BRIAN THUAN LUU is the author of Flashlight in the Ocean, a powerful memoir of resilience, survival, and hope. Born to a traditional Chinese family in Vinh Long, Vietnam, Brian's early years were shaped by love and hardship. At age two, his family relocated to Saigon, where he spent his childhood-until history intervened.After the Fall of Saigon, at just thirteen years old, Brian made the harrowing decision to leave Vietnam alone on a wooden boat. His perilous journey left him stranded on a coral reef for ten days, waiting for the tide to rise. Under the full moon, his fate changed, and he finally reached safety. Reunited with his siblings in a refugee camp in the Philippines, he faced an uncertain future. But hope arrived in the form of a sponsorship from a Jewish synagogue in Long Island, New York, opening the door to a new life in America.Adjusting to his new home was not without challenges. Brian struggled with a new language and culture but remained determined to succeed. He pursued his education at SUNY Albany, forming lifelong friendships with Scott Burns, who encouraged him to share his extraordinary story.Brian's professional journey began at Far East National Bank in Los Angeles, where he worked the graveyard shift in the computer department. Though unconventional, the job afforded him valuable free time during the day. After five years in California, he returned to Queens, New York, to be closer to his family, securing a position at Great Eastern Bank. There, unexpected opportunities arose-including a weekend gig as a musician at Universal Studio in Flushing.In December 1998, Brian met Jennifer at a Sheraton Hotel in Flushing event. Six months later, they were married. Kind, caring, and beloved by his family, Jennifer became his partner in life and business. She encouraged him to join World Financial Group, a company dedicated to helping families secure their financial futures and empowering individuals to become entrepreneurs. Together, they built a thriving career that granted them financial freedom, the ability to travel the world, and a peaceful home on the waterfront in Long Island.Brian also pursued his passion for music and entertainment, founding Brian Luu's Corp., a premier MC/DJ and event production company specializing in professional sound, dynamic lighting, and unforgettable experiences. Through this venture, he transformed special moments into lifelong memories, blending his love for music with his entrepreneurial spirit.Looking back on his incredible journey-from escaping Vietnam as a boy to building a life filled with love, success, and purpose-Brian is filled with gratitude. He dreams of turning his story into a movie, inspiring others to persevere despite the odds. Flashlight in the Ocean is his testament to the power of faith, determination, and the unwavering belief that every challenge is a step toward something greater.
