Tibetan Nomad

When Norzom Lala was two years old, her father fled their family tent in Tibet’s mountains after a yak trading deal turned sour. Along with her six siblings, Norzom was then raised by her mother, a nomadic pastoralist who taught her children to integrate themselves with nature. Several dramatic circumstances forced Norzom from her Tibetan home to a Chinese boarding school, and finally to the shores of America to live with her estranged father. As Norzom navigated jobs, school, relationships and a dying sister back home, she lost herself to the vices of a strange land.

It was only when Norzom released herself back to the wonders of nature (and, indeed, a therapist) that she ultimately learned what was worth sacrificing in her quest for survival. This memoir chronicles Norzom’s experiences navigating tragedies, culture shocks and her own relationship with nature, all the while honoring the traditions and legacy of the Tibetan nomad.

Author Biography

Norzom Lala is a refugee from Tibet who now lives in Portland, Oregon. She was an international Dalai Lama scholar and received a master’s in social work and social policy, and is most interested in studying and understanding human nature.