History of Ocean Vuong in Timeline

Ocean Vuong is a celebrated Vietnamese American poet, essayist, and novelist recognized for his impactful literary contributions. He's a recipient of prestigious awards including the Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowship (2014), the Whiting Award (2016), and the T. S. Eliot Prize (2017). His debut novel, 'On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous,' released in 2019, further solidified his reputation. Also in 2019, he received a MacArthur Grant, highlighting his significant influence and potential in contemporary literature.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 14, 1988: Ocean Vuong's Birth

Ocean Vuong, originally named Vương Quốc Vinh, was born on October 14, 1988. He is a Vietnamese American poet, essayist, and novelist.

Others born on this day/year

2011: Publication of 'Burnings'

In 2011, Ocean Vuong's chapbook, Burnings, published by Sibling Rivalry Press, was recognized as an "Over The Rainbow" selection for notable LGBT books by the American Library Association.

Burnings

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2013: Release of 'No'

Ocean Vuong's second chapbook, No, was released by YesYes Books in 2013, adding to his growing body of work.

2014: Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowship

In 2014, Ocean Vuong received the Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowship from the Poetry Foundation, marking an early recognition of his talent in the literary world.

2016: Whiting Award

Ocean Vuong received the Whiting Award in 2016, further establishing his reputation as a significant contemporary writer.

2016: Release of 'Night Sky with Exit Wounds'

Ocean Vuong's debut full-length collection, Night Sky with Exit Wounds, was released by Copper Canyon Press in 2016, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Night Sky with Exit Wounds

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2017: T. S. Eliot Prize

In 2017, Ocean Vuong was awarded the prestigious T. S. Eliot Prize, solidifying his position as a leading voice in poetry.

June 4, 2019: Publication of 'On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous'

Ocean Vuong's first novel, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, was published by Penguin Press on June 4, 2019. The novel served as a "phantom novel" dedicated to his family.

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous: A Novel

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November 2019: Mother's Death

Ocean Vuong's mother passed away in November 2019 after being diagnosed with breast cancer three months before the release of his novel, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous. This loss greatly impacted him and influenced his later work.

2019: Artist-In-Resident at NYU

Ocean Vuong served as the 2019-2020 Artist-In-Resident at NYU's Asian/Pacific/American Institute, additionally working with the school's Center for Refugee Poetics and the Lillian Vernon Creative Writers House.

2019: Publication of Debut Novel and MacArthur Grant

Ocean Vuong's debut novel, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, was published in 2019. That same year, he received a MacArthur Grant, providing him with significant financial support and recognition.

August 2020: Contribution to the Future Library Project

In August 2020, Ocean Vuong was revealed as the seventh writer to contribute to the Future Library project, where his original work will remain unread until 2114.

2020: Artist-In-Resident at NYU

November 2021: Excerpt Featured in New South Wales Higher School Certificate Exams

In November 2021, an excerpt from Ocean Vuong's novel, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, was featured in the New South Wales Higher School Certificate exams. Following the exam, students bombarded Vuong with questions on Instagram.

On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous: A Novel

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2022: Professor of Creative Writing at NYU and Recognition by BuzzFeed Books

In 2022, Ocean Vuong became a tenured Professor of Creative Writing at NYU. In the same year, he was recognized as one of "32 Essential Asian American Writers" by BuzzFeed Books, marking a recognition of his impact on literature.