. Đông's cousin, Thục, invites him to the Kế Xuyên market, where he unexpectedly meets Rùa, a girl with a difficult life story. Her father passed away early, her mother abandoned her, and she has been battling a serious illness for four years. Despite being 14, Rùa is still in grade 5. The name 'Rùa' was given to her by the village children, mocking her inability to ride a bike. It soon became her nickname. Đông only truly notices Rùa when she hides outside his door watching him read a book the following day, and a beautiful friendship begins to blossom between them.

Book purchase link: tiki.vn/ngoi-khoc-tren-cay-truyen-dai-nguyen-nhat-anh-tang-kem-postcard-greenlife-p34845615.html

Nguyễn Nhật Ánh wrote the novel The Girl from Yesterday in 1988 (published in 1989). This was the second work by the author focused on adolescence, following the novel Still Something to Remember. Thirty years after its release, the book preserves the pure memories of school life, which have since faded over time.

The novel tells the story of a school romance between Anh Thư, a unique and rebellious student, and her classmate Việt An. When the charming girl from the city transfers to their rural high school, Thư, the dreamy romantic, falls head over heels for her. Their love blossoms like the morning sun. Thư pursues the new girl passionately, yet still holds on to childhood memories of his friendship with Tiểu Li. The Girl from Yesterday was published a year after Still Something to Remember, at a time when Nguyễn Nhật Ánh was turning 30. As the author himself says, “It means I haven't strayed too far from my twenties.” The writer doesn't have the youthful appearance of someone like Miu Lê (the 26-year-old actress who convincingly played a high school student), but when you talk to him, you immediately sense a purity that radiates from his voice, demeanor, thoughts, and attitude. He is a writer who can connect with anyone.

Many readers love his writing so much that they become critical of the film adaptation of the same name, arguing that Ngô Kiến Huy or Miu Lê do not fit their idea of the characters. However, others, who cherish the author’s works, are more open to the film, allowing the characters and the beautiful music in it to transport them to distant, imagined realms.

Book purchase link: shopee.vn/Sách-Cô-Gái-Đến-Từ-Hôm-Qua-i.90428978.2151067330

The book Two Cats Sitting by the Window is not thick, but its story is charming and captivating, enhanced by romantic poems that tug at the heartstrings. When read aloud, it can also bring out a few chuckles. The story revolves around the main characters: Gấu, a love-struck cat, Tí Hon, a small mouse with a limp who is Gấu's best friend, Áo Hoa, the cat Gấu has a one-sided love for, and Út Hoa, Tí Hon's mouse companion. This tale leaves a lasting impression on readers, telling a sweet and endearing story of friendship and love between cats, mice, and even between cats and mice. The simple yet profound sentences sound like the playful chatter of childhood, and the short, modest poems make a significant impact. The unique friendship between Gấu and Tí Hon teaches us the importance of living with more compassion, making sacrifices for others, and understanding and empathizing with those around us. The story's conclusion, though a bit sad, is full of emotion – both humorous and deep, leaving behind many valuable lessons.

The plot follows the friendship between Gấu, a cat who dislikes catching mice and prefers composing poetry, and Tí Hon, a little mouse who enjoys drawing. Gấu provides food for the mice to prevent them from damaging the household items, while the mice learn bird songs so the humans won't realize there are mice and will allow Gấu to stay. Thanks to Gấu’s poems, Tí Hon wins the heart of Út Hoa, the mouse he admires. Similarly, Tí Hon's drawings help Gấu's beloved Áo Hoa, a calico cat, to find her way to him, but unfortunately, she is accompanied by another cat.

Book purchase link: tiki.vn/co-hai-con-meo-ngoi-ben-cua-so-p347334.html

Walking Through Chrysanthemums is like a slow-motion film that takes us back to a time of youthful innocence, where the first stirrings of love were pure and beautiful, albeit naïve. However, not all love stories have a happy ending, and Walking Through Chrysanthemums depicts the intense sorrow of a naive love that never fully blooms.

The story of Trường’s unrequited love for chị Ngà unfolds like the saying, "Following love, love follows." Trường, a young boy, gives his heart and every ounce of affection to chị Ngà, but she loves someone else. In the end, despite putting all her trust in the man she loved, chị Ngà finds herself abandoned and decides to end her life. This one-sided, unfulfilled love story leaves nothing behind but memories.

Walking Through Chrysanthemums: “There was someone who walked through chrysanthemums, leaving behind their entire childhood. There were two people who walked through chrysanthemums, leaving behind an entire love story.”

Book purchase link: tiki.vn/di-qua-hoa-cuc-tai-ban-2022-p186290790.html

Give Me a Ticket to My Childhood is a novel by the author Nguyễn Nhật Ánh. This work stands as one of his most successful creations, earning the ASEAN Literature Award in 2010. Nguyễn Nhật Ánh noted on the back cover of the book: "I did not write this book for children. I wrote it for those who have once been children." In an interview with the newspaper Người lao động, he shared that "the audience I aim to reach is adults." With Give Me a Ticket to My Childhood, he "allows himself to explore a wide range of themes and imagery, writing about children but for those who were once children."

The book presents several small stories revolving around four children living in the same neighborhood: Tủn, Tí sún, Hải cò, and Mùi. The narrator is Mùi, who recounts the story from the perspective of "young Mùi" and the reflections of "old Mùi" when he is nearly 50 years old. Alongside this, the appearances of the parents and comical situations bring the memories of a joyful childhood back to life.

Give Me a Ticket to My Childhood was the best-selling book of 2008 and has been reprinted 59 times. With over 300,000 copies sold, the book won the 2009 Best Book Award from the Vietnam Publishing Association and the Literature Award from the Vietnam Writers' Association. In 2010, Nguyễn Nhật Ánh was nominated and won the Southeast Asian Literature Prize for this work. The book was translated into Thai and published by Nanmeebooks in Thailand on August 23, 2011. In 2013, it was released by Dasanbooks in South Korea. In the United States, the book was published by Overlook Press and debuted on October 9, 2014, under the title Give Me a Ticket to Childhood.

Book Purchase Link: tiki.vn/cho-toi-xin-mot-ve-di-tuoi-tho-bia-mem-tai-ban-p7369223.html

Blue Eyes is the famous work with the same title that was adapted into a movie, which became incredibly popular in 2019. It ranked 3rd in the top 100 best-selling books in Tiki's voting list. Blue Eyes also became one of the most discussed and remembered works by young people during the autumn of 2019. It was voted as the best work by author Nguyễn Nhật Ánh, and it was also translated into Japanese by translator Kato Sakae to introduce it to Japanese readers.

At the end of 2019, along with the release of the movie adaptation, Blue Eyes once again surged to become the second best-selling book early in 2020. The story revolves around two main characters, Ngạn and Hà Lan. Alongside Ngạn's unspoken one-sided love, his heart is filled with deep affection, and he channels all his love into caring for Trà Long, Hà Lan's daughter. However, at the end of the story, Ngạn realizes that his feelings were misinterpreted, and his heart still belongs to the unrequited love.

Link to buy the book: tiki.vn/mat-biec-tai-ban-2019-p24951095.html

Making Friends with the Sky is one of the top 5 best-selling stories in Tiki's 100 most popular books list. This tale of making friends with the sky is simple yet filled with unexpected twists, taking the reader from one surprise to the next. As you read, you'll find moments where you laugh at seeing yourself reflected in the story, and others where you can't help but shed tears, feeling both happy and sad. Making Friends with the Sky is a story that ignites the hearts that once seemed dark. During a book launch, Nguyễn Nhật Ánh emphasized: "The power of literature lies in understanding, with each word entering the heart of the reader."

As Nguyễn Nhật Ánh once said, “The strength of literature lies in its ability to penetrate the reader's heart. Through its unique form, literature helps sharpen moral concepts in the reader's mind in an invisible way. It nurtures the soul and character quietly and persistently, which is the root function of literature, especially literature written for young people.”

An angel stayed in Moon Town and never ceased to surprise me. And I understand why my soul grows more beautiful each day.

Book purchase link: tiki.vn/lam-ban-voi-bau-troi-bia-mem-tang-kem-khung-anh-so-luong-co-han-p31509726.html