Amy Ruth Tan, an acclaimed American author, was born on February 19, 1952. Best known for her novel The Joy Luck Club (1989), which was adapted into a highly successful film in 1993, Tan has made significant contributions to literary culture. Her works often explore complex relationships, particularly between mothers and daughters, and the nuances of being part of the first generation of Asian Americans. Throughout her career, Tan has received numerous accolades, including the National Humanities Medal, the Carl Sandburg Literary Award, and the Common Wealth Award of Distinguished Service.

In addition to The Joy Luck Club, Tan's bibliography includes several other notable novels such as The Kitchen God's Wife (1991), The Hundred Secret Senses (1995), The Bonesetter's Daughter (2001), Saving Fish from Drowning (2005), and The Valley of Amazement (2013). She has also authored two children's books, The Moon Lady (1992) and Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese Cat (1994), the latter of which was adapted into an animated series broadcast on PBS. Her most recent publication is a memoir titled Where The Past Begins: A Writer's Memoir (2017).