A review by katie_belle
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

challenging dark emotional hopeful 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

4.0

I decided to try this book at the recommendation of a friend, and I can only describe the feeling I had while reading it as being swallowed whole. At times the main character describes himself as drowning and reading this made me feel as if I was drowning with him. He writes in such a tangible way, using everyday things to pull a memory, in the same way a smell or a song might take you back to a past experience. His thoughts aren't necessarily linear which gave the narrative a fever- dream feel at times. This book is aching and reaching, longing and regretful. But cutting through the pain are breath-giving moments of love and gentleness. Definitely a read that left me with a lot to digest and dwell on. 
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