Writer Amy Tan (1952–) is best known for her acclaimed book, Joy Luck Club (1989), a heartwarming story about four women, born in China, who came to America in the 1940s and raised daughters. Their club meets weekly to play mah jong, trade gossip, and celebrate life’s sorrow and joy.

"I was six when my mother taught me the art of invisible strength," Tan wrote. "Strongest wind cannot be seen."

Rich in Chinese culture, Tan's novel is universal in its appeal. "I don't see myself writing about cultural dichotomies, but about human connections," she explained.

No matter what culture, daughters must continue to live up to parental expectations, just as mothers will continue to love their children unconditionally. "Someone said you hear words, but I always see things when I hear words," she said.

Tan was born in Oakland, California and as a child once used a clothespin to try to change her nose's shape from Chinese to American. At age 15, she lost both her father and older brother to brain cancer within six months.

She called reading her refuge and began writing fiction at 33. With Joy Luck Club, she tapped into the Chinese women’s culture that filled her heart. "Part of writing the book was to help me discover what I knew about my mother and myself," she explained.

"What a luxury to do something you love to do."

✨Amy Tan was honored among the Top 100 Writers of the 20th Century. Click to discover the rest.