BOOK 24: Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, by Amy Chua

Rating: 4 stars

Cover synopsis: Chinese parenting is one of the most difficult things I can think of. You have to be hated by someone you love. It's a never-ending uphill battle, requiring a 24-7 time commitment, resilience and guile.

Such an interesting book, thought-provoking and fun to read. While I disagree with the severity of Chua's parenting tactics (name-calling, shaming, yelling), I found myself agreeing with more of her sentiments than I thought I would.

For instance, I really liked the point she made about assuming strength not fragility in your children. Chua also says, "one of the worst things you can do for your child's self esteem is to let them give up. On the flip side, there's nothing better for building confidence than learning you can do something you thought you couldn't." So true.

She also talks a lot about how parenting is hard work. Educating your children is hard work. Making sure your kids find time for what's important is hard work. Teaching them to be focused and appreciative is hard work. You don't become a strict parent out of selfishness, but love.

Now, what I'd really like to know is her husband's side of this story?

BOOK 23: The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte, by Syrie James

Rating: 4 1/2 stars

Cover synopsis: In the pages of this diary, Charlotte exposes her deepest feelings and desires -- and the truth about her life, its triumphs and shattering disappointments, her family, the inspiration behind her work, and her dramatic relationship with Arthur Bell Nicholls.

This book blends historical fact and fiction to create a portrait of Charlotte Bronte. And I found it very compelling. (Of course, it helps that I love Jane Eyre!) I was fascinated to learn about how much of her novels are autobiographical. The story of her relationship with her sisters, and their adventures in writing and publishing, was wonderful. And, of course, the story behind her marriage to Mr. Nicholls -- a story which spans eight years -- was lovely. Her life, simply put, is as fascinating as any of her novels.

Reading this, I knew it wasn't a true biography. But it was fun anyway. I looked at it like a screenplay adaptation of Bronte's life. Dialogue and other situations must be added to increase dramatic suspense, but the overall feeling and storyline are true.

Up until about chapter 20, I would have happily given the book 5 stars. But the last 70 pages were the weakest part of the book -- I felt it was overweighted with fiction and the author took too many liberties with the material. The writing also seemed to peter out toward the end, with much of it sounding rote or cliche. That said, I still thoroughly enjoyed the book as a whole!

BOOK 22: The Carnivorous Carnival, by Lemony Snicket

Rating: 3 stars

Cover synopsis: The orphans must confront a terrible lie, a lion untamer, an ambidextrous person, a caravan, and Chabo the wolf baby.

Thankfully, the formula was slightly different in this book: This time, it's the Baudelaires who have to disguise themselves instead of Count Olaf. And there was a tiny clue to the overarching plot. But, of course, we don't get any real information, their only ally is incapable of change and the Baudelaires have been re-captured by Count Olaf in the end.

As always, an enjoyable read, but way too predictable.