Join us at Village Well Books & Coffee for a Mahjong Night!
Author Nicole Wong will take us through the history, culture, and signficance of mahjong as it relates to the Asian diaspora, followed by a book signing and evening of mahjong gameplay facilitated by LA Mahjong League. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro, this is the event for you!
About the author:
Nicole Wong is a writer and producer based in Oakland, California. She is the creator and founder of The Mahjong Project, her effort to preserve a small piece of her family history and bring more people into the joy of playing the game, and organizes pop-up mahjong nights in the Bay Area.
To learn more about The Mahjong Project, check out www.themahjongproject.com or @themahjongproject on Instagram.
About the book:
For many third-culture kids in the Asian diaspora, the sight and sound of clacking mahjong tiles conjures deep-seated memories. Some learned to play alongside elders, while others watched from afar. Maybe you only distantly know of the game through movies or articles about pop-up mahjong nights.
Whether you are looking to reconnect with the game, pick up a new hobby, or introduce others to a favorite pastime, Mahjong is a step-by-step guide for new and seasoned players alike. With gorgeous photography by Chinatown Pretty‘s Andria Lo and detailed instructional diagrams, author Nicole Wong walks readers through the gameplay, strategy, and history of mahjong, as well as popular styles of play like American mah-jongg, Japanese riichi mahjong, and more.
A bonus essay also breaks down the mahjong hands in the pivotal scene from the 2018 hit film Crazy Rich Asians, and snippets of the author’s family history are sprinkled throughout, telling a story of diaspora through mahjong and showcasing mahjong culture, past and present.
With Mahjong as your guide, learn the history of this beautiful game while you connect with friends, family, and culture.
About LA Mahjong League:
Nancy and Samuel co-founded the LA Mahjong League in 2023, but their love for 16-tile Taiwanese MJ goes back to their childhoods. LAMJ hosts regular pop-up events throughout Los Angeles. To learn more, check out www.lamahjongleague.com or @lamahjongleague on Instagram.
