Ocean Vuong

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous
A poetic debut novel by Ocean Vuong
9 people recommend this
Recommended by
Zach ColeFirst to rec1
Dr. Klara“This book is one of the most exquisite pieces of fiction I’ve ever read. It lives and breathes with such lust and abandon, and is just brimful of tenderness - I had to read it slowly because I was constantly disarmed by so many beautiful moments.”
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Francesca McConchie““In order to survive, Little Dog has to receive and reject another kind of violence, too: he must see his mother through the American eyes that scan her for weakness and incompetence and, at best, disregard her, the way that evil spirits might ignore a child named for a little dog. There is a staggering tenderness in the way that Little Dog holds all of this within himself, absorbing it and refusing to pass it on. Reading ‘On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous’ can feel like watching an act of endurance art, or a slow, strange piece of magic in which bones become sonatas, to borrow one of Vuong’s metaphors.” —Jia Tolentino, The New Yorker”
2
skai“I finally got around to reading this book after hearing all about it over the internet. It’s so beautifully written, poetic, and meaningful. The authors way with words is honestly breathtaking. No matter what type of book you’re into, this is an eye-opening piece of literature. Talks about the struggles of living in a an immigrant family and the challenges of growing up in a world where you’re not accepted. Amazing imagery and detail.”
1
Jade“i can't describe how IN-CRE-DI-BLE this book is.”
1
grace“equal parts poetry and prose. The audiobook was so emotional and captivating— I couldn’t quit listening and kept thinking about it weeks after I finished”
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