The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

The Joy Luck Club

by Amy Tan

Master storyteller Amy Tan examines the sometimes painful, often tender, and always deep connection between mothers and daughters in this New York Times bestseller.

The Joy Luck Club is one of my favorite books. From the moment I first started reading it, I knew it was going to be incredible. For me, it was one of those once-in-a-lifetime reading experiences that you cherish forever. It inspired me as a writer and still remains hugely inspirational.”—Kevin Kwan, author of Crazy Rich Asians


In 1949 four Chinese women-drawn together by the shadow of their past-begin meeting in San Francisco to play mah jong, invest in stocks, eat dim sum, and "say" stories. They call their gathering the Joy Luck Club.

Nearly forty years later, one of the members has died, and her daughter has come to take her place, only to learn of her mother's lifelong wish—and the tragic way in which it has come true. The revelation of this secret unleashes an urgent need among the women to reach back and remember...

Reviewed by Bianca on

4 of 5 stars

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We all had our miseries. But to despair was to wish back for something already lost. Or to prolong what was already unbearable.

A collection of interconnected stories about the bonds between four Chinese immigrant mothers and their American-born daughters, who strive to understand each other despite the cultural and generational differences. Rich with culture and a really moving book :”)

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Reading updates

  • 6 April, 2021: Started reading
  • 24 April, 2021: Finished reading
  • 24 April, 2021: Reviewed