Oprah Winfrey Selects Ocean Vuong's Novel for Book Club

Oprah Winfrey has selected Ocean Vuong's latest novel, "The Emperor of Gladness," as her new book club pick, praising it as one of the most beautifully written books she has ever read. The novel centers on a 19-year-old suicidal teenager named Hai who forms a transformative bond with an elderly widow suffering from dementia, exploring themes of love, loneliness, and marginalized lives in America. Vuong drew inspiration from his own experiences growing up in a working-class family and sought to depict the aftermath of suicide and the ongoing struggles faced by those on society's fringes. Known for his acclaimed poetry and previous novel, Vuong expressed deep honor at being chosen by Oprah, recalling how her book club empowered working-class communities like the one he grew up in. The story highlights unlikely connections across generations and the resilience required to thrive despite societal isolation. Oprah's endorsement continues her tradition of spotlighting profound narratives that resonate broadly yet intimately with readers.