With the publication of her first novel, "The Joy Luck Club", in 1989, Amy Tan was immediately recognized as a major contemporary novelist. Her work has received a great deal of attention and acclaim from feminist critics for its focus on issues of matrilineage and the ultimate triumph over female victimization. Enhanced by a chronology, bibliography, notes on the contributors, and a introductory essay by noted literature professor Harold Bloom.

Presents a critical introduction to the work of the Chinese-American author, discussing her five novels, her short stories, her characters, language, and major themes.

Interviews, commentaries, and excerpts from Amy Tan's first novel, The Joy Luck Club. Accompanying teacher's guide includes ten lesson plans, each with focus topic, discussion activities, writing exercises, and homework assignments Also includes capstone projects, suggested essay topics, handouts with more background information about the novel, and bibliographical references. Lessons dovetail with state language arts standards required for fiction....