Exquisitely written and heartfelt, and yet it failed to have any real impact on me. There were a lot of beautiful thought-provoking quotes that are worth revisiting but everything else felt rather dull and lacking any real substance. I admire Vuong's sheer honesty here and there's a lot to respect about the vulnerability he displays, but at times I couldn't help but feel like it was only honesty for honesty's sake and not to drive home any real point. I felt as if I was being let into a stranger's life, a gesture that is appreciated but ultimately feels almost awkward. I reckon I'd find Vuong's poetry more compelling than what this book had to offer me.