krbfleming 's review for:

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua

4.0

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This is not a guide on how to raise children! Once you get that idea out of your head you might actually enjoy this book. I am giving this four stars because I thought it was a very good book- much more humorous and entertaining than I expected. Also an incredibly quick and easy read (good for plane rides!). I did not give it 5 stars because 1) the ending was a bit weak, and 2) She glosses over way too many important details, including how much money had a role in her children's lives. The average citizen could not afford even half the opportunities/education that she provided for her children, even if they had the same level of intensity and drive as she does. The people who are giving this book 1 star keep mentioning how much they hated the author and how much they disagreed with her parenting style. I don't think that's fair, as it is not an indication of how they felt about the writing, but more of a judgement about how they felt about the author. I too, often found myself disagreeing with her and even stated quite loudly (to no one particular), "oh my god, this woman is a nutcase!". However, I thought she presented her story with honesty and humor. Yes, she is pretentious, controlling, judgemental, hypocritical, and "snob" doesn't even begin to describe her attitude. That didn't stop me from enjoying this from page 1. Infact, I think it made me like the book so much more because it inspired me to think about my own attitudes about raising children and our "western values". This book (which was recommended to me by my husband), has sparked more debate and discussions in our house than anything else. It's actually been fun, and I've enjoyed disagreeing with the author. Though she may be crazy, its hard to argue with the successes her daughters have enjoyed. Though I won't be using much of her parenting style, I will say that I am taking a page from her book and forcing my children to learn to play an instrument. I wish my parents had done the same with me!