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Cover of On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

Register 15 Seats Remaining

Contemporary Books Discussion Group

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

2025-10-15 18:30:00 2025-10-15 20:00:00 America/Chicago Contemporary Books Discussion Group Friendly discussion of contemporary (and, occasionally, classic) fiction and nonfiction. Bettendorf Public Library - Malmros Room

Wednesday, October 15
6:30pm - 8:00pm

Add to Calendar 2025-10-15 18:30:00 2025-10-15 20:00:00 America/Chicago Contemporary Books Discussion Group Friendly discussion of contemporary (and, occasionally, classic) fiction and nonfiction. Bettendorf Public Library - Malmros Room

Friendly discussion of contemporary (and, occasionally, classic) fiction and nonfiction.

Poet Ocean Vuong's debut novel is a sweeping and shattering portrait of a family, and a testament to the redemptive power of storytelling. On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous is a letter from a son to a mother who cannot read. Written when the speaker, Little Dog, is in his late twenties, the letter unearths a family's history that began before he was born--a history whose epicenter is rooted in Vietnam--and serves as a doorway into parts of his life his mother has never known, all of it leading to an unforgettable revelation. At once a witness to the fraught yet undeniable love between a single mother and her son, it is also a brutally honest exploration of race, class, and masculinity.

Books are available on a first-come basis at the Information Desk. You may also call the Library at 563-344-4179 to have a book signed out to you and placed on the Holds shelf. Remote attendance is possible; please register in order to have the login information sent to you. If you plan to attend in person, there is no need to register.

This discussion is part of the 2025 Global Gathering Vietnam program series, which is funded by the Bettendorf Public Library Foundation.

AGE GROUP: | Adults |

EVENT TYPE: | Global Gathering | Book Discussion |

TAGS: | |

Bettendorf Public Library

info@bettendorflibrary.com
Phone: 563.344.4175
Fax: 563.344.4185

Hours
Mon, Aug 04 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Aug 05 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Aug 06 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Aug 07 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Aug 08 9:00AM to 5:30PM
Sat, Aug 09 9:00AM to 5:30PM
Sun, Aug 10 Closed

About the branch

The Bettendorf Public Library has served the community of Bettendorf since July 12, 1955.  We offer Library events for all ages, and our meeting rooms are available for public use.  See more information about our meeting room policy at http://www.bettendorflibrary.com/services/meeting-rooms

Upcoming Events

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