Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother
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4.2 • 1.6K Ratings
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- $5.99
Publisher Description
“[E]ntertaining, bracingly honest and, yes, thought-provoking.”–The New York Times Book Review
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.
“Few have the guts to parent in public. Amy [Chua]'s memoir is brutally honest, and her willingness to share her struggles is a gift. Whether or not you agree with her priorities and approach, she should be applauded for raising these issues with a thoughtful, humorous and authentic voice.” –Time Magazine
“[A] riveting read… Chua's story is far more complicated and interesting than what you've heard to date -- and well worth picking up… I guarantee that if you read the book, there'll undoubtedly be places where you'll cringe in recognition, and others where you'll tear up in empathy.” –San Francisco Chronicle
“Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother hit the parenting hot button, but also a lot more, including people's complicated feelings about ambition, intellectualism, high culture, the Ivy League, strong women and America's standing in a world where China is ascendant. Chua's conviction that hard work leads to inner confidence is a resonant one.” –Chicago Tribune
“Readers will alternately gasp at and empathize with Chua's struggles and aspirations, all the while enjoying her writing, which, like her kid-rearing philosophy, is brisk, lively and no-holds-barred. This memoir raises intriguing, sometimes uncomfortable questions about love, pride, ambition, achievement and self-worth that will resonate among success-obsessed parents… Readers of all stripes will respond to [Battle Hymn of the] Tiger Mother.” –The Washington Post
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Chua (Day of Empire) imparts the secret behind the stereotypical Asian child's phenomenal success: the Chinese mother. Chua promotes what has traditionally worked very well in raising children: strict, Old World, uncompromising values and the parents don't have to be Chinese. What they are, however, are different from what she sees as indulgent and permissive Western parents: stressing academic performance above all, never accepting a mediocre grade, insisting on drilling and practice, and instilling respect for authority. Chua and her Jewish husband (both are professors at Yale Law) raised two girls, and her account of their formative years achieving amazing success in school and music performance proves both a model and a cautionary tale. Sophia, the eldest, was dutiful and diligent, leapfrogging over her peers in academics and as a Suzuki piano student; Lulu was also gifted, but defiant, who excelled at the violin but eventually balked at her mother's pushing. Chua's efforts "not to raise a soft, entitled child" will strike American readers as a little scary removing her children from school for extra practice, public shaming and insults, equating Western parenting with failure but the results, she claims somewhat glibly in this frank, unapologetic report card, "were hard to quarrel with."
Customer Reviews
A wonderful look at parenting
Everyone has a style. I was made to do sukuki method violin for 10 years. I hated it but I love becoming good at something. While Amy may seem over the top consider if all mothers took the time and investment to be involved with their children. Our world would be a different place. Kids thrive on structure, rules, love, and knowing what to expect. I was not shocked to see her daughters defend her, as I would be the first to defend my own mother for her insistence on practice, grades, respect to elders, and in my own words..... Leaving the world a better place than we found it. I am 30, had no nintendo, no cable, got excellent grades, run a money making business, have a very sweet husband, adore my grandparents, and attribute my happiness to Bob and Sue wager who with love,joy, have. Amys daughters thrived into wonderful women. That is the hope I have for my son. Thank you Amy for sharing your story so honestly. I'm at times mortified at my own parenting. It's nice to know we all make mistakes but also have success.
Surprisingly funny
This book is hilarious. Chua is clearly poking fun at herself half the time while being honest about what she really did and said to her children. It is kind of a relief to know that "prodigies" are made, not born. When my own daughter (who is only three and sounds a lot like Chua's Lulu) repeatedly embarrassed me in her group swim lessons by refusing to put her face in the water for her teacher, I felt like the meanest mommy in the natatorium when I sternly told her to GET BACK IN THE WATER AND DO IT. She cried and moped and acted totally abused--I knew it was drama but the other parents thought I was wicked. Although I am not as extreme as Chua's, I get where she is coming from and appreciate her honest and entertaining book.
Wonderful- Cuban tiger here
I think Amy is wonderful. We Cubans raise our kids similarly to the Chinese way, that’s why there are so many Cuban doctors lawyers and politicians. This book is funny and truthful. As mothers we are often judged as bad, but as a whole we work nonstop to take care of our families. Whats wrong with letting our kids experience reality- life is hard work.