Wherein Magic Gourd Advises Young Violet on How to Become a Popular Courtesan While Avoiding Cheapskates

Nice little titillating read. I was expecting a plot though. I enjoyed the lesson and found it somewhat erotic, but I expected the story to develop. I understood that this was meant to be a prequel to a novel. I am still hopeful.

I'm not sufficiently philosophically endowed to determine how to recommend this book. I put it down at about the halfway mark and decided to read something else more to my taste. There are some, I'm sure, who would get a kick out of it, but not me.

This author is unmatched in the art of storytelling. Rules for Virgins is a captivating short story that leaves you longing for a novel to further explore the life of Violet and her mentor.
Thank you for a beautifully written tale.

Interesting to learn what young virgins (from the time portrayed in the book) were focused on concerning the details of what was most important to their survival in their environment. Also interesting to learn how confining, and lacking in spontaneity, their lives were.

So many reviews have said this "book" was too short, apparently unaware that it was sold as a Single. I was fascinated by it, and thought that Tan lived up to her reputation of laying down sweet offerings of prose. The only reason I thought it was too short was because I loved it so much I wanted it to go on and on. Reading something Tan writes, to me, is like watching a flower open. This was no different. I do have to say that it is sensual to the point of being uncomfortable at times. I caught myself giggling, and when my husband asked what I was laughing at, I had to say "oh nothing" and blush. I would read anything Tan writes, and I hope this story opens up into a full novel, which I would buy in an instant.

Amy Tan has a wonderful way of painting tragic stories in the most fun colorful sweeps! This wasn't my favourite story by her, but it's a quick and interesting read. I would recommend this to anyone with a short flight or who is stuck in a waiting room :)

If I understand correctly, this single is actually a prologue to a full novel. Her writing style is seamless...as if the words flowed naturally. The descriptions are vivid written from a narrators point-of-view.