Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
MPR News Staff

Viet Thanh Nguyen on hiding in plain sight

Author Viet Thanh Nguyen and 'Invisible Man'
Viet Thanh Nguyen discussed reading 'Invisible Man' on The Thread with Kerri Miller.
Portrait courtesy of BeBe Jacobs, book cover courtesy of publisher

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

On The Thread podcast, books are just the beginning. Host Kerri Miller talks with comedians, scientists and other big thinkers about how books and reading have shaped their lives.

Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Viet Thanh Nguyen knows what it's like to be invisible in a crowded room. His family came to America as refugees from Vietnam and his work — including his novel "The Sympathizer" — explores the way immigrants are often ignored in this county in daily life, only to find themselves subjected to intense scrutiny in moments of crisis.

He spoke with Kerri Miller about Ralph Ellison's novel, "Invisible Man," a book he said inspired him to become the writer he is today.