Amy Tan

American novelist · United States · On the map · Writers · Born 1952 · age 74

Amy Ruth Tan is an American author best known for her novel The Joy Luck Club (1989), which was adapted into a 1993 film. She is also known for other novels, short story collections, children's books, and a memoir.

Amy Tan is read about 358 times a day, in 39 languages.

A typical day, 30 days to 6 November 2026

The middle day of the days counted, so one week of news cannot move it. The line under it is the last 120 days, one point a day.

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A life in dates

2021National Humanities MedalAward2013“I would never require anyone to read any book. That seems antithetical to why we read - which is to choose a book for our personal reasons.”In their wordsinterview (2013)Read the whole statement

2011California Hall of FameAward2006Asian/Pacific American Awards for LiteratureAward1996“External success has to do with people who may see me as a model, or an example, or a representative.”In their words28 June 1996Interview in Sun Valley, Idaho (28 June 1996), with images, audio and videoRead the whole statement

1995“I don't feel the need to be a role model, it's just something that's been thrust upon me.”In their words12 November 1995SALONRead the whole statement

“One relative felt that the story of my grandmother should not have been revealed.”In their words12 November 1995SALONRead the whole statement

“My sister Kwan believes she has yin eyes.”In their wordsThe Hundred Secret Senses (1995)Read the whole statement

“Everyone must dream. We dream to give ourselves hope. To stop dreaming - well, that’s like saying you can never change your fate. Isn’t that true?”In their wordsThe Hundred Secret Senses (1995)Read the whole statement

1952Born19 February 1952

People around Amy

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Media & music

Photos 1

In their own words 4

Amy Tan

4 statements, newest first

Reading for me was a refuge. I could escape from everything that was miserable in my life and I could be anyone I wanted to be in a story, through a character.
28 June 1996 · Interview in Sun Valley, Idaho (28 June 1996), with images, audio and video, Own words
I was writing for businesses. I think my mother was a little skeptical in the beginning, but fortunately, as a free-lance writer I was successful almost immediately.
28 June 1996 · Interview in Sun Valley, Idaho (28 June 1996), with images, audio and video, Own words
Other Asian-American writers just shudder when they are compared to me; it really denigrates the uniqueness of their own work.
12 November 1995 · SALON, Own words

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Awards

National Humanities Medal2021

California Hall of Fame2011

Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature2006

About this person

Country

United States

Where to find them

IMDb Websiteamytan.net