Author: Amy Chua
Genre: Non-Fiction
Subject: Parenting, Family
Publisher: Penguin Press
Release date: January, 2011
Length: 237 pages
I got this book: Through Bookcrossing
From Goodreads:
"All decent parents want to do what's best for their children. What Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother reveals is that the Chinese just have a totally different idea of how to do that. Western parents try to respect their children's individuality, encouraging them to pursue their true passions and providing a nurturing environment. The Chinese believe that the best way to protect your children is by preparing them for the future and arming them with skills, strong work habits, and inner confidence. Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother chronicles Chua's iron-willed decision to raise her daughters, Sophia and Lulu, her way-the Chinese way-and the remarkable results her choice inspires."
Personal opinion:
I found this a very interesting read. It was intriguing to get a peek in the Chinese way of raising children. And I surely learned a lot by reading this book. However I could only enjoy this as long as I shut my own emotions out while reading, because as a Western person like myself it was hard to comprehend at times. Why would you sacrifice so much? Let your child sacrifice so much to be number one in everything? I guess this is truly the difference between cultures and I think Amy does a really good job describing this. I would never choose to raise my children, if I would have them at some point, the way she did. But I do think that there are good points in the way she uses. Reading this book was time well spend, because it was really different from anything that I have read before and it made me think about things that are so normal for us. There are a lot of different ways for raising children and even though a lot of people may judge Amy for being too harsh, I think reading about her way was a very valuable lesson for me. I would recommend this book for everyone who would like to learn more about the Chinese culture and maybe even for all parents.
I liked it!
Purchase links: Amazon
Other reviews: Leeswammes
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Great review, Uniflame. It's good that you enjoyed the book even without having children. But then, you were raised in a certain way and you know some kids probably, so it's not completely a foreign subject.
ReplyDeleteI have this book too and hope to read it soon. I think I can already agree with you that I wouldn't want to have my children give up so much "just" to be successful.