On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous

Definitely the best book I have read so far this year. It is honestly so heartbreaking the entire time - not because sad stuff happens the whole time, but because you start to carry the trauma of protagonist as he continues to talk through his experiences as they do (and don't directly) pertain to his mother.

The book itself is a letter to his mother who can't read English. It talks about the lives of him, his mother, and his grandmother through PTSD, abuse, war, drugs, culture clash/assimilation, death, and sexuality. It's definitely a heavy read, but I really liked that everything tied back into the protagonist's relationship with his mother and growing understanding/appreciation of her experiences. It's reminiscent of how relationships with your parents change throughout your life and how context/familiarity can bring you closer.