In “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous,” Ocean Vuong crafts a moving letter from a son to his illiterate mother. Little Dog, the speaker, shares a family history entrenched in Vietnam, providing a gateway to unexplored facets of his life. The narrative not only bears witness to the intricate love between a single mother and her son but also fearlessly examines themes of race, class, and masculinity. Against the backdrop of contemporary America, rife with addiction, violence, and trauma, the story unfolds with compassion and tenderness. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of personal storytelling and the profound consequences of unspoken truths.