August 6, 2025 YOU CAN'T CHANGE THAT

Bromance-- since first grade. Joined at the hip--until tomorrow. Yup-Tim's first BFF is leaving for college. Weren't they just playing Monopoly in the family room?? Where did the time go???  It's a bittersweet time for sure. On the one hand--the excitement of College--BUT there's also the FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN--AND CHANGE. Tim's been so lucky with friends. He's literally had the same core group since first grade-A BAND OF BROTHERS. They'll have to say SO LONG for now--until Christmas--BUT the Bromance will continue because of their connection and  shared memories of the last thirteen years. Enjoy your first semester--can't wait to hear all about it. The main character, Hai,  in Ocean Vuong's new book The Emperor of Gladness isn't so lucky. As the novel unfolds, Hai, is a nineteen year old Vietnamese American living in East Gladness, Connecticut, debating his fate as he stands on a bridge ready to jump.  Luckily, an elderly woman named, Grazina, talks him down. Grazina takes Hai to her dilapitated house to discuss his near suicide and then Hai reluctantly becomes her caretaker.  Hai also starts working at Home Market, a casual restaurant, where he meets a cast of characters including the manager BJ-who wants to be a professional wrestler, Wayne, Russia, Maureen, and his cousin Sony. They form a camaraderie as they share many struggles while working at this dead end job. Hai and Grazina also form a bond that ultimately changes both of their lives. This is a quirky story about friendship, loneliness and addiction where the reader decides the fate of the characters. I enjoyed this book--especially the characters in the restaurant as I felt like I was back at Papa Ginos.