It has a romantic storyline, but is mostly an epistolary, coming-of-age novel that, to me, is the most ethereally beautiful book I've ever read. His words are delicate and light enough to float off the page, yet they carry a depth of emotion that lingers long after the final letter is read.
Feb 25, 2025
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this is a book adaptation of Vuong's poem of the same name and it is so damn good. its a beautiful reflection on the authors life as a gay, Vietnamese-American living in America, dealing with the difficulties of growing up, falling in love, dealing with the consequences of the war in Vietnam, and loss, all written as a letter to Vuong's mother, who will never be able to read it.
another rec, if you're even remotely invested in environmental writing, I really recommend you read Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin W. Kimmerer. my favorite book of all time. it is a mix of indigenous and scientific perspectives and its done so beautifully
May 13, 2024
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This one isnt that long but it took me months because some of the grief and experiences he writes about are so raw and his writing would leave me so breathless I would have to keep taking breaks and have to set the book down for a few days. Never read anything so heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time.
Jul 1, 2024
You can tell a poet wrote this novel. You will cry but you will be transformed. The novel begins with the narrator addressing his mother who cannot even read English, saying something like, βI am writing this to reach you, even if every letter is a step further away from you.β The relationship between immigrant mother and first-generation child in this novel is done so well and made me love and forgive my mother more.
Mar 10, 2024
Top Recs from @joseph_matawaran
Just found out about Bill Evans, mid-century jazz pianist based out of New York. When I listen to jazz, I'm always reminded of either Little Bill or Charlie Brown and the Peanuts. I just can't get around that. Does it energize me or make me wanna tap my feet? Does it remind me of elementary school the week before winter break, on the carpet, watching A Charlie Brown Christmas? If the answer is yes, we're in a good place
Feb 24, 2025