Rating: 
Summary: Enthralling concept
Review: Tan is truly skilled in her profession - her talent shines through in this tale of how memories can affect through the generations. Ruth Young, a 46 year-old unwed woman, is the girlfriend of Art, and a surrogate second mother to his two girls, Sofia and Dory. Although they have been dating for 10 years and even live together, they will never marry. Art, once divorced, has already told her of this. He is also the source of much of Ruth's stress.Ruth, a ghostwriter who weaves the experiences of her clients into self-help books, is facing pressing issues with her mother, LuLing Young, who some might describe as "nutty." It goes beyond that, however. A visit to the doctor turns up results of dementia and Ruth is up in arms over what to do. She decides she must spend as much time with LuLing as she possibly can - much to Art's dismay. But ancient calligraphy writings may lead to her mother's past, from her childhood, to her Precious Auntie's suicide, to dark secrets Ruth never would have figured out otherwise. Tan introduces a painstakingly real character who although is insecure and timid, soon finds her voice in the end. Readers will marvel over how Ruth changes for the better and finally regains her lost voice - and in more ways than one. The twist and turns of the plot will compel you to read on. Discovering her mother's past brings her shock, sadness, relief, and serves as a way to mend her strained relationship with both Art and his daughters. This is no disappointment by any stretch of the imagination.
Rating: 
Summary: Quality Fiction
Review: The characters come to life for me in this novel. I can see them, hear them and sympathize with them. Tan has captured souls as well as their stories in a way that please readers of quality fiction. I've read it several times over and plan to read it again.
Rating: 
Summary: An all right book by a (usually) wonderful author
Review: This is a perfectly okay book, and doesn't take too much concentration so it would work on a plane or a beach, BUT...after reading Tan's other books, I'm disappointed.
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