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

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

4.75

“I’m not telling you a story so much as a shipwreck - the pieces floating, finally legible.” -Page 190. 

I read On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous as part of an LGBTQ+ book club at work that I was discussion leader for. It was a great discussion starter for us, with many thought provoking conversations. 

The writing is poetic and beautiful - just breathtakingly well done at many points. I’m not sure what I expected going in, but this was a lot darker and tougher to read than I anticipated. I’m not sure I would’ve powered through if I was reading by myself because it’s not a linear book and it’s pretty hard to follow. But I’m really glad I followed through and read it. 

TW: child physical abuse, panic attack, PTSD, homophobic slur and general homophobia, bullying, very graphic forced abortion, racism, drug use and overdose, death on page. 
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