Dear Reader,
If you’ve made it this far, let me first say-thank you. Not just for reading, but for walking alongside me through the deeply personal and entrepreneurial journey I’ve laid bare in this book. All of a Sudden isn’t just a collection of my memories. It’s my soul printed in ink. It’s the story of a boy from Saigon who once walked barefoot on bomb-scarred soil and later stood on the concrete streets of New York City, chasing the bold, audacious dream of building something that mattered.
When I began this book, I had no idea how emotional the writing process would be. I didn’t expect the memories to feel so alive. Some were gentle, others gripped me by the throat. I revisited painful recollections I thought I had buried, celebrated accomplishments I never took the time to fully appreciate, and most importantly, I reconnected with the truth of who I am.
Life, as I’ve learned, doesn’t move in straight lines; it doesn’t happen all at once. It doesn’t knock first or follow plans. No, it stirs in silence. Then-all of a sudden everything shifts. One moment. One person. One leap of faith. That’s all it takes to reroute an entire existence and redirect the entire course of your journey. All of a Sudden isn’t merely a title. It’s a rhythm, a whisper, a heartbeat. It’s the way life stirs when we least expect it. A memoir of moments that turned without warning and turned me with them.
That’s been the story of my life. One turning point after another. From poverty in Vietnam to navigating life in America with no formal schooling… from embracing faith as a Jehovah’s Witness to building multiple businesses from the ground up… from falling in love to learning how to lead with grit and grace. Each chapter of my life reminds me: our beginnings may be humble, but they are not our boundaries-they are our launchpads. This book is hardcore evidence of the fact that your beginnings don’t define your ceiling. If anything, they fuel your desire to break it.
To the immigrants, dreamers, and silent strivers: I see you. I was you. In a world that often forgets the quiet ones, your voice still matters. The sacrifices made by your parents, the long nights of doubt, the battles no one sees-all of it matters. All of it is becoming something. And sometimes, when it feels like nothing is changing, everything is actually preparing to.
To the entrepreneurs: this is your love letter, too. The world may celebrate your wins, but only you know the cost-the risks, the restless nights, the tightrope walk between belief and burnout. If you take away one thing from this story, let it be this: Grit + Grace = Growth. And growth begins with that first courageous act showing up, even when you’re unsure; even when you don’t want to!
And to you, dear reader-whoever and wherever you are-I want you to know that success isn’t about ease-it’s about effort. Faith, hard work, and kindness will carry you farther than any title ever could. Always lead with your heart. If I could leave you with only one truth, it would be this: Don’t quit. Even if the path feels unclear. Even if doors seem locked. Even if no one claps when you show up. Because All of a Sudden-the breakthrough happens. The door swings open. The answer arrives. The light breaks through. What once seemed impossible becomes inevitable.
Life may not give you warnings. But if you live with intention, believe deeply, and keep showing up, the moment will find you. The right time. The right person. The right place. Bingo. Everything changes.
You are not alone on this journey. You are not invisible. You are seen. You are capable. And you are meant for more than you know. So, tell your story. Rest assured, if anything, I Hear You!
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading.
With respect, faith, and happy hope,
Richard Du
Founder & Chairman
SANTOS Holdings
Based on a true story. This book is ready to purchase on Sunday, June 1st, 2025 at Amazon.com. We want to sell 10 million copies, with your blessings we can achieve our goal.
Available on Amazon (Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, etc.)