A review by finnthehuman217
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

challenging dark emotional inspiring reflective sad fast-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

5.0

Sometimes books written in verse always trip me up but there are so many things about this book that just blew me away! I find that the trauma of the survivors of the Vietnam war is always told from the perspective of the Americans but telling the story from the perspective of the Vietnamese people of the generation post-Vietnam is so important because a lot of the people were born with different reactions to loud noises, specifically fireworks (thinking they’re bombs). The story of Trevor and Little Dog finding love in the tobacco fields because Trevor’s dad was Little Dog’s boss. This book is very heavy. One more thing, I loved the small moment where Little Dog is in Vietnam burying Lan’s ashes and he comes across a parade and it’s actually a way to lift people’s spirits up after the passing of someone in Their neighborhood. Using the art of Drag to bring some levity to the situation. This book is such a beautiful love letter to a parent 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings