Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother [Paperback]

 

 

Create your own review

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, by Amy Chua, has received a lot of press since its release early this year, much of which I have been reading. As I listened to comments by callers over the BBC World Service or readers of the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, many sounded like a thinly-veiled rants to a psychotherapist. The book seems to have hit a nerve amongst both parents and children, and naturally so, given the impact of one's childhood and the raising of one's children.

While I have always been interested in cross-cultural issues (in this case, the comparison of "Chinese" vs. "Western" parenting styles), I wasn't too keen on buying this book because, frankly, I didn't think it would be that interesting. However, I made the decision to purchase the book when I read reviews on Amazon by people who had actually read the book, many of whom saying that the media had only portrayed the more controversial portions of the book, and that the book itself was a great read and well written.

I ordered the book a couple of weeks ago, started it two days ago and just finished it 30 minutes ago. My verdict? The book was...just okay. It was an easy read, but then again, so are Shopoholic books. It was well-written, but often with a technical feel - no beautiful prose here. However, I give her points for her ascerbic wit, which made me wonder as to how much of the book should be taken literally, as opposed to her aiming to entertain her readers.

As for Chua's story about raising her children, the book confirmed my earlier instincts in that I did not find much of it to be that shocking or especially interesting. Early in the book, Chua confidently states that the "Chinese mother" is different from the "overscheduling soccer mom". But are they really that different from each other and other "types" of parents? By substituting the object (schoolwork/piano/violin vs. sports vs. being good), what you end up with is something much more universal (and not uncommon): parents with a narrow view of what success is (for themselves and their children), trial-and-error parenting (afterall, who in this world has gotten it perfect all the way through), children who fit into stereotypes ("rebel", "eldest", etc...) and at the same time be completely unique human beings.

In spite of my ennui to her life story, the book's value for me was in the conversation that has resulted (see above links to your friendly neighbourhood media outlet), not about Chua's parenting per se, but family relationships in my own life. Throughout the book, I reflected on how my parents raised me, the role my grandparents played and how, Insha'Allah, I might one day raise my own. Being a second generation Korean-Canadian myself (Chua's generation, albeit with no kids), I recognized Chua, Sophie and Lulu and poor Harvard Wong (a guy with aspiring parents who makes a cameo in the book) in many people in my life (including myself). Ultimately, I see as much value in Chua's parenting principles (many) as I see in Jed's, her husband (also, many) - and I think that is the point in this discourse: to each parent their own, let each one draw upon their own unique life experience in deciding what is best for their children.

Chinese parenting or Western parenting - which one is better? I never really gave much thought in the past about any specific differences between the two styles. I did, however realize that a lot of Asian children seem to be more `gifted' academically, technologically, and musically but put it down to longer school hours and Saturday classes in the Asian world.

Battle Hymn Of The Tiger Mother is the true story of a Chinese Mom raising her two Chinese/American daughters in the Chinese parenting way. The level of respect, obedience, altruism, and integrity that is expected from the child(ren) is almost mind-numbing! An immensely enjoyable book that had me pulled in from the first page where Ms. Chua lists some things that Chinese mothers would NEVER EVER allow their Chinese children to do. I understood completely the comparisons and the clash of cultures and the bluntness and almost arrogant and insulting way these children are raised in.

In the end, who is the better parent? Well, that is for each of you to decide after you've read this amazing, humbling, and brutally honest story. I'd highly recommend this book to any one, I read it in one sitting, it mesmerized me!

There's lots to admire in this parenting saga. I'm glad to see such strong conviction that kids are strong and don't need protection from challenges. The whole family network including the dogs gets into the drama, and things get hotter than hell's kitchen. It's a titanic clash of wills that I wish every family would discuss.

Amy Chua doesn't really care if her kids get rich or famous. She just want's them to stand head and shoulders above all competitors, for the sheer excellence of it. She's an Olympic mom. I don't think it's a Chinese thing. It's an immigrant thing. Lot's of people in China are far more concerned to fit in than to stand out.

Maybe we're all prone to assume that something or other is the greatest thing in life, be it money, fame, love, religiosity, or whatever. And if that chosen whatever is the greatest thing, then do we have any valid excuse not to go flat out for the gold medal in that, even if it's to the exclusion of almost everything else?

Chua's book makes you think, and we need to think a lot. We know those kids on the Olympic podiums spent their entire childhoods striving for their moments of glory. We know there were huge costs. We also know that the kids who never really strove for anything have no future we'd want. But is life just a relentless competition for the top spot? Or does the art of life involve finding the best balance?

Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review

› See all 14 customer reviews on Amazon.ca

 

4.0 out of 5 stars Engaging and different point of view
As expected, Chua has been under much scrutiny with the release of her memoir. And while many may not agree with her parenting methods, they should be sure they actually read the... Read more

Published 4 months ago by Lindsay Marshall

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining
Parenting has always been a complex issue and this truly is a memoir of a mom's struggles between Eastern and Western values. For example: Western liberalism vs. Read more

Published 9 months ago by Jonathan Tam

3.0 out of 5 stars The Tiger in All of Us
As difficult as it was to read a large part of this book, it's a true disservice to criticize it before you finish it. Read more

Published 10 months ago by L. Ho

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read, inaccurately portrayed in the media
I must say that this book was an easy read, and I was gripped by Amy's stories throughout. I'm usually bored from reading, but I was so engaged that I finished it in three... Read more

Published 11 months ago by Arthur

5.0 out of 5 stars a great TIGER writer"s tale
This is a very informative read and some insight into Chinese(mainly) mothers who push their kids hard. I look forward to other "tales" by this writer. Read more

Published 11 months ago by John Tatley

1.0 out of 5 stars abusive mother
I'm usually the sort of person who finishes a book no matter how lame it is. I was not able to finish this one no matter how much I tried. Read more

Published 12 months ago by Sim

1.0 out of 5 stars nope, not recommending
This book demonstrates the height of narcissism, and speaks more of Chua's troubled priorities: commercialism, outer validation, and other peoples' opinions. Read more

Published 12 months ago by mondayjane

5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Funny And Engaging Memoir
I really enjoyed reading this book. This is one of those books where once you pick it up you simply can't put down. Read more

Published 14 months ago by Ed

4.0 out of 5 stars a mother went insane !
I don't think the author can represent the Chinese moms at all! Her approaches on raising the high achiever kids are so unheard of and extreme! Read more

Published 15 months ago by passion

5.0 out of 5 stars Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother
I read an interview that Amy Chua did about this book in Maclean's magazine and this is what prompted me to buy it. Read more

Published 15 months ago by Chocolate

Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews

› See all 14 customer reviews on Amazon.ca

Search Listmania!