“We are nothing more than humans, and that’s nothing less than astounding”

Episode 76: Ocean Vuong's "On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous" Part 1

Episode 76: Ocean Vuong's "On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous" Part 1

Hello, colorful cast of characters! Welcome back to another episode of this syncopated sound wave masquerading as a podcast. That's right, join the usual crew of Marci and Ako as they discuss part one of the poetic, beautiful, and perhaps... gorgeous queer Vietnamese-American novel "On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous" by Ocean Vuong!

A couple of trigger warnings off the top- this book discusses the following: war, rape and sexual assault, child abuse, bullying, racism, and a particularly intense instance of animal cruelty. Please take care while listening.

Intro - 00:00:10 - 00:14:00

Summary - 00:14:16 - 00:38:14

Discussion - 00:38:28 - 1:27:49

Also, follow this link for Khadija Mbowe's video essay on digital black face that Marci referenced in the discussion section  (and, of course, show her some love-- we appreciate you, friend, nice work!) -

Episode 77: Ocean Vuong's "On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous" Part 2 (feat. Left Shelf)

Episode 77: Ocean Vuong's "On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous" Part 2 (feat. Left Shelf)

Episode 75: Witi Ihimaera's "Whale Rider" Part 2

Episode 75: Witi Ihimaera's "Whale Rider" Part 2