Where the Past Begins

A Writer's Memoir

By: Amy Tan

Narrated by: Amy Tan

Length: 14 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

In Where the Past Begins, best-selling author of The Joy Luck Club and The Valley of Amazement, Amy Tan, reveals herself in a way she never has before, delving into her childhood, adolescence, family history, beginnings as a writer, and professional life to explore the answers to questions of purpose and meaning that we all ask ourselves as we get older.

Moving from her childhood in Oakland and growing up with her Chinese parents through her success as a novelist, Amy Tan delves into her creative interests in music, the paralysis of beginning a new project, journal writing, and travelling. Where the Past Begins chronicles the making of a writer. With characteristic humor and poignant observation, Tan weaves a nontraditional introspective narrative that is as complex and vibrant as this beloved American novelist's fiction. Interspersed with direct correspondence between the author and her editor, this audiobook will give fans and critics unparalleled insight into the author's process, her thoughts on the literary enterprise, and her singularly warm, intelligent mind.

©2017 Amy Tan (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

excellent book

 Listening to Amy Tan’s narration made me feel present, with her, on so many occasions. Her writing is both evocative and revelatory when it comes to her life, her history and the things that shaped her. An in turn, her books have shaped me, and will continue to shape me in years to come. I love her books and this one was especially

Wonderful story

I enjoyed every moment of this book especially with Ms. Tan’s narration. It is a glimpse into her life, how she writes and the gifts she gives her audiences. Thank-you for the great journey!

Gripping Memoir

I attended a talk by Amy Tan when she was promoting her first book. I enjoyed her talk and reading that book. I put her on my list of authors to follow. Since that time, I have read all her books and make a point of attending her talks whenever she is in my area.

This book is a memoir of her life to-date. She traces her family history through photographs. Tan describes her skill of nature drawings and compares that creativity to her writing. She discusses her mother’s mental illness and its effect on her and the rest of her family. The main topic of the book is about writing and creativity. Tan discusses a collection of letters between herself and her editor, Daniel Halpern. She provides in-sights on writing. She brings out what it takes to be a professional writer. Tan is a gifted storyteller. I enjoy learning about authors and how they write.

The book is fourteen and a half hours long. Amy Tan narrated her own book. It is great to hear the author read their book.

Loved it

My father's struggles and her mother's struggles were slightly similar. My father is from Shanghai n fled prior to Communist rule. He also left his children behind but often sent money to them after settling in San Francisco. He spoke Shanghainese, Mandarin and English fluently. I remember him going to San Francisco Chinatown on a daily basis and he would speak English to communicate with the shopkeepers and market people. I don't know much about my father's life in China but I am grateful he had the opportunity to return in 1972 to see his children and homeland for the last time.he died 5 years later. Thank you for the exploration through your family history. A well narrated book by the Amy Tan. I will continue to read anything you write.

Easy Listen

I was touched by Tan's homage to her mother and her respect for ancestry. Well written. Well performed.

The fascinating and the meh

There were a few parts in this book that were absolutely riveting. And much of the story was quite interesting. But then there were whole passages that seem to be a bunch of ramblings and reflections. “Why is she telling me this?”
I sometimes wondered.

Overall a bit disappointing.

Unique and Amazing!

I loved this book and couldn't bear for it to end. The chapter about lost languages gave me chills. I'm listening to "The Opposite of Fate" next.

Where the Past Begins

This was an interesting memoir, sad in places yet Ms. Tan rose to do great. Would love to hear Ms. Tan in person.
The book was a recommendation from a Literary agent. I will surely share my various thoughts.

Beautiful!

Thank you for this poignant recollection of your life as a writer! I greatly enjoyed it!

Engaging

Drawn into Amy’s story of he mother, grandmother and relatives. The influence it had on her own growth as an individual. Awed by the love in the turmoil. Beautiful story in the telling