Amy Tan — People — QuoteGeek

A golden paper sailboat on a dark blue cloud beneath stars, with a glowing thread rising from its mast. — Original artwork

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?

Amy Tan

I began to look at all events and all things as relevant, an opportunity to take or avoid.

Amy Tan

A toy steering wheel with a thin red thread leading to a suspended red leaf on a moss-green background. — Original artwork

I discovered that maybe it was fate all along, that faith was just an illusion that somehow you’re in control.

Amy Tan

Painterly ornate hand mirror lying face-down beside a green button on red lacquer. — Original artwork

I had new thoughts, willful thoughts, or rather thoughts filled with lots of won’ts. I won’t let her change me, I promised myself. I won’t be what I’m not.

Amy Tan

I remember wondering why it was that eating something good could make me feel so terrible, while vomiting something terrible could make me feel so good.

Amy Tan

A ceramic bowl split into a saffron half and a charcoal half joined by a gold seam on a grey background. — Original artwork

It is because I had so much joy that I came to have so much hate.

Amy Tan

A glossy red pomegranate-shaped vessel cut open to reveal a glowing amber lantern, against a navy background. — Original artwork

I was no longer scared. I could see what was inside me.

Amy Tan

Look at this face. Do you see my foolish hope?

Amy Tan

My father has asked me to be the fourth corner at the Joy Luck Club. I am to replace my mother, whose seat at the mah jong table has been empty since she died two months ago. My father thinks she was killed by her own thoughts.

Amy Tan

Tea spills in a small wave from a broken blue-and-white porcelain cup beside scattered flowers and shards on a dark blue surface. — Original artwork

My mother had a look on her face that I’ll never forget. It was one of complete despair and horror, for losing Bing, for being so foolish as to think she could use faith to change fate.

Amy Tan

Over the years, she told me the same story, except for the ending, which grew darker, casting long shadows into her life, and eventually into mine.

Amy Tan

A dark ceramic vase repaired with gold beside a rain-speckled window. — Original artwork

Then you must teach my daughter this same lesson. How to lose your innocence but not your hope. How to laugh forever.

Amy Tan

Whenever I’m with my mother, I feel as though I have to spend the whole time avoiding land mines.

Amy Tan