Where the Troubles Lie
Understanding the thoughts that keep us stuck through mindful observation
By Phuong Bui
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In this Vietnamese–English book, Phuong Bui reflects on thoughts, desires, fear and emotions through everyday stories, inviting readers to observe themselves with greater awareness.
Where the Troubles Lie (Những cái kẹt) is a bilingual Vietnamese–English book by Phuong Bui, part of the Observe & Love series from Infinity Books. Drawing on conversations with her children and experiences in family life, work and relationships, the author invites readers to look at the thoughts that leave them feeling stuck. Why does a child feel bored when a wish goes unmet? Why do we fear criticism, feel that we lack something even when we have plenty, or hesitate to act? Through familiar situations, the book reflects on how the mind accumulates memories, produces desires and comparisons, and shapes the limits through which we see life. “Clearly Knowing Oneself” through “mindful observation” runs throughout the book: noticing thoughts and emotions as they arise, seeing them change, and observing how we respond. Reflections on parenting, love, money, beauty and laziness help readers relate these ideas to their own experiences. Following the preface, 18 topics explore Stop Thinking, Just Reading; Boredom; Mind; Expectation; Feeling; Fear; Money; Lack; Children; Love; Relationship; Dream; Kids–Adults; Women; Reading; Laziness; Beauty; and Freedom. Short lines, pauses and corresponding Vietnamese and English passages suit reading in small sections, reflecting between passages or comparing both languages. The book is for readers who want to understand recurring thoughts, expectations and responses in everyday life. Phuong Bui founded the Aten English system and Infinity Foundation and is a mother of five. The source print edition was published by Dan Tri Publisher in 2025 in cooperation with Infinity Foundation Co., Ltd. It contains 224 pages and carries ISBN 978-604-40-7429-0. These page and ISBN details refer to the print edition.
Who it is for
Readers who feel caught in recurring thoughts, desires, comparison or fear of other people’s judgments. People interested in mindful observation, emotional awareness and understanding themselves in everyday life. Parents reflecting on expectations, communication and the limiting beliefs adults may pass on to children. Readers considering their relationship with money, love, action and a sense of having enough. Readers who enjoy short reflective passages and bilingual Vietnamese–English books.
Key ideas
- 01
Recognize recurring thoughts
Observe patterns of thinking and how they shape your view of everyday life.
- 02
Desire and a sense of lack
Reflect on how needs develop into wants, comparisons and growing demands.
- 03
Observe emotions
Notice boredom, sadness and fear as they arise and pass.
- 04
Mind and memory
Explore the author’s view of accumulated experiences and their influence on present reactions.
- 05
Listen to children and observe yourself
Examine expectations, language and fears adults may pass on to children.
- 06
Love and relationships
Notice the expectations placed on others and dependence on having them fulfilled.
- 07
Act with awareness
Observe liking, disliking and laziness while continuing to take action.
- 08
Freedom in everyday life
Consider a more open way of living through awareness of limits created by thought.
Questions and answers
What is Where the Troubles Lie about?
Where the Troubles Lie, titled Những cái kẹt in Vietnamese, is Phuong Bui’s bilingual book about thoughts, desires, emotions and fear, explored through mindful observation and everyday stories.
Who wrote Where the Troubles Lie?
Phuong Bui, founder of the Aten English system and Infinity Foundation and a mother of five, is the author.
Is the book available in Vietnamese and English?
Yes. The book contains Vietnamese text and corresponding English passages for reading in either language or comparing both versions.
What topics does the book cover?
After the preface, 18 topics explore the mind, expectations, emotions, fear, money, lack, children, love, relationships, dreams, laziness, beauty and freedom, among other aspects of everyday life.
Who might enjoy this book?
It may suit readers who want to reflect on recurring thoughts, comparison and expectations through personal stories and the author’s perspective on mindful observation.
Which series does Where the Troubles Lie belong to?
It belongs to the Observe & Love series from Infinity Books.
How much does the ebook cost?
The ebook’s listed price on Infinity Books is 155,000 VND.
Who published the print edition?
Dan Tri Publisher published the 224-page print edition in 2025 in cooperation with Infinity Foundation Co., Ltd. Its ISBN is 978-604-40-7429-0. This ISBN belongs to the print edition.
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