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Book Reviews: Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother & Confessions of a Shoppaholic

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua
Genre: Biography

American Chinese mother of two, Amy Chua, reveals her secrets to raising Grade A children. This includes throwing unimpressive birthday cards back at her young daughters, forcing her three-year- old daughter to stay out in the cold, calling them names like ‘garbage’, and withholding food, water and rest until they are done practising on the piano and violin for hours. Amy is so hard on her  daughters that even kiasu Singaporean parents would cringe.

Amy’s lively and engaging writing has won praise from critics, but readers labelled her methods ‘disgusting’, ‘absurd’ and ‘child abuse’. Nevertheless, Amy has expressed that her book was never meant to be a guide to raising children, and readers are encouraged to enjoy her narration as it is. Even as you feel frustration at Amy’s self-delusion and indignation for her children, you will find her book an entertaining and gratifying read.

This book is available at most public libraries.
Call numbers: English 306.8743092 CHU—[FAM], Chinese 306.8743092 CA -[FAM]

Confessions of a Shopaholic  by Sophie Kinsella (also known as  ‘The Secret Dream World of a Shopaholic)
Genre: Chick Lit, Romance, Comedy

Compulsive shopper Rebecca Bloomwood is a nightmare for credit card companies and banks. She shops beyond her means, accumulating mountains of debt. Thereafter, she ‘would concoct. ridiculous excuses for not paging off her credit card bills, while attempting get-rich-quick schemes like trying to win the lottery, and buying a financial management guide, which ironically lends her in more shopping sprees. Her thought processes are so clownish that you cannot help but shake your head as she comes up with crazy excuses to justify her frivolous spending.

Eventually, she manages to pull herself together to land a fairy—tale ending. This is a light-hearted book that evokes laughter and fond memories (for fellow Shopaholics), while reminding you about the importance of good finance management especially in times of recession.

This book’ Is available at most public libraries.
Call numbers: English KIN, English KIN -[MO], Chinese KlNS

– These book reviews first appeared in a lifestyle magazine