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Jacqueline, the U.S.-born daughter of a Vietnamese mother and American father, is no stranger to mixed reception of her background, including in the Vietnamese diaspora community of Little Saigon. Searching for familiarity and nostalgia after her mother’s passing, she yearns to visit the ethnic enclave again, despite having long lost her ability to speak Vietnamese. Her decision to journey to Little Saigon results in altercations and conflict...but with surprising consequences. Set in the late 1990’s and inspired by the author’s personal experiences, "Mother Tongue" is a story of healing, communication, culture, and connection, exploring the far-reaching and unexpected implications of what we speak--or don't. Comparable works include The Kite Runner, The Joy Luck Club