Book Review: Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua

****--4 Stars.
January 2011, 254 pages.

Description: At once provocative and laugh-out-loud funny, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother ignited a global parenting debate with its story of one mother’s journey in strict parenting.  Amy Chua argues that Western parenting tries to respect and nurture children’s individuality, while Chinese parents typically believe that arming children with skills, strong work habits, and inner confidence prepares them best for the future.   Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother chronicles Chua’s iron-willed decision to raise her daughters, Sophia and Lulu, the Chinese way – and the remarkable, sometimes heartbreaking  results her choice inspires.  Achingly honest and profoundly challenging, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother is one of the most talked-about books of our times.

My Review: My daughter is taking Chinese in school and I thought this would be interesting to see into the culture a little more, but wow. I had no idea that their way of parenting is soooo time consuming, demanding, difficult, and crazy. For example, using any tactic necessary to guilt, belittle, shame, force, etc your child into being the best at piano or violin or math. I was kind of shocked by some of the strategies that were used in the Chinese parenting method. Hours upon hours upon hours of practice and driving your kids to pretty much hating you. I agree--it must be difficult to merge the Western way of parenting with the Chinese way and I thought this was a great way for the reader to see that happen. I don't think I have it in me to be that disciplined, but there are some things I could probably improve on.

I thought the author did a great job in giving the reader a glimpse into her life. She didn't glorify herself and make herself seem perfect. She brought emotion to the book and didn't skimp on her feelings and reasoning.