Book description
“The Emperor of Gladness is a poetic, dramatic and vivid story. Epic in its sweep, the novel also handles intimacy and love with delicacy and deep originality. Hai and Grazina are taken from the margins of American life by Ocean Vuong and, by dint of great sympathy and imaginative genius, placed at the very center of our world.” —Colm Tóibín, author of Long Island and Brooklyn“A masterwork.” —Bryan Washington, author of Palaver and Family MealOcean Vuong returns with a bighearted novel about chosen family, unexpected friendship, and the stories we tell ourselves in order to surviveOne late summer evening in the post-industrial town of East Gladness, Connecticut, nineteen-year-old Hai stands on the edge of a bridge in pelting rain, ready to jump, when he hears someone shout across the river. The voice belongs to Grazina, an elderly widow succumbing to dementia, who convinces him to take another path. Bereft and out of options, he quickly becomes her caretaker. Over the course of the year, the unlikely pair develops a life-altering bond, one built on empathy, spiritual reckoning, and heartbreak, with the power to transform Hai’s relationship to himself, his family, and a community on the brink.Following the cycles of history, memory, and time, The Emperor of Gladness shows the profound ways in which love, labor, and loneliness form the bedrock of American life. At its heart is a brave epic about what it means to exist on the fringes of society and to reckon with the wounds that haunt our collective soul. Hallmarks of Ocean Vuong’s writing—formal innovation, syntactic dexterity, and the ability to twin grit with grace through tenderness—are on full display in this story of loss, hope, and how far we would go to possess one of life’s most fleeting mercies: a second chance.
About the Author
Ocean Vuong is the author of the critically acclaimed poetry collections Night Sky with Exit Wounds and Time Is a Mother, as well as the New York Times bestselling novel On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous. A recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship and the American Book Award, he used to work as a fast-food server, which inspired The Emperor of Gladness. Born in Saigon, Vietnam, he currently splits his time between Northampton, Massachusetts, and New York City.
Gas Man
Audiobooks have made my commutes so much more enjoyable, and I'm always excited to listen. I've become the storyteller of my family, sharing the amazing audiobooks I've discovered. 🎙️ Elevating grocery shopping to a whole new level – audiobooks make it an adventure! 🛒📚 💡 The future of audiobook listening is here – this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. 🎧🔮 Packed with useful features. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook app.
Pearl Girl
I'm constantly amazed by the vast selection – there's always something new to discover. Audiobooks have never been this immersive – this app transports me to different worlds. Audiobooks have become a source of inspiration and motivation, thanks to this app. Drag and drop downloads are so convenient. No more messing around with complicated steps.
RealmRanger
ListenBook's user-friendly design and compatibility with different formats have made it my go-to app. This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze.
Metal Aphrodite
I'm impressed by ListenBook's dedication to providing a comfortable listening experience. With this app, I've turned mundane tasks into moments of inspiration and education – it's brilliant! Effortlessly managing my audiobook library – this app's design is commendable. The interface is so clean and clutter-free. It’s a pleasure to use.
Commando
Audiobooks have never been this engaging – this app takes them to the next level. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation. Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's ease of use is a true asset. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Crash Enforcer
The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. Seamless integration of audiobooks – this app's ease of use is impressive. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends. Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon.
Moon Laser
I've become the go-to storyteller at bedtime with the help of this magical app. The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Greek Rifle
Love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. The app is so well-designed. It’s clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Popeye Wipeout
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. Perfect for my daily walks. The story was engaging enough to keep me motivated to exercise but not so complex that I got lost in thought. Great production quality too.
Biscuit Meg
🧘♀️☕ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! 🍵📖 The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple.
Bang Shift
ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily. The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it!
JesterZilla
This app is a boon for book lovers who are always on the go. Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. I've rediscovered my love for reading, all thanks to this app's convenience. Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear.
EchoExplorer
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use. Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didn’t have any major complaints, but I also don’t see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
Hermopolis
ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word. I'm impressed with the wide range of supported formats. Finally, an app that plays all my audiobooks flawlessly. ListenBook has transformed my daily commute. I look forward to my journeys with this app by my side. The app's performance is nothing short of impressive – smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Hightower
ListenBook's intuitive interface and quick controls make it a pleasure to navigate through audiobooks. The app's performance is nothing short of impressive – smooth, responsive, and designed with audiobook lovers in mind.
Mercury Reborn
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. Makes audiobook listening super easy and enjoyable. Thank you! Supports extensive playlists and bookmarks. Very user-friendly. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Super Flick
I love that ListenBook supports a wide range of formats, making my library diverse. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to share stories and connect with friends.
Nueva Nova
Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is a marvel. ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection.
Sherwood Gladiator
I've become an audiobook addict, all thanks to this amazing app. This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go – it's like carrying a library in my pocket. Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward – thank you, app! This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Carrot Joker
With ListenBook, I've found a versatile and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a dream come true for those epic tales. It's like having a personal audiobook library in your pocket. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively. Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature!
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience