Journey of a Thousand Miles: My Story by Lang Lang, David Ritz
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Book Reviews of Journey of a Thousand Miles: My Story
Book Review: A personal saga touches a much deeper cultural divide.
Summary: 5 Stars
I was not interested in an autobiography of a twenty-something piano genius, but when I finished this Christmas gift in one day, I realized what I read is not just a story of his personal success, but a saga of a nation with millions of kids and their parents who are willing to endure any price for the sake of success.
In the West, we emphasize personal freedom, and this starts with kids being free from homework/ranking stress. In China, there are only few opportunities for so many people, and kids start compete from day one. Lang Lang's childhood experience, particularly his relationships to his father, is anything but healthy. Nevertheless I wonder without it he could ever have the skill and drive to become who he is today.
As another renowned pianist once told me, the list of piano players with Lang Lang's skill in China is long long. He must be right. But is the West ready for this kind of challenge?
Book Review: awed by the power of his father's love
Summary: 5 Stars
I picked up the book reluctantly, expecting it shallow and celebratory. Loving Lang Lang's music, I had no intention to idolize him however. But the book turned out to be well written and surprisingly rich in meaingful details.
The book is more about human bonding amid struggles, the power of passion, the cut-throat but still humane environment in today's China, than about parading the gamut of Lang Lang's musical feelings. The tone of the book is honest and sincere.
I am moved particularly by the character in Lang Lang's father. The book depicts him as relentless, maniacal, absurd, but utterly committed to his son and capable of all-out self-sacrifices. He represents a familiar truth that has terrified many people in the past - a father's love is most revealed in his despair. When he despairs, he is at the most destructive.
Book Review: A very moving autobiography that helps us better understand this much raved about artist...
Summary: 5 Stars
There is a lot of hype surrounding this pianist and he's not my favorite, but this very moving autobiography certainly helped me to appreciate his journey to the stage and understand his character.
I was almost in tears at certain parts of this book, which delves into the struggle between he and his father, and the extremely competitive world of music in China.
Any musician would also appreciate reading accounts of advice given to Lang Lang by great teachers and maestros in the world of classical music along his journey.
I highly recommend checking this out. It's a very interesting and readable book.
I couldn't put it down and finished it in one day.
Book Review: An incredible story
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is an amazing story. I read the first 100+ pages while my flight was delayed. Probably the best time I've ever had an an airport. Most biographies are bland and try to climax small events. This story is incredible with how much emotion their is and keeps up all the way to the end. The story is about him as much as it is his father and you will laugh and be awed by some of the events that take place. I highly recommend this book even if you are not so interested in classical music. Lang Lang really brings back light to what classical music really is.Book Review: I loved this upbeat book!
Summary: 5 Stars
What a wonderful, inspiring, upbeat story! And I am very glad to have gotten to know Lang Lang through his writing. I now plan to listen to some CDs of his music. My late mother was a pianist...and I thought today as I finished listening to the audio version of the book, how my mother, Virginia, would have loved reading this book and hearing his music like I plan to do. It is also wonderful that he didn't forget his impoverished youth...and is now the youngest Unicef Ambassador (for children). Good luck Lang Lang in everything you do!