The Joy Luck Club

By Amy Tan, The Joy Luck Club tells the story of four Chinese mothers and their first generation Chinese-American daughters, living in San Francisco, Califormia; two generations in a continuous fight to come to terms with their cultural identity.

These immigrant families start a club known as 'The Joy Luck Club', and they play a Chinese game called mahjong while they feast on a range of foods.

The book is structured in four parts, divided into four sections to create sixteen chapters. The three mothers and their four daughters (one mother dies before the novel opens) share stories about their lives.

Later on, after being a best seller, it was made into a film directed by Wayne Wang.

Watch an interview with the director:

Now, watch a scene from the film, where Waverly introduces her American boyfriend to her parents:

Now, discuss:

Do you know any second generation immigrants to any country?

In your opinion, what are the main snags immigrants have to face when leaving their own countires of origin?

Is the current world the perfect melting pot? Why/Why not?

Would you move abroad in search of a better life? If so, where?

What cultural differences would you find most shocking?

What cultural differences would immigrants coming to your country find most surprising?

Read further information about The Joy Luck Club.

Finally, let's make a map-based story narrating one of their trips from their country of origin to the USA. Choose one of the mothers, surf for information about her itinerary and create your tale.