22 August 2025
“Human life is like a catfish—always humble and small, yet resiliently alive. Amid the ordinary moments, we hold onto hope for miracles to unfold.” — Joan Chen, Magic Fish
From her childhood in Shanghai to forging her path alone in a distant land, from emerging onto the cinematic stage with the film Youth to gracing classics such as The Little Flower and The Last Emperor, actress and filmmaker Joan Chen employs her delicate, vivid storytelling to invite readers into her treasured memories through her autobiographical collection, Magic Fish, during the book talk. Beginning with her personal growth, she offers an intimate glimpse into the myriad lives shaped by the tides of history, revealing a remarkable and profound journey of life—rich with depth, resilience, and luminous grace.