Emperor of Gladness: Oprah's Book Club

I adore Ocean Vuong. His poems are amazing, and his first novel was a good start. "The Emperor of Gladness" is a far better and more mature novel than "On Earth...". Ocean has an astonishing command of the English language and can combine humor, sadness, social commentary, and every other emotion in marvelous ways. If you question whether a young man and an older woman can have an emotional connection strong enough to help them both survive, here is your answer. I highly recommend this book. If you don't know Ocean's work, listen to his interview on the NY Times podcast called "The Interview" and read his NY Times essay from May 2025 to get a feel for the family life that is so perfectly represented in his characters.

What a good read. If I had not seen the author and Oprah on tv probably would have never read. Highly recommend.

This is a multi-level book which takes the author back to his exit from Vietnam up to his demise in the garbage ben.The many levels of emotions and friendships showed he was a loving and caring person.Most of his last days at the restaurant showed how he lied to keep his life fulfilled and memories protected.I think I need to read this again.

This book is simply amazing! The vocabulary is beyond the normal meanings. And the descriptions are original and detailed so as to put you there with every sense. The character development is full blown with revelations pulling the story altogether in a fanciful loving way. The heavy themes, i.e. depression, drug abuse, dementia, homosexuality, death, imprisonment, etc. are handled most honestly & effectively.I was most taken by the original voice & style of this writer and can not wait to read more of his work!

Truely written by a poet!!! The imagery of every moment is moving and creating imagery. in. your mind.Thank You Ocean Vuong.