Ocean Vuong Wrote His Debut Novel in a Closet

[@bbybanshee539]

I love it when you guys have writers, journalists, scientists etc as oppose to just actors. Please more of this!

[@leszektemplewicz3362]

absolutely

[@b.Good560]

They do it quite often!

[@klarastern5597]

yes! Way more interesting than just actors! Nothing against actors.. but there is SO MUCH MORE out there..

[@leszektemplewicz3362]

@@klarastern5597 I watched great classic Cavett with John Cassavettes, Peter Falk and (THIRD GUY) too. And I love it when Tom Waits is on.

[@leszektemplewicz3362]

www.dailymotion.com/video/x5tpbu_the-dick-cavett-show-cassavetes-fal_news#.UQlozPIlzIc

[@LisaHaos]

He is so soft spoken but his words hold so much strength

[@harryneupane3134]

hey...is he trans ?

[@nevermistreatarodent]

yes~ you don't have to be loud to be impactful

[@quynhduong6273]

I’m glad that in his message to his mom, he used the words “ Con thương mẹ “ instead of “Con yêu mẹ”. “Thương” and “yêu” both means “ to love ” in Vietnamese, but while “yêu” is more popularized and simply means to like/love someone/something, “ thương ” means you feel sympathy to that person, and between these two people there is a special bond, a connection, an understanding that is unyielding and ineffable. To put it simply, “ yêu “ is like the surface of the ocean, peaceful and easy to see, while “ thương “ is the depth of the ocean, quiet, hidden far away from the normal eye but is vast and never-ending. The way he uses words in both languages is brilliant and beautiful, and I’m happy to see someone so talented represents Vietnamese on media.

[@niedoremi]

Quynh Duong that’s a great way of saying it. I always use “con thường mẹ” to me, it’s more of an unconditional love… yêu is romantic

[@jfnorris1215]

And thank you for that fascinating linguistics lesson! Just knowing that about Ocean Vuong makes me want to read his novel immediately.

[@anvy2000]

Well put!

[@JaneMLe]

I appreciate how you be able to explain the difference. I always like the word thương more than yêu, but I could only explain one is a more traditional use while another is too radical of a feeling to use. Lol

[@hinako442003]

That sounds poetic and all, but "yeu" really just has a passionate or romantic connotation hence is mostly used for lovers or your country (as in patriotism). I don't know anyone including myself who uses "yeu" for family members. So it's not such a revelation that Ocean doesn't use it for his mother.

[@FruitL00ps2]

What he says to his mom: "Thank you, mom. I'm very proud that you are mom. I am so happy and filled with peace/happiness. Thank you so much, mom. I love you very much."

[@deemiller5024]

Thank you...beautifully spoken, and beautifully translated. Even without knowing what he said, his voice conveyed his heart.

[@efroix]

Thank you very much for translating. Beautiful words!

[@here_for_the_memes]

It sounded very similar to Thai. Was it Vietnamese or a dialect similar to Thai?

[@thelastmojican4480]

@@here_for_the_memes Some words yes ...

[@chauvu1345]

@@here_for_the_memes Both are tone languages, so the pronunciation is quite similar

[@AJsMOM4782]

Never heard of this author but my God I watched him mesmerized. He speaks so beautifully!!

[@EstrafaDC]

His poetry is stunning too. And if you get a chance to hear him read, don't miss it. One of the most amazing readers out there.

[@leszektemplewicz3362]

estafadores, simuladores

[@jilll1287]

Estrafalario he is the narrator for this book. It’s a treat to listen to an author read his own words aloud, especially this one, as stream of consciousness narrative isn’t for everyone.

[@leszektemplewicz3362]

@@rmarshall7744 will do. thank you Rebecca :)

[@leszektemplewicz3362]

@@jilll1287 agreed. Thank you Jill.

[@sophiarodriguez3706]

I love it when Seth Meyers has novelists on his show. You can tell he appreciates good books and where they come from. I'd never heard of Ocean Vuong before this, but he seems like a delightful man to know.

[@scifikoala]

I have yet to read the novel but his poetry is incredible

[@swatiashing4444]

Yeah his book " ON EARTH WERE BREAFLY GEORGEOUS " is viral on booktok ...and praise by many youtubers❤

[@asees5866]

@@swatiashing4444 reducing a book down to social media is just disrespecting the author, honestly.

[@swatiashing4444]

@@asees5866 I agree with you. ☺️

[@natalievuong5468]

I'm a Vietnamese Canadian university student living away from home and I haven't spent much time with my family at all. The minute he started speaking Vietnamese to his mother, I immediately started crying. I can never express how much I love my parents and how much I owe them. Hearing it in Vietnamese, a language I hardly get to speak when I live away from home, was for some reason so powerful. Wonderful interview and what an amazing writer.

[@RecoveringChristian]

Natalie Vuong oh Natalie

[@altruex]

I can relate - also Vietnamese-Canadian and i think when he spoke Vietnamese it almost brings you home to your upbringing and gives a sense of warmth and tenderness that although rough around the edges, that love wasnt expressed in tongue or language that as overbearing but through providing through gestures and acts of service. This also forces our brains having to conform to the dominant English speaking and westernized culture where it often suppressed a part of our heritage, and causes a sense of estrangement with it. Its good to have representation thats speaks to you.

[@Jeddsg]

wow...this is quality content. quiet voice, loud message! Keep mixing it up like this, Seth.

[@deemiller5024]

His heart is his voice....🌻

[@fjoralbagolikja9478]

This comment! I felt that

[@jimjimgl3]

Vuong seems to be one of those humans who observe what we all see but manage to express what few of us could ever convey.

[@huyle327]

here's what he said at the end "thank you mom, I'm very proud to be your son. I'm very happy and blessed. thank you mom, I love you very much"

[@luiysia]

☺️💗

[@thepoetjade]

Seeing a poet as a guest on a late night show made my heart SOAR! I love Ocean's poetry and can't wait to read this book!!

[@elizabethhoover4672]

Same!

[@emotaph5709]

Which book is this? Is it the one titled 'On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous'?

[@alexander_the_fantastic]

@@emotaph5709 yes, the book they’re discussing is On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous

[@emotaph5709]

@@alexander_the_fantastic thank you

[@EstrafaDC]

How fantastic to see Ocean Vuong on Seth Meyers! Bravo to Ocean and Bravo to Meyers for doing this kind of Dick Cavett-level of programming--highlighting the brilliance of our current cultural creative landscape!

[@leszektemplewicz3362]

absolutely. I love Dick Cavett!!!!!

[@pistaluv]

*sobbing* how does one embody poise this much??

[@ohmyblindman]

suffering

[@4everu984]

An intellect?! Thank you from a content starved American. Please please more of this and less actors/politicians.

[@AlanaChuong]

Yasss!! I'd give your comment billions of thumbs up if I could!

[@privacymatterspage]

Wow, if this is how he speaks, I can't wait to read his writing!

[@kosmo_komputer]

Hearing Vietnamese spoken on an American late night talk show brought tears to my eyes.

[@kaitlingerety2378]

More of this, please. Let’s value Authors, poets, and musicians the way we do actors. This was the most touching interview I’ve ever seen on a late night show. More more more!!

[@elizabethhoover4672]

Yes!

[@ninjalina3]

This was such a short video, but as an Asian-American who has fallen in and out of love for poetry, my origins, and the art of living... I am so deeply moved I may cry.

[@jean_jacquet]

Please continue to have guests like Ocean Vuong. It is so important to provide a larger platform for the next generation of thinkers. Representation matters, and it's so refreshing to see a late night show understand that.

[@skylorandrews6608]

I studied Vuong's poetry in my undergrad classes and have been in love ever since. So cool to see him getting mainstream coverage like this-- that's so rare for us poets!

[@vjs2048]

I can see how much Seth is enjoying this interview.

[@Nanancay]

Even the way he speaks is poetic omfg

[@trums2011]

Thank you so much for having writers like Ocean Vuong on the show. It makes such a world of difference to hear him speak about his experiences, sharing stories about Vietnamese culture, and even speaking Vietnamese! On late night! Bravo.

[@katrinalopasilva]

This is the best interview I’ve seen on late night TV!!!!!!!! WOW thank you for having him. And thank you for such amazing words, Ocean.

[@starlingcity]

Beautiful, thoughtful interview. Seth went for the gold, not the dirt.

[@Jessica-kw4qx]

This was the most beautiful and thoughtfully delivered interviews I've ever seen on late night television. So awesome that he got to speak to his mom in Vietnamese on prime time tv. So cool

[@elaera]

As a Australian born Vietnamese I'm so fucking proud. I cried because I understood what he said at the end. Hearing those words on a mainstream, western platform has given me more strength and courage to speak out and stand up more. Thank you ❤️🙏

[@suzannem9811]

LOVED this guest and interview. So powerful and refreshing. Please have more authors on. They are the most interesting guests.

[@tanisan]

WOW. Even after not knowing anything of his story or his book, I am in TEARS. His words are pure poetry and they speak so much truth. Ordering his book as we speak. Thank you to Seth & team for having him on your show I love that it's not just about Hollywood/music industry people. This is amazing.

[@runningforpizza]

Ashley Tani me too! Ordering :)

[@ifeta4119]

so eloquent and thoughtful... it truly is a breath of fresh air seeing an artist other than a mainstream celebrity showing up on a big show like this. thankyou seth meyers for giving other artists a platform!! I need to see more episodes like this!!

[@fred_fred_fred]

What a sweet man.

[@AddisonHaileLegobuilds]

I don’t know what he said to his mom, but it almost bought tears to my eyes. So sweet🥺

[@PrincessAndBear]

@HaileM Bradley He said “Thank you, Mum. I’m so proud to be your son. I’m so happy. I love you very much, Mum!” :)

[@ibrahimchowdhury9779]

@@PrincessAndBear Thank you for translating!

[@sophie00sunshine]

Ocean is amazing, I highly recommend everyone to read his "Night Sky with Exit Wounds", it is beautiful and heartbreaking. Love you Ocean

[@myleantreat]

So happy to see a fellow Vietnamese represented respectfully and cordially in popular American media! Asian Americans are being seen and heard more and more in leading movies, tv, music, dance, and books, and I love it. Keep up the great work.

[@anmitrng]

I teared up when Ocean used the words tự hào to express gratitude towards his mum. 6:20 - Thank you, mum. I am very proud to be your child. I am very content and happy. Thank you so much. I love you very much.

[@anythingbitter]

Started reading this book early this year but struggled to finish without sobbing. Had to put it off a number of times. Ocean articulated the joy, pain, fading memories, and questions that I couldn't for so long, in the most beautiful and raw means possible. My mom passed when I was 10, and Little Dog writing letters to his mom despite knowing she could never read them just hits very differently yet profoundly the same.

[@truogg36]

I'm Vietnamese and when I say those last words in Vietnamese, I'm so emotional :'**

[@amarysdejai]

I recently bought Ocean’s novel snd finished it within a week, I couldn’t put it down. The way that he speaks is so mesmerizing and eloquent, and I could listen to him talk for hours. I loved this interview, please have more writers on your talk show!

[@osoorts]

I could listen to Ocean all day

[@loveinthematrix]

I've never seen anyone so young with so much soul and gentleness and almost transcendence of the way most people are at this time in our society. Very important and refreshing.

[@Weirder_the_better]

I am mesmerized and blown away by his beautiful soul.

[@peacetea1001]

not too into books and literature but i clicked on this video because his name was too unique and interesting. but this interview freaking captivated me. he's so interesting and of course as a writer, he speaks so colorfully and uses words that really visualize like a majestic world -idk how to describe it, prob why im not a writer, but he is mesmerizing when he speaks. like when he described the closet. what a breath of fresh air to watch interviews like this on late talk shows as mainstream as this

[@Emcee99]

Wow!!! This was the most eloquent and gentle interview on a late night show I think I have ever seen! Please, continue to invite writers, poets, and just artists in general who can speak to areas of discussion that late night television does not often include!!

[@helenakurhee407]

What a wonderful interview! Whenever I listen to Ocean's interviews, I take so many notes. He's absolutely brilliant, and I'm so grateful that Seth & his team invited him on the show. It reminds me of how intellectuals hold celebrity status in places like France, and you can often see them on national TV programs. We need more of this in the U.S.!

[@coldgrandpa]

his voice makes me wanna cry i love him

[@millafruit]

Deep words coming from a young man. He's so expressive and earnest. It's lovely to see someone who thinks outside the box. Wonderful!

[@bobsiddoway]

So great to see authors on talk shows!!!

[@procrastimania]

I love this genuine interview by Seth! He actually spent the time to read the book (or someone did) and the questions are so good to prompt the speaker to divulge more and more about his book. Bravo 👏 I discovered Ocean from this and what a delight!

[@elladehner9532]

Seeing a poet on seth myers makes my heart fill. More writers. More talent and more creatives deserve the attention.

[@sozoal7604]

Wow wow wow I wish we could see more people interviewed with this background than only sports singers and actors

[@scifikoala]

I've read his poetry and it's incredible. So excited to read the novel, and so excited that he's getting this level of recognition

[@NewMessage]

I'm going to convince myself that my father called me "Skidmark" until I was 14 for the same reason.

[@cedarbobedar7223]

I always wondered what Mark was short for

[@bigbelly5519]

New Message lol

[@karmamelk9]

@@cedarbobedar7223 lol

[@vanpham5609]

As a Vietnamese, I’m so proud to see this. It’s my first time hearing about this guy, and I already wanna know more about him and seek out his book to read. He speaks so eloquently and is so soft-spoken-it’s beautiful. A true poet.

[@yanodusk]

That made me tear up when he started speaking in Vietnamese. So happy to discover a new writer that represents my culture and I can't wait to read your novel! ❤️

[@laneythelame]

Never thought i'd see him on any late night show, proud of you Seth!

[@TheCOLOURday]

His poem, :Telemachus," is fantastic! Came to my college to perform it and was absolutely amazing.

[@julia-bn3do]

this author is so amazing. his books will be apart of me until death.

[@likebot.]

4:12 "Sick" observations man, _nailed_ it.

[@pinkapples33]

This interview made me laugh and gave me chills. Incredible

[@KeyboardAttacker]

Great literary Vietnamese rep on Seth's show. Him and Viet Thanh Nguyen are v different but both great writers and inspiring people

[@altruex]

Its really inspiring to have a success story of an Vietnamese american and representation in the public sphere of the west. It was very nice to see someone who representing a community of Vietnamese immigrant and first generations of the west where vietnamese children of the war are often silence by the powers that be, and it’s difficult as a first generation to find their own voice. For ocean it was almost an amplification for both himself, mother, ancestors and people of Vietnam aligning it’s humanity with the western Americans struggle

[@sw9618]

His poetry is fantastic, very moving. I met him once during a reading of his work and he signed his book for me. He’s personable and interesting.

[@niedoremi]

As an aspiring poet/author and being Viet. This means so much… so inspiring. We are the American Dream! Making our mothers proud

[@cn9800]

Thank you for having this writer on your show. We need more exposure to writers and creators.

[@kohaku059]

Read his novel for a queer lit class and all of us were constantly blown away by how beautiful the writing and story are. We spent like half of our first class discussion gushing about it.

[@omyogagal]

Oh Seth, bless your heart for having Ocean Vuong to speak to his mother in Vietnamese. Knowing that his mother passed away later... I can't help but 😭rewatching this interview.

[@giangs6124]

Ocean Vuong, you are an inspiration! We Vietnamese are proud of you very much! Thank you for spreading beautiful messages that have been strengthening confidence and compassion in many people around the world including me! Thank you, Late Night with Seth Meyers team, for bringing forth an interview with such a talented poet! Love love love! Thank you thank you thank you!

[@The_Green_Queen]

I just instantly fell in love with this human 🥰

[@weirdduck88]

He's so well spoken. More writers (like me!) on late night talk shows, please!

[@harrypeacefulwarrior]

Delightful for this "old white person" to discover an excellent interview- both the guest and the host were BRILLIANT! More, please.

[@lamarlatrell5045]

I've only read his poetry, but I'm super excited for a novel from him

[@ngocdiemnguyen3914]

Thank you for having this young Vietnamese-American writer on your show. What a delightful interview. I know now to go look for his novel 😊.

[@danielgonz33]

his book brought me to tears. such poetic prose. I can't wait to dive into his poetry.

[@TheEndofThis]

Seth's last guests are always the best, I learn about someone new that I really come to admire.

[@ChinJess]

i'm shocked they put the title of the book in the video or description. It's called "On Earth, we're briefly gorgeous." and it's an absolutely beautiful book. Very emotional and poetic. Honestly probably, the best book I've ever read. I highly recommend anyone who loves stories and language to check it out.

[@niamhhhhhh]

i always remember the quote by ocean about the body being a blade that sharpens by cutting

[@mvn_dn]

This interview inspired me to buy his book. Please have more writers on.

[@m_here1]

My poetry technique writing class read his poetry book "Night Sky with Exit Wounds," and it was truly one of the most beautiful pieces of work I had ever read. I'm so glad you decided to interview him.

[@Wonderworld0000]

"Con thuong Me nhieu lam". Last sentence mean "I love you so much, Mom". I wan to tell my Mom alot but growing up in Vietnamese family, I sometimes hide this "soft" feeling. You have such a talent! Cheer for Vietnamese American writer!

[@lazedaisies]

Just finished reading his novel and decided to check out his videos. He's so soft spoken and so captivating as the way he writes. I have to say, I'm not the biggest fan of the book (unfortunately cos I really wanted to like it) but the writing is wonderful and something that I gravitate for my taste in books. Watching this definitely made me appreciate him more.

[@ethansguide]

As a young Vietnamese being in a long distance same-sex relationship with a Vietnamese American immigrant, I thank you very much for bringing exposure to this lovely man with his incredible book. It's surreal.

[@jnfuruba]

So excited to read his book!! The Vietnamese representation makes me insanely happy and proud 💗💗

[@habibaezzat2055]

I love the way he speaks omg

[@jorgeibanez9128]

To think that he didn’t grow up speaking English and how articulate he is by now is beyond me. What an amazing soul!

[@jewelgal26]

Dear Seth, you are definitely doing a much better job hosting now...not sure what happened but these days, it's like you are exuding peace n happiness now. So much easier to watch u host these days! Awesome job! And kudos to Ocean...can't wait to read your book!

[@thangvuong9196]

So soft spoken, but so powerful, that it brought me to tears.

[@himnawrites]

He speaks so beautifully... And everything he says has so much volume to it. I could watch this forever.

[@strucalexandrina4555]

I’m so glad I watched this right after reading the first few pages of the book, now I can go on reading with his voice in mind. Such a warm, kind person.

[@audioliquor]

I am Asian American and I don't recall ever crying as much as when I read On Earth We Are Briefly Gorgeous. It's an astonishingly beautiful book.

[@pandora4037]

I just randomly came across this video and I'm about to read his book. The way he talks is so beautiful and eloquent. I can't wait to see how beautifully written his book is.

[@robynology101]

whatever he said in Vietnamese to his mom just made me tear up and I didn’t understand a word. I can only imagine how proud she must be.

[@leangels8888]

Ocean said: "Thank you, Mom. I'm proud to be your son. I'm happy and grateful to be your son. I love you very much, Mom."

[@nhiarslain2422]

Wow! Quite eloquent in both languages and great understanding of the cultures. Very proud to be VietNamese.

[@Angelwhatsername]

I think I fell in love in 6 minutes. Wow.

[@tomoyopop]

I don't even understand Vietnamese but I started tearing up when he said his message to his mom 😭

[@leonle7465]

he said "Thank you mom. I'm so proud to be your son. I'm very happy and I love you very much!"

[@SandyRiverBlue]

I really like this guy.

[@colorfuldaffodil]

What a funny, moving, and wonderful interview! ❤️

[@screenshotofwords7839]

He has such a way with words. I love the way he ideates and the things he chooses to ideate on----thoughts first-generation curious minds have felt brought forth through such an elegant vessel.

[@sareneve1626]

the way this man speaks. wow. he is truly an artist.

[@carlosyamara]

Wow, he emanates so much peace. I love that Seth invites authors to his show. Going to my local book store to get his book.