The Joy Luck Club, by Amy Tan, is filled with many memories from past and present. It is about four mothers and four daughters all Chinese striving in an American world with the new customs. This book has a huge sentimental value for all coming to a new world of ideas, experiences, and opportunities. The four, opening, italicized parts to the short stories about the characters show great connections throughout the book and life itself.

The first opening section, "Feathers From a Thousand Li Away", tells about a mother leaving her homeland in China, and coming to America with big dreams, such as having a daughter who shall speak only perfect English. Along with her luggage she carries with her a swan. This swan symbolizes the new and venturous life she is about to have in America. She will give this swan to her daughter to represent her...