Ocean Vuong: "The Emperor Of Gladness" | Oprah's Book Club

Oprah Winfrey interviews author Ocean Vuong about his novel, "The Emperor of Gladness," exploring themes of kindness, the untold stories of ordinary people, and the impact of societal structures on individual lives. Vuong shares personal experiences that inspired the book, including his family's immigrant story, his time working at Boston Market, and the influence of his relationship with his partner's grandmother, Grazina. The conversation delves into the idea of "circumstantial family" formed through shared labor and the importance of recognizing the dignity and value in lives that may not follow traditional paths of success or improvement. Vuong also discusses his writing process, emphasizing listening to the world and destigmatizing sadness, drawing from his experiences in a nail salon where Oprah's show fostered community and vulnerability.