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Ocean Vuong

Bestselling Author • 3 Series • 8 Books

3
Series
8
Books
3
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous (2019)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Collections
Start with: Burnings (2010)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Anthologies
Start with: 100 Queer Poems (2022)

About Ocean Vuong

Ocean Vuong is a Vietnamese published author, poet, and essayist. He was born in Saigon, Vietnam. Ocean Vuong is the author of several published books of poems. The first came out in 2010 and is titled Burnings. No, another collection of poems, was released in 2013. His 2016 collection of poetry was titled Night Sky with Exit Wounds. It became a best seller and won the Whiting Award as well as the Thom Gunn Award. Exit Wounds was also a contender when it comes to the category of Best First Collection as a finalist for the Forward Prize. It was also a finalist for several other awards including the Lamda Literary Prize and Kate Tufts Discovery Award. It was named one of the top ten books for the year 2016 by the New York Times as well. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, Ocean Vuong has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Ocean Vuong

Publication Order of Standalone Novels
2 books 2019–2025
1

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, another outstanding contribution from Ocean Vuong.

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2019
2

The Emperor of Gladness

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Emperor of Gladness, another outstanding contribution from Ocean Vuong.

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2025
Publication Order of Collections
3 books 2010–2022
1

Burnings

Burnings is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ocean Vuong have come to expect.

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2010
2

Night Sky with Exit Wounds

Night Sky with Exit Wounds is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ocean Vuong have come to expect.

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2016
3

Time Is a Mother

Time Is a Mother is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ocean Vuong have come to expect.

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2022
Publication Order of Anthologies
3 books 2022–2025
1

100 Queer Poems

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with 100 Queer Poems, another outstanding contribution from Ocean Vuong.

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2022
2

Another Last Call: Poems on Addiction and Deliverance

Another Last Call: Poems on Addiction and Deliverance continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ocean Vuong's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2023
3

Breaking into Blossom: Poems with Extraordinary Endings

Breaking into Blossom: Poems with Extraordinary Endings continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Ocean Vuong's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2025

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Ocean Vuong?

Ocean Vuong is a bestselling author known for 3 book series containing over 8 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Collections, Publication Order of Anthologies. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Ocean Vuong series to start with?

For readers new to Ocean Vuong's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 2 books. Begin with On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Ocean Vuong written?

Ocean Vuong has written over 8 books across 3 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Ocean Vuong books in order?

Yes, reading Ocean Vuong's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Ocean Vuong write in?

Ocean Vuong writes primarily in fiction. With 3 series across 8 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Ocean Vuong's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Ocean Vuong's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Ocean Vuong's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Ocean Vuong's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series. The first book, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.