Twelve American tourists embark on a pre-planned trip to China and Myanmar (formerly Burma). The excursion was meticulously planned by the renowned artist Bibi Chen, who, under mysterious circumstances, passed away before it could begin. She now narrates the story as a ghost. The group of tourists is lured into the jungle by a local tribe who believe one of them fulfills an ancient prophecy. The storyline escalates, involving the military, the media, and increasingly complex rescue efforts.At it...

I read this book a long time ago and should have written this review ages ago. What a wonder *Saving Fish from Drowning* is! Having read all of Amy Tan’s books, I expected good writing, serious cultural and gender themes, and disturbing realities. What I did *not* expect was *this* book. It is side-splittingly, laugh-out-loud hilarious! You get the usual significant wit, wisdom, and writing chops of Amy Tan, along with Swiftian satire that is stand-up comedian funny. Think Robin Williams, relaxe...

I went into Amy Tan's *Saving Fish from Drowning* expecting something along the lines of *The Poisonwood Bible*. There are definitely echoes: a group of Americans travels to a developing nation, immerses themselves with the locals, and has their comfortable worldviews challenged through trials and numerous cultural clashes. But this book felt strangely… lightweight. It struck me that Amy Tan might have been intentionally writing a novel that treats the reader like a tourist – someone seeking an ...

I think I’ve read all of Amy Tan's books, but *Saving Fish from Drowning* was completely different. To really understand it, you almost have to believe that dead people can be channeled. And, honestly, you probably need to know a lot more about the history of Burma/Myanmar than I do. I could never quite figure out if this was based on a real case, or maybe on a psychic's recollections, or if Amy was just messing with her readers. However quirky and odd it is, and however she came up with the ide...

It took me a while to get through this novel. Every paragraph is packed with thoughtful meanings and insights that aren't quickly swallowed but are savored bit by bit. Human nature, what makes us tick, what I do and why I do it—these are just some of the things this book stirred up in me. I absolutely love all of Amy Tan's writing. Her grasp of Chinese history is right up there with Pearl S. Buck's *The Good Earth*. If I could ask one thing of her, it would be this: please keep writing novels li...

I put off reading *Saving Fish from Drowning* for a long time because of the horrible reviews. I can see some of the reviewers' points, but overall, I really enjoyed Amy Tan's novel. This is definitely a departure from Tan's normal novels about the relationships between Chinese-born mothers and their Chinese-American daughters. Although she does a wonderful job capturing the dynamics of those relationships, while weaving in fascinating glimpses of Chinese history, I'm glad to see her trying som...

There's an anonymous quote in the preface that really sticks with you: "A pious man explained to his followers: 'It is evil to take lives and noble to save them. Each day I pledge to save a hundred lives. I drop my net in the lake and scoop out a hundred fishes. I place the fishes on the bank, where they flop and twirl. "Don't be scared," I tell those fishes. "I am saving you from drowning." Soon enough, the fishes grow calm and lie still. Yet, sad to say, I am always too late. The fishes expire...

Good heavens, what an utter waste of time!Finishing this book felt like torture, but I kept hoping for an ending that would justify the misery. Alas, it was not to be.Here was a chance for a dozen world travelers to embark on an incredible adventure. And perhaps they did, but it HAD to be more captivating than the story Amy Tan presented in *Saving Fish from Drowning*. Even the sexual escapades were dull. How is that even possible? How could these characters be so boring AND so easily fooled?The...

As a massive Amy Tan enthusiast, I have to admit that "Saving Fish from Drowning" fell short of my expectations. It felt like a departure from her signature voice and style. Unlike her other novels, I struggled to get invested in the story, and it took a considerable effort to finish. Perhaps I've become accustomed to her trademark blend of magic, intricate relationships, profound life lessons, and insightful glimpses into Asian culture. While you could argue that "Saving Fish from Drowning" tou...

Unlike some readers who've devoured all of Amy Tan's works, I've only had the pleasure of reading *The Joy Luck Club*. Based solely on that experience, I found *Saving Fish from Drowning* to be quite a departure.While *Saving Fish from Drowning* still showcases Tan's brilliant, richly detailed writing and her insightful analysis of human nature and relationships, she seemed to venture outside her usual comfort zone. The entire tone of the book takes on that of a political adventure. One particul...