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

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-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

5.0

I ended up reading this book due to a buddy read and let me tell you, I am so happy I did! This book was gorgeous. Ocean Vuong is a poet and this is sort of a stream of consciousness told in a letter to his mom about his life. He covers identity, sexuality, immigration, prejudice, trauma, sex, and more. For such a short book, it's remarkable. 

The poetic influence on this book could've been overdone, but I felt like it was just perfect. Vuong talks about a lot of dark and difficult things and it contrasts beautifully against his prose. The writing flows so smoothly and keeps you really engaged. 

I also could vividly imagine Vuong as a young child and into adulthood. There are so many scenes that come alive...him as child translating for his mom and grandma, him dealing with bullies at school, him finding confidence in himself as he grows. Each scene is relatively quick, but the impression was lasting. 

Usually, I end with a qualifying statement about who might enjoy reading this book....but I'm just going to end this with...I highly recommend this. PERIOD. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings