On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous

The letter "On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous" is written by a son to his nonliterate mother. Written when Little Dog is in his late twenties, the letter opens a door into parts of his life his mother has never known and uncovers a family history that started before he was even born, with its epicentre rooted in Vietnam. All of this leads to an incredible discovery. It is a brutally honest examination of race, class, and masculinity while also bearing testimony to the difficult but unwavering love between a single mother and her kid. On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous explores important issues facing our country at this time, one that is surrounded by violence, addiction, and trauma but also marked by kindness and compassion. It is a narrative about the importance of sharing one's own experience and the deafening silence that results from not being heard.

Ocean Vuong writes about individuals stuck between different worlds with astonishing urgency and elegance, and she wonders how we might save and heal one another without sacrificing who we are. The most significant first book in a long time is driven by the dilemma of how to survive and turn tragedy into a type of delight.