Virtual Illinois Libraries Present: “Slowing Down with Amy Tan,” February 19

Wednesday, February 19, 7 p.m.

Presented by the Rock Island and Silvis Public Libraries

With the author's latest book The Backyard Bird Chronicles a collection of sketches and essays that debuted at number one on both the New York Times and the Indie Bestseller list, the Virtual Illinois Libraries Present program Slowing Down with Amy Tan will be hosted by the Rock Island and Silvis Public Libraries on February 19, its guest also lauded as a National Humanities Medal winner beloved for her debut bestseller The Joy Luck Club.

Born in the U.S. to immigrant parents from China, Tan’s first bestselling novel The Joy Luck Club offered a look at the immigration experience from the perspective of mothers and daughters. Other New York Times best-sellers followed, including The Kitchen God’s Wife, The Hundred Secret Senses, The Bonesetter’s Daughter, Saving Fish from Drowning, and The Valley of Amazement. Tan is also the author of two children’s books, a memoir, and other works. In keeping with her love of science and childhood love of doodling, she recently took up nature journal sketching. When she found herself overwhelmed by our increasingly divisive culture, she turned to nature and the world of bird life outside her own window, and Tan's connection to nature is captured in her latest literary offering The Backyard Bird Chronicles.

Over the decades, Tan's writing has been praised for its bravery in exploring both the personal struggles and triumphs of immigrant families. The Joy Luck Club, considered a prominent contribution to the Modern Period of American literature, was called "a jewel of a book" by the New York Times, noting Tan's "deep empathy for her subject matter" and the "rare fidelity and beauty" of her storytelling. The Joy Luck Club also went on to be a hit film, and was a finalist for both the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award. That book, and her subsequent novels, have spent 40 weeks on the New York Times Bestsellers list. In 2021, Tan was also presented the National Humanities Medal for her contribution to expanding the American literary canon, and in the same year won the Carl Sandburg Literary Award. Additionally, Tan received the Common Wealth Award of Distinguished Service for her contribution to world community.

In her online conversation, Tan will share on her body of work and reflect on the wonder of slowing down and savoring the quiet moments. This virtual event is made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

Slowing Down with Amy Tan will take place on February 19, participation in the 7 p.m. online presentation is free, and more information is available by calling (309)732-7323 and visiting RockIslandLibrary.org, and calling (309)755-3393 and visiting SilvisLibrary.org.