On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous – Ocean Vuong

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous – Ocean Vuong 
Published in: 2019
Reviewed by: Nicole
Rating: 5/5 10/10 20/20 …. (you get the point)

This book is astonishing. The writing is magical – triumphant – perfect. It makes me want to cry it’s so good. Like, I wasn’t even envious of the writing because it’s so beyond anything I could imagine.

You guys – This book was written in a closet by a guy whose first language was not English. I don’t even know how to say what I want to say about his use of language other than to say it was masterful. I’ve never seen anybody do with words what he did. I don’t want to oversell it, but I’m not sure that’s even possible.

It’s a coming-of-age story and an an immigrants story. It deals with women suffering PTSD from the Vietnam war, and who come to America and work in a nail salon. Will I ever look at those women the same way again?

This book is short and a quick read (and it should be read vs. listened to) yet somehow it managed to convey lifetimes.

It is perfect.

(Note:  If there is any justice in this world, you’ll be hearing a lot more about this book when Booker noms come out.  If I can be super dramatic about it.) 🙂