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4.27 AVERAGE
4.27 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
lighthearted
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
dark
emotional
funny
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I don’t think I’ve ever read a more beautifully written novel. It was poetry, which makes sense because the author is an incredible poet.
Think of this book as a glimpse in time of a boy and the people he is around. Don’t try and assume what will happen or wish for something. The book is not written in a way that the end is an end. I’m not sure how else to write that. It is stunning and emotional and raw and realistic.
Think of this book as a glimpse in time of a boy and the people he is around. Don’t try and assume what will happen or wish for something. The book is not written in a way that the end is an end. I’m not sure how else to write that. It is stunning and emotional and raw and realistic.
Content Warnings
Minor: Drug abuse
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Emperor of Gladness is poignant and powerful just like OEWABG, but didn’t quite hit the same way - and that’s a good thing! I loved it for its levity and comedic voice this time around, something that OEWABG lacked, it was so serious and brutal throughout. I loved the found family aspects of all the characters moving along in Hai’s journey. Everyone is deeply flawed and complex creatures, some people and places are inspired by real life figures in Ocean Vuong’s life, like Grazina and Ocean’s stint working at Boston Market. I wonder how much of the real life Grazina is portrayed in the story’s version and how much they differ. Each person feels equally as real, including dishwasher girl and Cherry, the escort. This is a book I see my self rereading when I want to return to old friends and family, the characters are so lovable and endearing.
The way Ocean keenly sees America through the lens of an first generation Asian American was a familiar sight to see: seeing things from an outsider’s perspective and never feeling completely welcome although it’s your home is both heartbreaking and insightful. His way of viewing the macro in the most minute of details is tantalizing and such a fascinating part of his writing style. I’m always here for his uniquely profound and sometimes comical observations. It’s great seeing his style grow! I can’t wait to see how his style expands and evolves in his third novel.
Seeing him speak at his sold out book event in LA this year with my sister was a funny and thought provoking experience. He even detailed how he plans to stop writing novels when he reaches his eight to signify the eight levels of Buddhism. I’m so here for that! 2 down, six more to go! 🕉️🪷
The way Ocean keenly sees America through the lens of an first generation Asian American was a familiar sight to see: seeing things from an outsider’s perspective and never feeling completely welcome although it’s your home is both heartbreaking and insightful. His way of viewing the macro in the most minute of details is tantalizing and such a fascinating part of his writing style. I’m always here for his uniquely profound and sometimes comical observations. It’s great seeing his style grow! I can’t wait to see how his style expands and evolves in his third novel.
Seeing him speak at his sold out book event in LA this year with my sister was a funny and thought provoking experience. He even detailed how he plans to stop writing novels when he reaches his eight to signify the eight levels of Buddhism. I’m so here for that! 2 down, six more to go! 🕉️🪷
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Beautifully written and emotionally touching but couldn't maintain the momentum over the last 100 pages
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character