The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong

Kick off the New Year by joining your book club friends at Roberto's Ristorante in Elmhurst to discuss "The Emperor of Gladness" by the Vietnamese-American poet, essayist, and novelist Ocean Vuong, who was awarded a prestigious "genius grant" from the MacArthur Foundation.

"The Emperor of Gladness" tells the story of a young man who forms an unlikely bond with an elderly widow and explores the themes of grief, healing, and resilience.

If you are interested in learning more about Vuong, there is a compelling New York Times interview with him at https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/03/magazine/ocean-vuong-interview.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referring Source=articleShare

This selection supports one of our group's goals of reading more books written by authors whose first language is not English.

Newcomers are always welcome at our gatherings.

NOTE: Roberto's has required a $25 minimum food/beverage purchase.

Parking is available either 1) on the street, 2) in a lot behind the restaurant via the alley, or 3) in a lot across the street from the front of the restaurant.

For a look at Roberto's wine, dinner, and snack menus, link to:

https://www.robertosristorante.com/