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This new episode of Oprah’s Book Club sees-recorded spots for Ocean Vuong, who wrote The Emperor of Gladness, and with these conversations that pierce sharply through walls. The subject matter was kindness-not the cheap kind, one might say, but rather, raw, gritty, and unconditional kind of kindness that demands some kind.
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Around the latter end of the clip, there is a reflective thought from Vuong regarding hospitality days at Boston Market and Panera Bread and how he looked at it: “It’s easy to give when it doesn’t cost you anything.” And the kindness when one is struggling to feed their families? Now, that is the kind that changes minds forever.
He also tosses away this bold notion: What if we bred prodigies of kindness just like we groom prodigies of sport and prodigies of music? Can you imagine children being praised not for goals scored but for raising others? Just the thought has many people going wild in the comments.
Speaking of comments, the reactions range from hype and reflective to downright chaotic. One commentator writes, “Prodigies of kindness? What a brilliant idea! I’m all for it!” Another follows up with, “Yaaaaassss 🔥🔥🔥 prodigies of kindness.” The hype is real.
Here come dissenting voices, too. “She shouldn’t talk about kindness, she saw the video Cassie was beaten by her friend, she said nothing.” Oof! Another cryptic one follows: “Oprah & Tyler Perry 🤫 ohhhh so secretive. MONIQUE has guts to speak the TRUTH.” Drama? Maybe. Certainly, the conversation has been sparked.
Then we have one that sorely had to make it about himself: “I’m a living virgin saint mystic martyr prophet and world intuitive influencer…” Okay then. Moving on.
The real gem here, though, is a user dishing out the substance: “Kindness is effortless when life is full… But the real test of character comes when hope is scarce… That kind of kindness isn’t soft. It’s strength disguised as grace.” Mic drop.
Ocean Vuong’s book The Emperor of Gladness has already been winning some hearts, one listener affirming the audiobook: “Almost finished! A great story and a great reader.” We guess you can’t win them all! To put it quite plainly: “I bought his book. Regret it !!”
Streaming now on Oprah’s YouTube channel and various podcast platforms is the episode, so for anyone who enjoys those deep human conversations (and really, who doesn’t?) this is the kind of stuff you want to sink your teeth into. The comments section, however, is not for the faint of heart.
And some down-home-diagnosis ballers give the thumbs-up: “I knew it was a Boston market!” There are just some things that stick with you.
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To net down: Kindness isn’t just a feel-good buzzword; it becomes a conscious choice, especially when it’s hard to give. That’s a message that’ll want to stick with you.
This story originally appeared on Celebrityinsider
