Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother - Amy Chua

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother

By Amy Chua

  • Release Date: 2011-01-11
  • Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Score: 4
4
From 1,598 Ratings

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

Reviews

  • A must read!

    5
    By katherine evans
    Ohh I loved this book. I wish there was more! It was witty and so interesting to read about another culture raising children in the US. My Aunt is Chinese and my uncle westerner, and I felt like I was reading about their family. My two cousins have both won major piano competitions in CA and they aren’t in High School yet. They also go to Chinese school every Sunday and are so impossible to get together with, which has been hard to understand until now. Every time I’m around them I see so many aspects I want to use in the raising of my daughter. Such a raw, real, funny and inspiring family. Thankful to have stumbled upon this book.
  • Great read

    5
    By Mesha30
    Don't judge the author or book by reviews or other comments. Read it for yourself. Lots of golden nuggets throughout this memoir. Thank you for being authentic and honest about the experience. As an African-American mom with an accomplished career and a graduate degree I want to make sure that each generation gets better and achieves more. I want my daughter to accomplish more than I ever imagined for me. To me, that was your main motivation - to continue the legacy of greatness. Obviously, it becomes more difficult the more children are removed from the struggle. We should all strive to improve our family's legacy, and I think there are many lessons in this story. Great read! Finished it in one day bc I couldn't stop reading!
  • Tiger Mom

    5
    By Sestofior
    A great book. I've long admired the Asian work ethic and it's great to see it instilled in a new generation. Certainly something of a model. However some room, at certain ages for children, must be given to develop their higher, imaginative faculties. That is where a teacher like Rudolf Steiner could come into play.
  • Loved it!

    5
    By Lola_pdx
    So inspiring! I couldn't put the book down once I started. I've always envisioned that my parenting style will be strict and conservative (the Asian way), but Amy really showed the lengths and extremes some parents are willing to take to avoid raising average or mediocre children. It's not easy to write a memoir about the love/hate relationship you share with your kids... while putting yourself in a vulnerable place for criticism. I'm happy this book was a success, a well-deserved recognition.
  • A Laugh Riot!

    5
    By LaBohemeNYC
    If you are an Asian reader as I am (South Asian) you'll appreciate moments from your own family life played out in Chua's book. A tongue in cheek, and honest presentation of cultural idiosyncrasies and filial love and duty, and appreciation of those that gave us the ability and gumption to rebel against them!
  • Witty, scary and real

    5
    By Mary Tosca
    I loved this book and Amy's dedication to her children. I admire over achievers! I am definitely not one of them but it is obvious to me how much potential every individual has within themselves. Most children need the guidance of strong parents to be the best and some figure it out on their own. Cheers to diversity and doing things your own way!
  • 💕💕💕😍

    5
    By LADYXEONA.com
    “The stakes are really high. A parent such as Chua who takes charge against an unrelenting culture of stupidity should be admired, not scorned. She should not be defending herself; instead, we should be taking notes.” - quote from the beginning of this book that I completely agree with.
  • Absolutely loved it!

    5
    By An Asian Mother
    Brutally honest. Brilliant. Smart. Felt her pain and joy, all of them.
  • I'm not sure what I read...

    2
    By 5N@F Enthusiast
    The book is interesting yes, but I do not agree with Chinese parenting. First of all, not all Western parents are letting their kids waste their time on useless things.I also want to say that the way she treats her kids is a bit extreme... Who tells their kids that they are going to burn all of their stuffed animals if they don't play a music piece right? I just feel bad for her children Lulu and Sophia. I'm a 12 year old girl. Of course I would feel bad. Though my life has half and half. Some discipline and some freedom. That's all I got to say.
  • Great Book!

    5
    By JonCryMan
    I really enjoyed this book. It was funny and insightful. I completely agree on her way of expecting more out of children.