What are the best books by Amy Tan?
Cultural awareness helps form more meaningful relationships with the people around us. Culture-based pieces of literature open new perspectives and help us develop empathy and respect for others.
Celebrating the differences and similarities of cultures worldwide are at the core of Amy Tan’s books. Amy is a daughter of Chinese immigrants. In her work, she documents the experiences of Asian American women.
Here, we’ll list some of her best works and why it’s important for you to read them.
Who is Amy Tan?
Amy Ruth Tan was born on February 19, 1952, in Oakland, California to Chinese immigrant parents. As mentioned, her work mainly revolves around the American experiences of Chinese women. She grew up in Switzerland and California, where she studied English and linguistics in high school.
In her early teenage years, Amy lost both her father and brother to brain cancer.
In 1987, she took her mother to China and became a highly successful freelance business writer. During her time in China, she met up with her two half-sisters, which inspired the first part of her novel, The Joy Luck Club.
Amy is a hugely successful American author. She was nominated for the National Book Critics Circle Award, the National Book Award, and the International Orange Prize. Away from literature and the bestseller list, Amy has also performed with rock charity super group Rock Bottom Remainders.
Currently, Amy lives in California and New York with her husband and their two dogs.
The best Amy Tan books
Here is a list of author Amy Tan’s best books:
The Joy Luck Club
The Joy Luck Club is Amy’s first novel. It’s the story of two women that fled to China during the 1940s accompanied by their four Americanized daughters. The New York Times bestseller book puts emphasis on the complicated mother-daughter relationship and the bond that’s always there.
The Bonesetter’s Daughter
The Bonesetter’s Daughter comprises of two major stories. The first follows Ruth, a Chinese woman living in San Francisco. The second story follows Lu Ling, her mother, who’s becoming increasingly demented. The book was inspired by Amy’s family secrets and sheds light on the complexities of many mother-daughter relationships.
The Chinese Siamese Cat
The Chinese Siamese Cat is a 1994 children’s book about a mother cat and how she tells her little kittens the story of how they obtained their distinctive markings. This book teaches readers of all ages about the values of family and origin.
It was adapted into an animated children’s television show, Sagwa, that airs on PBS Kids.
The Valley of Amazement
This story of three women connected by betrayal and blood explores themes of feeling or being considered “other” and family estrangement.
Amy says that she was inspired to write this novel after coming across a woman in a courtesan dress and recognizing the outfit from her favorite photograph of her grandmother.
The Hundred Secret Senses
Olivia, a five-year-old girl, meets her half-sister for the first time. After decades pass, Olivia takes the time to describe their complicated relationship and shines some light on her failed marriage.
This novel is an incredible story about America and China, loyalty, love, prejudice, and musings on identity.
The Moon Lady
The book is set during a long-autumn moon festival that takes place in China. The reader is told a story by seven-year-old Ying-Ying, who enjoys a day full of fun, as he waits to meet Lady Chang-o, who lives on the Moon.
Saving Fish From Drowning
The story follows American tourists as they travel along the Burma Road from China to Myanmar. Loosely based on a true story, the plot focuses on the tourist group as they find themselves in the middle of the jungle.
The Opposite of Fate
The Opposite of Fate: Memories of a Writing Life provides the reader with vivid stories on luck, choices, and attitudes. This is Amy’s collection of essays that paint the picture of her life, family, and the influences that shaped her.
Where the Past Begins: A Writer’s Memoir
In this Where the Past Begins, Amy delves into the topics of childhood, adolescence, family, and the beginnings of a writing career that she decided to pursue. She tries to answer questions of meaning and purpose that have troubled all of us.
The Kitchen God’s Wife
Amy wrote this book about her mother, Daisy. In the story, the main character’s name is Winnie, and the action revolves around the struggles that she faced in Shanghai, China, and after her move to the United States in 1949.
Find slice of life stories on Speechify Audiobooks
Reading and learning about culture is enriching and encouraging. It allows us to explore the beauty of other cultures through words and descriptions. All of which can help us better understanding and empathy, just like in Amy Tan’s books.
There is nothing better than reading about a culture that fascinates you with Speechify. Our audiobooks take the reader on a culturally fulfilling journey. You can listen to your favorite books everywhere, and that’s the magic of Speechify.
Hear Amy Tan’s stories come to life on Speechify with audiobook versions of Where the Past Begins and The Opposite of Fate.
FAQ
Where should I start with Amy Tan?
You can start reading The Joy Luck Club by this bestselling author.
Is The Joy Luck Club true?
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan is not 100% accurate, as the scenarios of this book aren’t based on her life. However, Amy points out that this piece is emotionally true.
What are the most popular Amy Tan books?
Here are the five most popular Amy Tan books ranked:
- The Chinese Siamese Cat
- The Bonesetter’s Daughter
- The Joy Luck Club
- The Hundred Secret Senses
- Mother
Besides bestselling novels, she has also written some renowned non-fiction and short stories (including “Rules for Virgins”).
Why should I read the books by Amy Tan?
Readers are encouraged to pick up Amy Tan’s books because they explore the relationships between mothers, sisters, daughters, and families in general. They also focus on the struggles that immigrant families face with modern beliefs.
