Quick take
Their lives are vastly different and yet interconnected in numerous ways that Tan recounts with equal parts anger and empathy.
Why I love it
Book of the Month
Amy Tan’s extraordinary 1989 novel explores the divide between Chinese immigrants to the US and their children, first generation Americans being raised in San Francisco. Over games of mah jong and close-knit conversations, The Joy Luck Club delves into the backstories of four mothers and their four daughters. Their lives, especially their childhoods, are vastly different and yet interconnected in numerous ways that Tan recounts with equal parts anger and empathy.
Member ratings (399)
Mattia A.
Plano, TX
Reading this book is akin to living an entire lifetime 8 times over. Regardless of how many times it’s reread, it remains a gem. Rather than explain why, grab this book if you haven’t already!
Jamie H.
Washington, DC
WOW. This book really got me thinking about the unknown histories of my own parents' lives, and their parents'. It illustrates that we don't always know the whole story, even with those close to us.
Asha S.
Aliso Viejo, CA
I reread this book and absolutely loved it! The first time I read it, I was in middle school. This time around I felt that I connected with the story more and really appreciated Amy Tan’s writing
Kylee G.
Durham, NC
A powerful story about the divide between immigrant parents and the American born children. Beautiful portrayal of mother daughter relationships. But multiple storylines make it confusing at times.
Keisha D.
Lynbrook, NY
This book will forever be part of my reading library to pass down to my girls. The complexities of the characters and the lives they led kept the book in my hands. I never wanted to put it down!