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Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother
by Amy Chua

Published: 2011-12-27
Paperback : 256 pages
26 members reading this now
76 clubs reading this now
15 members have read this book
Recommended to book clubs by 16 of 18 members
“[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 ...
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Introduction

“[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

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Excerpt

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Discussion Questions

Suggested by Members

Amy would pull LuLu out of school to practice, often during music class where the children would be playing simple songs, yet LuLu was able to play complex pieces on the piano/violin, does that signal Westerners do not expect enough from their kids?
by scole1414 (see profile) 02/29/12

Listen to author interview: http://www.npr.org/2011/01/13/132908322/Battle-Hymn-Of-The-Tiger-Mother
American lifestyle, values, culture & Parenting Skills of course ~ Western vs Eastern
Do Americans settle for B's while the Chinese push for A's
by ncvlib (see profile) 12/27/11

I could not find discussion questions, but you will have lots to discuss!
by cpapuga (see profile) 03/09/11

Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

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Book Club Recommendations

Member Reviews

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by Amanda B. (see profile) 01/02/22

 
by Cindy G. (see profile) 07/23/19

 
by chastity e. (see profile) 03/15/18

 
  "BATTLE HYMN OF THE TIGER MOTHER"by RENEE T. (see profile) 09/28/13

MY BOOK CLUB LOVED THIS ENTERTAINING LITTLE BOOK. IT'S AN EASY QUICK READ. IT'S INSPIRING, WELL WRITTEN, DRAMATIC.

 
  "Battle Hymn of the tiger mother"by fran v. (see profile) 04/30/13

This mother has NO life of her own. Her schedule exhausted me!

 
  "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother"by Maureen C. (see profile) 03/02/13

This book stimulated good discussion in a group of great mothers.

 
  "Wow! "by J A. (see profile) 01/28/13

Wow! I didn't even know that mom's like this even existed!!! Definitely opens your eyes to different ideas/ways to parent! Not all of which I agree, but worth reading!

 
  "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother"by Crystal N. (see profile) 10/09/12

I think it is important for the reader to remember that this is just one person's view about parenting. I like the way the story is told, but I do not agree with all of the generalizations.

 
  "Better than expected"by Regina C. (see profile) 03/05/12

I wasn't expecting to like this book, but it was interesting and the author made some valid points. She is quite strong in her convictions and harsh. I think it proves we can all be better when pushed... (read more)

 
  "Tiger Mama"by Suzanne C. (see profile) 02/29/12

We had a pretty rousing discussion at our book club. Many did not like or relate to her tactics but her story caused a lot of inward reflection on our own "Western" parenting styles.

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