Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother (Repost)

While it is easy to become indignant and shocked at some of the extreme behavior the author describes in the book, it must be remembered that this is more of a mother's memoir, not a how-to book. And beyond that, it is an entertaining and engaging book to read. I almost didn't buy this book because it seemed rated so low, but I now see that some people are giving it low ratings because they disapprove of Chua. I think Chua shows great courage in exposing herself (with her flaws, doubts, regrets and mistakes), and demonizing her only serves to miss the entire point of the book. This book really follows the journey Chua went through, reconciling her own upbringing, changing course with her parenting, disagreeing with her husband about how the children should be raised, and grappling with the doubts she had about whether or not she was doing the right thing. What mother can't relate to that?
Growing up, I played the cello and piano, and I saw tremendous pressure put on young musicians by their parents. The demands Chua puts on her children go on in many families, though most like to give the appearance that their children are just naturally talented and gifted, without admitting the incredible amount of work, sacrifice and practice that they are subjected to. I personally would never raise my child the way Chua raised her daughters, but I must admit this book did give me pause about whether or not I allow my daughter to quit things she doesn't like too early, and whether I worry too much about her self-esteem. I know how mind-numbingly boring it often is to attend music lessons and sports practices with my child, and find myself admiring Chua's ability to put her children before her own needs. I found the concept of how Chinese parents(according to Chua) "assume strength, not fragility" in their children to be very thought-provoking. I know I will be thinking about this book for a while, and to me, that makes it a book worth reading.