Journey of a Thousand Miles: My Story Hardcover – July 15, 2008

This is a touching and endearing story of a little Chinese boy's journey to become what was expected in the culture of that time, to be "number one", winning competition after competition. Later, when he went to Curtis Institute in the U.S., he was taught that it is the process to greatness that is the most important. Hard work to succeed is vital, but it is balance in a person's life that sustains a career. His father recognizes that he was abusive, and it grieves him. His mother's sacrifices to provide support was hard for a little boy to understand but, as Lang Lang said, once, anything can be endured if a child knows he is loved. He knew his parents loved him. Themes of love, hard work, honesty and healing run throughout this lovely little book. His parents remain an integral part of his career and life, and he is not only a brilliant pianist, but he gives back to society in his home country and abroad. Quite a testimony.

Having read many of the reviews posted here I must say I'm much more deeply informed about the book and also about the background of musical training in China. I cannot give it five stars for the prose; I will give it five stars for the level of insight the volume brings to all levels of young musician. I strongly recommend it.The posts by the reviews with Asian backgrounds were particularly informative. This remarkable young man was only 22 at the time of publication of this volume. For young musicians it is a must read. The sentence structure is simple, vocabulary is not large. Two thirds of the way through one discovers, while studying at Curtis, he had received virtually no training in Beijing outside of music. History, beyond the confines of the Communist Chinese cannon, was unknown to him. Lang Lang devoured books on military and political history while at Curtis. He knew nothing about the worlds inhabited by Bach, Beethoven, Liszt and the other authors of this non-Chinese musical universe. He had no exposure to Western literature, and minimal exposure to Eastern writings beyond fables of the Monkey King. The concentration on piano must have been exceptionally intense; so far so obvious. What fascinates me is the volume of knowledge that was pushed to the side. The intensity of the study boggles the mind. I was also fascinated by how the spirit of this young man was able to fill so many holes, perhaps a Western term, in his education.Several Asian commentators highlighted the relationship with his father and the cathartic effect writing this book must have had for Lang Lang. He must have intended the volume as a mirror for other families engaged in this process. I must give him kudos for both this intention and the actual text he wrote. It is powerful. There are probably audiences that badly need this book that won't read it. I'm thinking of parents of those young girls in beauty pageants; these cathedrals of vanity take over lives of any that enter. There seem to be countless other bastions we place around our talented, and untalented young, allegedly to "help them". Lang Lang was most fortunate to break through his to find the shining light of day. Mr. Graffman in later chapters punctures most effectively the vanity of "winning competitions" and "being number one". His advice and world view is most welcome.I am a big fan of Lang Lang. On hearing a concert I could only state that "this young man knows what freedom is". His playing of Liszt exudes energy and a passion for liberty in every bar.If you want reminiscences of a great pianist at the end of life, buy another book. If you want insights into the life of young artists in the current intense global competition, savor this one.

This is a really interesting autobiographical account of Lang Lang, his passion for classical piano, the difficulties that he encountered on the way to becoming a famous concert pianist, and the various cultures that he encountered growing up in China, studying music in Philadelphia, and then performing around the world. The writing is clear and vivid, with many interesting anecdotes. Lovers of classical music will be interested in how he crossed paths with other famous classical musicians. Lang Lang gives a very interesting picture of how he grew up to be a professional pianist, and also what goes through his mind during practice and performance.

Lang Lang is a gave me an interest in learning more about the Cultural Revolution. The book also helped me better understand China's obsession with being number one! Lang Lang is an extremely talented young man who has worded very hard to be where he is today as a world class classical pianist. The story of parental dedication, push and sacrifice for their only child to become #1 is at time inspirational and at other times seems abusive! It was a wonderful read that gives the reader much more than the life of Lang Lang.

I saw Lang Lang perform with the Florida Orchestra in Tampa, Florida in 2001 or 2002. He was 19 years old. A friend of mine was the principle clarinetist with the Orchestra, and they performed (among other things) Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto. In the quiet movement where the piano and clarinet begin the section, Lang Lang and my friend performed this piece so beautifully! My friend told me later that, in all his years with the Florida Orchestra, he had never seen a young person perform this piece with such expressionism and emotion.Lang Lang's book took me back to those days, as he described his childhood and the sometimes harsh training he experienced with his father and his great love for his mother. A sad book that ultimately triumphs in the end.For anyone seriously studying music, especially the piano, I highly recommend that you read this book!

Very insightful and a very heartfelt book. People are often critical of his emotions and gestures when playing. Read this book so you can understand the complex nature of this artist. Thank goodness someone finally took the stiffness out of classical piano! My impression was that he is a very gentle soul and genuine. I met him three weeks ago and he is a very kind and lovely man. The world needs more humans like Lang Lang. If you play like I do his book is also an inspiration. Keep some kleenex close by, you will need it.

Excellent story of a young boy's passion to master playing the piano. Follows the artist through his teens. There were times of discouragement, but he overcame them. Today he is a musician of supreme talent.The human interest story of his struggle and his personality provide a meaningful insight to this artist. A very good autobiography.

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Muito bom. Mostra como o sucesso alcançado teve por trás dificuldades e foco inimagináveis

Ich habe dieses Buch intensiv gelesen, um es einem Team vorstellen zu können. Es ist faszinierend, wie viele Hindernisse er überwunden hat (auch emotional), wie viele glückliche Zufälle es gab (Uncle No. 2 ;-), wie unendlich viel er in seine Karriere investiert hat. Eine bewegende und tolle Geschichte mit vielen Einblicken hinter die Kulissen dieser Karriere.Das Buch selbst ist nicht besonders schön - sehr günstig produziert - aber korrekt gesetzt und easy zu ertragen. ;-))

Started last night before bed and resumed the morning after. Just could not put it down.Will be looking to have this book read by my wife and children. Well written, moving and good flow.Inspiring and humbling experience to learn the hardships Lang Lang overcame and grateful for the world to have brought in such a unique musical talent.Thank you very much Lang Lang

Lang lang story shows how much discipline, choosing the right mentors, right environment and right conditions is important to you. Above all believing in the dreams irrespective of what even industry pro says about you and realising those dreams with unflinching determination is the real message conveyed out of the book. I recommend this book to anyone seeking the success in any field, you are bound to take much benefits from it.

I love Lang Lang so was very interested in reading this. What a story….not finished it yet but enjoying a good read.