The Joy Luck Club

Rating:
Summary: Far from reality
Review: I came to the United States at age of 18 from Taiwan and I had been here for seven years. During these years I seemed to "learn" things about Asia like how Asian females are supposed to be passive and males are likely to be gansters and treat females badly. I learned about the stereotypes from American public media, and Joy Luck Club is just another example of those, only maybe more popular than the similar sort. There is always a danger of Asian Americans writing books about Asian. Under that seemingly identical physical appearance is a whole different style of thinking, the American one. Having never lived in the modern( and I emphasize, MODERN) China or any Chinese speaking countries and obviously lacking a true understanding about Chinese culture is simply to humiliate Chinese. I hate to see this book selling like hotcakes knowing a great majority of readers probably would adore it. This book is NOT a guide to Chinese culture nor Chinese people. Please, no more saving the poor Chinese women from evil Chinese men's hand, and no more "now you are save in America" kind of attitude. There are thousands of Chinese international students like me, coming from good families, living a good life style, and have never had to go through an arranged marriage. I suggest the author take a long trip to China and do more research before writing anything about it.

Rating:
Summary: A book that revolutionizes the story of Asians
Review: The first time I read it, I fell in love with it. I've read it many many more times since and each time was as rich as the last. Please don't give up on this book, if you hate it the first time--try try again. It's worth it! I was really disappointed by the bad reception that some people gave this wonderful novel. This is probably the first book in a long while to let the mainstream see a glance into Asian culture. The novel may not reflect everyone's life EXACTLY but maybe a few elements one will find in their own life. Being a second generation Taiwanese, I related really well to this novel.However; it isn't a novel just for Asians, like the Bluest Eye isn't just for Africa-Americans, it is a story for everyone. I hope it opens up people eye's to see that in truth everyone shares the same gripes, tragedies, joys, and flawed relationships. Many of the stories of generational gaps are right on the mark; my sister and mother both agree that this is an exceptional novel. The film is very good on it's own, but there are a few scenes that are definitly not historically coreect. But for both the remarkable book and film, I cried because it was as familiar as the life I've grown up with.

Rating:
Summary: I READ THIS BOOK WHICH IMAGINATION
Review: IT IS A POWERFUL BACK GROUND CHECK. AS IF IT HAPPEN TO AMY TAN HERSELF.THE WHOLE THING ABOUT THE MOON LADY WAS SO TOUCHING IT SHOWS YOU WHAT LITTLE CHILDERN DO UNDERSTAND ABOUT WHAT HAPPEN WHETHER IF IT'S MYTH OR A PRBLEM WITH FAMILY LIFE. THIS STORY MADE ME GO BACK AND TOUCH UP ENDS WITH MY FAMILY.THIS STORY REMINDED ME OF MY FAMILY ACCEPT I WAS NEVER TOLD THAT TO MARRY SOMEONE. I MAKE MY PEACE BY WRITING THIS.

Rating:
Summary: A misleading book
Review: I'm a graduate student from mainland China, living in New Jersey right now. I saw the movie on TV two years ago then I borrowed the book from my friends. Frankly, I think this book is pretty boring. As many American people like Chinese food here, but that's quite different from genuine Chinese style. Joy Luck Club is just like the modified Chinese food, many people love it, but you think that is really what's happening in China and you can learn something about Chinese culture from this book, you are absolutely mislead by it. Wild Swans - Three Daughters of China is a much better book, I sincerely recommended it, believe me.

Rating:
Summary: Really great!
Review: This book is one of those that can make you feel deep into the heart of the relationship between mothers and daughters. Although all the characters are chinese or american chinese,the message it sends out is universal,if you really look at it with fair judgement. This book amazingly touched my heart and I webt while I was reading it. I really recommend it to all,especially woman. You'll find that Amy Tan has a gift of expressing her thoughts and soul into the book.

Rating:
Summary: MY FAVORITE BOOK!
Review: I HAVE READ THIS BOOK FOUR TIMES, AND I AM ABSOULUTLY CAPTIVATED BY IT EACH TIME! I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS, ONLY COPLIMENTS. I THINK THAT AMY TAN IS THE BEST AUTHOR THAT I HAVE EVER READ FROM.I FIRST READ THIS BOOK WHEN I WAS 13, AND I DIDN'T KNOW TOO MUCH ABOUT CHINESE CULTURE. THIS BOOK TAUGHT ME, IT ACCURATLY EXPLAINED THE CHINESE WAYS, BUT IN A AMAZING NOVEL, NOT A GEOGRAPHY BOOK. THANKS MRS. TAN!

Rating:
Summary: Unfortunately I too think this book is boring
Review: I disagree with people who say reviews are unfair here. I find this book boring, but it does appeal to some other people. One side should not try to say the other side is unfair. The story is like a soap opera, to me. The writing style is just too bland for my taste, no where as poetic as Woman Warrior.

Rating:
Summary: MY FAVORITE BOOK
Review: I have read the Joy Luck Club several times through. Why? It's because I love this book. Never have I ever been so entranced and taken by a book. I have read all of Amy Tan's books and am looking forward to her next one. It's not because I am a Chinese-American that I enjoyed the book, bur rather it's because it was good. I did not read this book to learn about China, I read it for the story. That's why I don't think some of the people here are very fair in passing judgement about this book.

Rating:
Summary: Very interesting and extremly well written
Review: First I want to say I am in 8th grade and I read this book on my own. This book really gave me a feeling about the chinesse culture and also about relationships between parents and children from different points of views so next time I terririze my mother I can keep in mind how she could be feeling! I recommend this book to all ages and I am sure that you would enjoy it if you like learning about different cultures! Now I must go to my book "The Kitchen God's Wife" another Amy Tan masterpiece!

Rating:
Summary: This book rocks
Review: I had to read this book in a first year english course at university. So like I thought I would hate it, because well the books you get assigned to read are usually pretty boring. This was a great surprise however. The story was beautifully told, and it gives the reader great insight into the Chinese Culture. This book was a great read and Amy Tan is a great author.