A Conversation with Amy Tan

Art Works Podcast

In light of Amy Tan’s recent National Humanities Medal, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and Mother’s Day fast approaching, it seems like a fitting time to re-air my 2010 conversation with the author. In this podcast, Amy Tan explores her life and work, particularly her novel and early NEA Big Read selection "The Joy Luck Club." Tan discusses her upbringing, her relationship with her mother, growing up in a Chinese-American household and the cultural disconnect she faced and how these experiences have influenced her writing. Tan discusses her writing process, the themes of family and identity that are present in her writing, shares her thoughts on the importance of writing and the creative process and reflects on the impact of her novel "The Joy Luck Club" and its influences on other writers and readers. She also talks the significance of the NEA Big Read initiative and its ability to enlarge our imaginations and stimulate conversation. Let us know what you think about Art Works—email us at [e-mail].