shaleen64's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This book covers a variety of important topics, such as war, race, family dynamics and sexuality in a beautiful and poetic way.

Heartbreakingly it is a letter from a son to a mother who cannot read. The narrative sections of the book kept me engaged, but the more poetic elements that followed little chronology left me lost at times.

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kalaser's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75


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caidyn's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Wow. I read this in one sitting. A contemplative book on sexuality, race, racism, and family trauma.

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kri_29's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5


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kadbee's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0


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emrosch's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Hauntingly beautiful & raw with emotion.

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ems_rxlibrary's review against another edition

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slow-paced
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

2.0


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story_of_steph's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

1.0

Despite the beautiful and lyrical writing style of On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, I found myself struggling to connect with the story. While I sensed an underlying important narrative, it felt overshadowed by the writing's pretentiousness, leaving me feeling lost amongst the prose. The scenes of animal torture were particularly disturbing and felt unnecessary. Overall, while I appreciate the author’s obvious talent, this book didn't resonate with me, and I didn't enjoy the experience as much as I had hoped.

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sxndaze's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75


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bookishlucy's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This was a devastatingly beautiful book. Ocean Vuong's prose and writing style really suit the story and tug on your heartstrings. 

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