kaitlyn_choe's review against another edition
4.0
thick with wisdom, cultural depth, and honest & imperfect love. amy tan knows how to pack an entire story into a single sentence-- there were so many lines i read over and over, trying to piece apart each layer of its meaning. even still, i don't think i'm at the point in my life where i can fully appreciate this novel. i can't wait to read it again when i'm thirty or forty with older and more experienced eyes. to better understand the nuances 0f a mother-daughter relationship.
p.s. i really enjoyed each short story on its own. the overall structure of the novel, though, was not my cup of tea, as i was often left craving more development of each mother-daughter relationship/even the relationships between the mothers and daughters. definitely more breadth than depth here.
p.s. i really enjoyed each short story on its own. the overall structure of the novel, though, was not my cup of tea, as i was often left craving more development of each mother-daughter relationship/even the relationships between the mothers and daughters. definitely more breadth than depth here.
brc29's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
rhysleconte's review against another edition
4.0
This book had something about it which I can’t quite find what it is but up until that point of discovery, it shall be known as pure wizardry. I don’t know how but there was something so deeply intriguing about this story. The plot was not epic in scope or grandeur, but yet in its focus on the relationships between Chinese mothers and daughters, it felt raw and true and at times deeply upsetting, yet in moments joyously revelatory and uplifting. The writing in its simplicity provided absolute impact and poignancy. The characters however was what drove this story, all were complex and confusing but yet relatable and realistic. The Joy Luck Club was such a beautiful read and provided insight into the complicated lives of Chinese mothers and daughters, a wonderful book that I think anyone can enjoy.
klichtle's review against another edition
3.0
I didn’t connect well with the story or the characters because it was told in so many different chunks of time and characters.
tayclew's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
wordsmith2294's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
vventi's review against another edition
4.0
this was required reading for school but i actually really enjoyed it.
it illustrates the mother-daughter relationship and the differences between cultures quite well. it has a realistic and authentic portrayal of chinese culture and discusses the logic behind the traditions and superstitions that the older generations of chinese people practice. it also reminds me of the relationship between my mom and my grandma lol
it illustrates the mother-daughter relationship and the differences between cultures quite well. it has a realistic and authentic portrayal of chinese culture and discusses the logic behind the traditions and superstitions that the older generations of chinese people practice. it also reminds me of the relationship between my mom and my grandma lol
locourts's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
sazzzberry's review against another edition
Got to about halfway and I'm giving up. I'd have given up sooner but it's for book club so I can't!
Not engaging at all; cannot connect with any characters or any sort of story that's supposed to be taking place.
Saying that, I'd give another of this author's books a go as I think it's the mechanism of the story telling that's the trouble rather than bad writing. Too disconnected.
Not engaging at all; cannot connect with any characters or any sort of story that's supposed to be taking place.
Saying that, I'd give another of this author's books a go as I think it's the mechanism of the story telling that's the trouble rather than bad writing. Too disconnected.
valealle23's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
ok this book was pretty good, especially towards the end. however i didn’t get into it or connect with the characters until the last section. i don’t regret reading it because of how much i learned ab chinese culture but maybe i would’ve enjoyed it more id f i hadn’t read it for school