We Play a Game
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2018
104
Book • Nonfiction
2018
Adult
18+ years
We Play a Game by Duy Doan is a collection of poetry exploring the author's Vietnamese-American identity, feelings of displacement, and daily life experiences in both Vietnam and America. The poems, written in both Vietnamese and English, touch on themes like language barriers, social and literal games, transformation, violence, and religion. Some poems deal with sensitive topics, including violence and wartime trauma.
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Emotional
Heartwarming
81 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
We Play a Game by Duy Doan garners mixed reviews. Critics praise its lyrical language and innovative structure, highlighting Doan's skillful blend of humor and poignancy. However, some find the thematic depth lacking and the experimental style occasionally confusing. On balance, it offers a fresh, if sometimes uneven, poetic experience.
Readers who relish linguistically playful and culturally rich poetry akin to Ocean Vuong's Night Sky with Exit Wounds or Tracy K. Smith's Life on Mars will find Duy Doan's We Play a Game captivating. It appeals to those who appreciate explorations of identity, heritage, and the nuances of language.
81 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
104
Book • Nonfiction
2018
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!