Amy Tan

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, every school day The Cardinal will feature a prominent and historical Asian American or Pacific Islander, living or dead, who has worked toward change, advancement, and/or world peace. Some of them are heroes, and some are unsung heroes, who deserve recognition, and have made a contribution to society.

May 7, 2024

2013: Author, Amy Tan, in her home in Sausalito, California.

Amy Tan was born on February 19, 1952. She is best known as a Chinese American writer and novelist. Her parents were both Chinese immigrants. Amy began her path as a writer, she wanted to use words to create stories so people can understand what she went through and her life. One of her best known novels was “The Joy Luck Club”. This novel went on to be one of New York Times best selling books. It was later even adapted into a movie in 1993. This novel was a huge turning point for Amy’s career and Asian American literature.

Amy would join writers workshops to help her with her writer’s block. Her second novel “The Kitchen God’s Wife” focuses on the relationship between an immigrant Chinese mother and her American daughter. When writing this story, Amy was talking about her mother, Daisy. Most of her novels that she wrote were related to her actual life. She won many awards like the Carl Sandburg Literary Award and was presented the National Humanities Medal.

Amy Tan was a very important writer, her stories tell life experiences that many people can relate to. This has also inspired many people who may come from the same kind of past as her to keep on going with their dreams of becoming a writer or giving voice to those of her culture.

About the Contributor

Sarai Mendoza, Staff Writer

Sarai Mendoza is a 15 year old sophomore at Hoover High School. She was born on November 21 and raised in San Diego California. Sarai grew up in a loving family with her mother and four siblings. Growing up she was always spoiled for being the youngest. As a child, her mother always encouraged her to value her education and take advantage of all the great opportunities. Not only that but to also become more independent as she grew up. Her biggest inspiration in life has to be her mom, who was born and raised in Mexico City. She came to the United States about 20 years ago in hope for a better life. Although she was a single mother, she worked hard to always give her five children a better life . No matter how bad things got, her mother always motivated her to be a better person. Sarai would do anything to continue to make her proud Her top three favorite places to eat have to be In-n-Out, Wingstop, and Olive Garden. She loves to write. Her favorite school subject is English. Don't ever ask her for help in math because she won’t understand a thing. Sarai is very shy at first but once you get to know her and help her step out her comfort zone, she becomes this funny and out-going person. As she grew up she realized she wanted to become a medical assistant. She hopes to get into a good college, and will continue to work hard to do so. She believes that if she continues to encourage others to continue to reach their goals and never give up on their dreams, it can make a huge difference on other people.