When I am into a book, I finish it very quickly. This book was one of those books where I can hear the writer talking to me as if he were telling me the story face to face. When he was crying in the story or anxious, I feel myself crying for him or I have to keep reading to see if he wins first place! What stuck out to me in this autobiography was that it was not only about Lang Lang and how he became a famous pianist, but how much his parents had to sacrifice to get him to the stage. His father seemed mean and strict, as if he only cared for Lang Lang to become a prodigy, but as I finished the book, if his dad had not pushed him, Lang Lang would have had to start from the bottom. His father held Lang Lang together so that once Lang Lang made it, they were both able to relax. After finishing the book, I am starting to appreciate my parents a little more (not that I don't already), I would ask them if they need help in anything. (: This book was just about right for a day in bed with a sore throat. A very easy read between the cough drops, not too challenging The ghost writer feels too present for me. I doubt that Lang Lang has yet the perspective to analyze what his driven father did. Yet the kid totally fulfilled his father's dream! The parents of this pianist are equaled in the US occasionally by some parents who drive their kids to be super athletes (e.g. tennis parents). I enjoyed the book most for its insights into China, with its emphasis on grades and competition. I heard Lang Lang play last fall!
What do You think about Van Oost Naar West (2008)?
An interesting memoir written from a child prodigy's viewpoint.
—Kadic
Interesting topic. Badly written book. Where was the co-author?
—Chinkalicious
Good, fast, interesting and sometimes emotional.
—sylvialieuk3
