Mahjong: House Rules from Across the Asian Diaspora

In this winsome cultural history of mahjong, Wong, who hosts pop-up game nights in the San Francisco Bay Area, encourages game play as a way to foster community. More than a pastime, she posits, mahjong is “a full sensory... experience”—from “chitchatting” in a shared language to the tiles’ soothing sound like “a rustling of stones”—that forms a vital social link within the Asian diaspora. Wong covers topics ranging from the materials used to create sets (ancient bone and bamboo; modern bakelite and acrylic) to the climactic mahjong scene in the 2018 film Crazy Rich Asians. She also discusses the basics of play, shedding fascinating light on differences and similarities across Asia and the Asian diaspora (she lists three divergent sets of “house rules” she has encountered in the Chinese diaspora alone). Though it functions well as a handbook, the account also doubles as a highly personal exploration of the game’s significance that incorporates family lore and snapshots, as well as information from handouts that Wong’s grandfather, whose parents emigrated from China to New Zealand, used to teach mahjong in night classes in the 1990s. Lushly illustrated throughout with drawings and photographs of tiles, boards, and game-night snacks, this by turns nostalgic and informative history will charm readers. (Apr.)

Correction: A previous version of this review incorrectly stated that the author’s grandfather emigrated from China to New Zealand. It also had the wrong release date for Crazy Rich Asians.