fkshg8465's review
4.0
As satisfying as the first time I read it over twenty years ago and still impressed that this was her first book published. Grateful to the world for her Abba her works.
radiantrox's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
2.25
haydenms15's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I had to read this book for me English class and I really enjoyed it. Getting to see the relationships and the way the mothers interacted with the daughters, and then getting a better understanding of why they interact in the way they do through backstories was interesting. I really enjoyed waverlys, lindo jong, an mei, and ying-yings perspectives. I will say it was hard to remember whose story was whose at times but overall it was amazing.
jenrud31's review against another edition
emotional
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
4.0
A little dated but I do enjoy a generational ensemble drama. I’m interested in watching the movie now. Mothers and daughters are so tenderly interwoven. This book had me reflecting on my own relationship with my mom. It also made me want to visit San Francisco. 🤷
cmkauth's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
laurelthelorax's review
5.0
This is a book that deserves a reread. Not because it's fun or I miss the characters, but because I know there is so much more I could get out of it from wading through the richness. Really incredible.
vale_rodrz's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
nothingforpomegranted's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-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? Yes
4.5
A novel written in stunning, overlapping vignettes from the perspectives of eight different characters in two different generations that explores what it means to be Chinese, American, and an immigrant. This ambitious book is an especially remarkable debut novel, and it is no surprise that it has become a modern classic.
This book tells the story of four mothers and four daughters, going back and forth in time as we discover each of their "origin stories." Perhaps more than anything else, this is a story about the relationships between mothers and daughters and how communication barriers are erected between them. Each story is at least a little bit heartbreaking, and while each one can stand alone, it is especially profound to read these stories together, developing a sense of the relationships among the characters.
I loved these stories and Amy Tan's beautiful writing, and I am amazed by the way she was able to write in different voices for each character, truly developing their identities in such short segments. This is one I would love to come back to at a different phase of life or, especially, in a book club or class to help me retain the concepts more effectively and substantially.
This book tells the story of four mothers and four daughters, going back and forth in time as we discover each of their "origin stories." Perhaps more than anything else, this is a story about the relationships between mothers and daughters and how communication barriers are erected between them. Each story is at least a little bit heartbreaking, and while each one can stand alone, it is especially profound to read these stories together, developing a sense of the relationships among the characters.
I loved these stories and Amy Tan's beautiful writing, and I am amazed by the way she was able to write in different voices for each character, truly developing their identities in such short segments. This is one I would love to come back to at a different phase of life or, especially, in a book club or class to help me retain the concepts more effectively and substantially.
carolinegarza's review
5.0
I know this book is famous, but I was unaware of the premise. This book looks at four Chinese mothers & their four Chinese-American daughters. Each of the eight women have two chapters in which they share about their life & their struggle to reconcile two cultures, two traditions, and their relationship with their mother/daughter. Fascinating read!