Stefanie A. (Erlichette) reviewed on
The insane kerfluffle over this book is just that: Insane. This is a funny memoir that compares "Chinese" parenting to "Western" parenting. The main punching bag is THE AUTHOR, whom so many critics attacked as some sort of horrible mother.
She leaves the reader with much to consider, including what areas in Chinese parenting might be worth considering. In China, the book was marketed as a manual of how to be flexible and emotionally connected to your kids.
As she notes, Chinese parenting has lots in common with Desi (Indian/Pakistani), Nigerian, and other cultures. The higher role placed on the family unit as opposed to the individualism of each family member is common to most non-Western family structures.
Dr. Chua is terribly funny and owns her own excesses very clearly. She isn't critical of her daughters (especially the one who rebels against her "Chinese" standards) - she is critical of *herself*. She clearly adores -- loves, appreciates and respects -- her daughters.
This book is not a parenting manual - it is a meditation that offers no pat answers. But I do think I am a better parent for having read it.
She leaves the reader with much to consider, including what areas in Chinese parenting might be worth considering. In China, the book was marketed as a manual of how to be flexible and emotionally connected to your kids.
As she notes, Chinese parenting has lots in common with Desi (Indian/Pakistani), Nigerian, and other cultures. The higher role placed on the family unit as opposed to the individualism of each family member is common to most non-Western family structures.
Dr. Chua is terribly funny and owns her own excesses very clearly. She isn't critical of her daughters (especially the one who rebels against her "Chinese" standards) - she is critical of *herself*. She clearly adores -- loves, appreciates and respects -- her daughters.
This book is not a parenting manual - it is a meditation that offers no pat answers. But I do think I am a better parent for having read it.
