jtrbl's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is my second time reading this book (the last was 6-7 years ago). But I enjoyed it all the same this time. I think it does a fantastic job of exploring complex relationships, and writing from many distinct points of view. Very well written and paced.
michaelion's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I had no expectations other than I knew it would fuck me up. Any story about mothers and daughters. Especially women of color! So complex!! Too real!!!
I don't like reviews with quotes from the piece of media but I had to stop reading to make note of this masterpiece and let it simmer for a while: "And even though I taught my daughter the opposite, she still came out the same way! Maybe it is because she was born to me and she was born a girl. And I was born to my mother and I was born a girl. All of us are like stairs, one step after another, going up and down, but all going the same way."
I don't like reviews with quotes from the piece of media but I had to stop reading to make note of this masterpiece and let it simmer for a while: "And even though I taught my daughter the opposite, she still came out the same way! Maybe it is because she was born to me and she was born a girl. And I was born to my mother and I was born a girl. All of us are like stairs, one step after another, going up and down, but all going the same way."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Abandonment, War, Grief, Eating disorder, Death of parent, and Racism
Moderate: Child abuse, Misogyny, Miscarriage, Domestic abuse, and Classism
Minor: Self harm, Animal death, Rape, Xenophobia, Blood, Pedophilia, Abortion, and Homophobia
tarikalily's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A beautiful tale of mother/daughter relationships across generations, time periods, cultures and countries. The complex pressures of growing up in a family culture different to that of where you live runs true throughout. The younger daughters open with their POVs and you emapthise with their struggles to cope with mothers who have very different, and sometimes a little outdated, views of their futures. But soon, having heard the horrible, traumatic and selfless things which the mothers have been through years previously you quickly gain a sympathy for them which helps to understand the relationships between mother and daughter.
Gorgeous writing. Powerful and engaging characterisation.
Gorgeous writing. Powerful and engaging characterisation.
falleaves's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
ferris_mx's review against another edition
5.0
This book was lovely and I should have read it a long time ago. I time shared with other books, and that was a mistake. With four intertwined stories, reading this book alone would have been preferable.
izzyhernandez's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
neridan's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
prettyalibi's review against another edition
5.0
I read this whole book in two days. It was phenomenal. It was a challenge to keep up with the many characters in the beginning, but their stories were all equally fascinating and had me wanting to read more, and that is something that I find magical. This was very thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating, and the different viewpoints expressed through the many characters have influenced my thinking. I would highly recommend this book to people who enjoy stories, because each character has their own stories and anecdotes to tell.
fidoe's review against another edition
3.0
#bookreview #thejoyluckclub #amytan #historicalfiction #china #america
Book No. 56, Week No. 27.
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
Rating: 3/5
I had heard a lot about this book so I was very excited to read it.
This book is about 4 women from China who settle in the USA, but continue to be Chinese at heart. And their daughters, who struggle with their dual identities, and try to understand what it means to be Chinese, especially in America. The book,based in late 80s when the moms are in their 60s and daughters in 30s, has 16 chapters, 2 each by every mother and daughter. It is written in a non linear fashion and generally talks about the Chinese history of the mothers and the current challenges in the daughters' lives. The mothers become friends and name their group the Joy Luck Club, and their husbands and kids hang out too.
To be honest... The novel left me a little underwhelmed. Maybe I had too many expectations, maybe I expected the novel to be different in style and plotline.
What worked for me.. the honesty of the mothers, about their past, their families, their decisions, and their advice to their daughters. It was fascinating as always, to read about China as it was, more than a 100 years ago.
What didn't work for me: I didn't enjoy the non linear format, I was confused and had to keep going back to figure who is who. Also.. in comparison to their mothers, the daughters' stories weren't as well etched. The characterization seemed shallower, the struggle between the two identities not depicted as well as it could have been.
I would have liked has the novel started off with individual histories, followed by journey to USA, meeting of the women, and starting of the club. Followed by upbringing of children and the associated challenges. The novel had potential but it didn't live up to the hype for me. Anywho I am still glad I read it.
Book No. 56, Week No. 27.
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
Rating: 3/5
I had heard a lot about this book so I was very excited to read it.
This book is about 4 women from China who settle in the USA, but continue to be Chinese at heart. And their daughters, who struggle with their dual identities, and try to understand what it means to be Chinese, especially in America. The book,based in late 80s when the moms are in their 60s and daughters in 30s, has 16 chapters, 2 each by every mother and daughter. It is written in a non linear fashion and generally talks about the Chinese history of the mothers and the current challenges in the daughters' lives. The mothers become friends and name their group the Joy Luck Club, and their husbands and kids hang out too.
To be honest... The novel left me a little underwhelmed. Maybe I had too many expectations, maybe I expected the novel to be different in style and plotline.
What worked for me.. the honesty of the mothers, about their past, their families, their decisions, and their advice to their daughters. It was fascinating as always, to read about China as it was, more than a 100 years ago.
What didn't work for me: I didn't enjoy the non linear format, I was confused and had to keep going back to figure who is who. Also.. in comparison to their mothers, the daughters' stories weren't as well etched. The characterization seemed shallower, the struggle between the two identities not depicted as well as it could have been.
I would have liked has the novel started off with individual histories, followed by journey to USA, meeting of the women, and starting of the club. Followed by upbringing of children and the associated challenges. The novel had potential but it didn't live up to the hype for me. Anywho I am still glad I read it.