A review by laurenleigh
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

dark emotional inspiring reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

This has been on my TBR forever! Amy Tan is really quite amazing. She packs in so much in this short book! All these characters were so multi-faceted. I was especially interested when their storylines intersected. For example, listening to Waverly’s story, I had a lot of sympathy for her. But then she shows up in someone else’s story (Lena?), and she comes off as so rude! A good reminder to greet others with patience and an open heart. We’re all dealing with our own stories, but we have to also remember we’re only the main central character in our own plot line. I have renewed awe for immigrants and all they go through in an attempt to make things better and easier for their children. There’s a line that’s sticking with me, where one of the mothers wanted her daughter to have American opportunities but with a Chinese mentality. I can’t quote the whole part here, so just go read this and come talk to me. 😉

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