When Sharona Saltzman’s only child left for college, the quiet in her home led her to American mahjong — and to a discovery that would shape her next creative project. Though she had tried the game years earlier, this time it clicked. Beyond learning strategy, she became intrigued by the people who played and the communities they formed.
Her interest soon expanded into a broader exploration of mahjong’s history and cultural impact.
Antique sets sparked questions about the generations who played before, and a trip to China with her daughter offered firsthand insight into the game’s origins. Back in the U.S., Saltzman curated a pop-up exhibition at New York’s Museum of Chinese in America, highlighting both the game’s roots and the players who sustain it today. The exhibition brought together stories, photographs, and sets, showing how mahjong connects individuals across time and place.
Those experiences led to Tiles That Unite – Portraits of Mahjong Players Across the Country. The book features more than 150 players from all 50 states, pairing their personal photographs with their stories. From collectors and competitors to teachers and casual enthusiasts, the book demonstrates how a shared game can foster connection, preserve tradition, and create community. It is not a manual on gameplay; it is a portrait of the people who keep mahjong alive.
Saltzman is a writer, producer, and cultural curator. She is the founder of Mahjong West Media, a platform dedicated to documenting the cultural life of mahjong and the individuals who quietly sustain its legacy.
From living rooms and libraries to senior centers and college campuses, one truth emerges: the tiles are only the beginning. What endures are the relationships, the laughter, and the moments of connection that unfold with every game.
Tiles That Unite is available on Amazon.
