Oprah Picks Ocean Vuong’s "The Emperor of Gladness" for Her May Book Club Selection

Oprah Winfrey has once again ignited the literary world, bestowing her coveted book club selection upon "The Emperor of Gladness," the highly anticipated new novel by acclaimed poet and novelist Ocean Vuong. The book, published by Penguin Random House, is now available and promises to be a compelling and thought-provoking read.

This marks the second novel by Vuong, who previously captivated readers with "On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous," a critically acclaimed debut that explored themes of identity, family, and the immigrant experience. He is also known for his powerful poetry collections, "Time is a Mother" and "Night Sky with Exit Wounds," which have solidified his reputation as a leading voice in contemporary literature.

Winfrey, in a statement, expressed her enthusiasm for Vuong’s latest work. She highlighted the author’s ability to draw inspiration from his own life experiences, including his upbringing in a working-class Vietnamese family in Connecticut and his time working as a fast-food server. These experiences have informed the creation of "an unlikely cast of truly unforgettable characters" in "The Emperor of Gladness."

"Ocean draws from his own personal experiences of being born in Vietnam, raised in a working-class family in Connecticut, and working as a fast-food server as inspiration for this story, which features an unlikely cast of truly unforgettable characters," Winfrey stated. She further praised Vuong’s "stunning prose" and the novel’s "heartfelt and powerful examination of those living on the fringes of society and the unique challenges they face to survive and thrive."

"The Emperor of Gladness" joins a distinguished roster of 114 other titles that Winfrey has personally selected for her book club since its inception in 1996. The Oprah Book Club has a long history of catapulting authors to literary stardom and sparking national conversations about important social issues.

The novel’s premise is immediately gripping. The story begins with 19-year-old Hai, a young man contemplating suicide on a bridge in East Gladness, Connecticut. His despair is interrupted by an elderly widow succumbing to dementia, an encounter that leads to an unexpected and profound connection. Hai becomes her caretaker, and through this relationship, he begins to confront his own inner demons and find a sense of purpose.

"The Emperor of Gladness" is described as a tribute to unlikely bonds and the love, labor, and loneliness that are woven into the fabric of American life. It explores themes of resilience, compassion, and the search for meaning in a world often marked by hardship and uncertainty. The novel promises to offer a poignant and insightful look at the lives of those who are often overlooked or marginalized.

Vuong’s literary achievements extend beyond his published works. He is a recipient of the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship, often referred to as the "genius grant," which recognizes individuals with exceptional talent and potential. He also won an American Book Award in 2020 for "On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous," further solidifying his place among the most celebrated writers of his generation.

In response to being selected for Oprah’s Book Club, Vuong expressed his immense gratitude and the profound impact the selection has on him personally. He shared that receiving "the call" from Oprah was "the honor of my life." He emphasized the importance of the Oprah Book Club in making reading accessible and approachable to working-class communities, particularly those he grew up in.

Vuong poignantly described his experience watching women in his mother’s nail salon, many of whom were working long hours and facing significant economic challenges, being inspired by Oprah’s book selections. He witnessed them rising from their seats with newfound confidence and heading to the bookstore to purchase the featured book, suddenly empowered with access to cultural discourse.

"To think of my book being invited to join such a profound lineage is truly awe-inspiring," Vuong said. He also expressed a deep sense of longing, wishing that his mother were alive to witness this significant milestone in his career. He recognized that, among all the literary achievements an author could hope for, this would be the one she would truly understand and appreciate.

Vuong’s heartfelt words highlight the powerful impact that Oprah’s Book Club has had on promoting literacy and fostering a love of reading among diverse audiences. The selection of "The Emperor of Gladness" is not only a testament to Vuong’s exceptional talent but also a recognition of the importance of stories that reflect the experiences of those who often go unheard. This promises to be a powerful and moving addition to the Oprah Book Club legacy. Readers should look out for it this May.

The article was written by Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY’s Books Reporter.