Discover ‘The Emperor of Gladness’, a poignant novel from The Bookish Owl that has captivated readers worldwide and become a TikTok sensation. This achingly beautiful story follows college dropout Hai, whose life is irrevocably changed by an unlikely friendship with elderly widow Grazina. Set in East Gladness, Connecticut, it explores themes of chosen family, second chances, and the profound impact of unexpected connections. As Hai finds a new sense of belonging with Grazina and her fellow diner workers, the narrative beautifully depicts survival, compassion, and the enduring power of human connection. A heartbreaking, heartwarming, and unsentimental read, this book is a masterwork of complexity and originality.