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

3.0

So it turns out Roxanne Gay wrote my book review for me on this one so head over and read hers. Yes Vuong is an insanely beautiful writer but I REALLY struggle with a book that doesn’t seem to be anchored to an actual story. I lose interest, disconnect from the characters. I’m less moved by his insanely exquisite sentences because in my mind I’m asking - what is it he is actually talking about, where have we been, where are we going? I pushed through and finished the book more out of a commitment to finish a book that’s different from my typical go-to’s and because it was a challenge. Not a great sign when you’re relieved a book is over. Perhaps those with masters in creative writing are the ones who can truly appreciate what he created here. But this book ultimately lands in the category - not really for me.