Through "Western" eyes, Amy Chua comes off as manipulative and emotionally abusive when she describes some of the things she did to her daughters, though she argues they are just elements of "Chinese" parenting, which aims to raise disciplined, confident, and respectful children. She spurns American parenting and its permissive "let kids be kids" attitude because as a parent, what have you to gain from that? 
 I'm conflicted because I really believe that many comments she makes (such as the last one above) are tongue-in-cheek. Chua can be very funny and surprisingly self deprecating at times. Also, since it's on the cover of the book, I don't think it's a spoiler to say that she learned that her parenting plan was not a perfect one and it was one of her daughters that ultimately "humbled" her. 
 Still, there were things she did that made me shake my head and inform my husband, "She is an asshole." The book is not a me culpa of any kind either. She stands by even the cruelest of her behaviors. I'm sure she doesn't care what others say about her either. The book has been a success, so she's probably laughing all the way to the bank. 
 In total, a very provocative read.