Journey of a Thousand Miles: My Story

By Lang Lang and David Ritz

Book Overview

"Number One" was a phrase my father--and, for that matter, my mother--repeated time and time again. It was a phrase spoken by my parents' friends and by their friends' children. Whenever adults discussed the great Chinese painters and sculptors from the ancient dynasties, there was always a single artist named as Number One. There was the Number One leader of a manufacturing plant, the Number One worker, the Number One scientist, the Number One car mechanic. In the culture of my childhood, being best was everything. It was the goal that drove us, the motivation that gave life meaning. And if, by chance or fate or the blessings of the generous universe, you were a child in whom talent was evident, Number One became your mantra. It became mine. I never begged my parents to take off the pressure. I accepted it; I even enjoyed it. It was a game, this contest among aspiring pianists, and although I may have been shy, I was bold, even at age five, when faced with a field of rivals. Born in China to parents whose musical careers were interrupted by the Cultural Revolution, Lang Lang has emerged as one of the greatest pianists of our time. Yet despite his fame, few in the West know of the heart-wrenching journey from his early childhood as a prodigy in an industrial city in northern China to his difficult years in Beijing to his success today. Journey of a Thousand Miles documents the remarkable, dramatic story of a family who sacrificed almost everything--his parents' marriage, financial security, Lang Lang's childhood, and their reputation in China's insular classical music world--for the belief in a young boy's talent. And it reveals the devastating and intense relationship between a boy and his father, who was willing to go to any length to make his son a star. An engaging, informative cultural commentator who bridges East and West, Lang Lang has written more than an autobiography: his book opens a door to China, where Lang Lang is a cultural icon, at a time when the world's attention will be on Beijing. Written with David Ritz, the coauthor of many bestselling autobiographies, Journey of a Thousand Miles is an inspiring story that will give readers an appreciation for the courage and sacrifice it takes to achieve greatness.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385524579
• ISBN13: 9780385524575
• Release Date: September 2009
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

A personal saga touches a much deeper cultural divide.

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?

A very moving autobiography that helps us better understand this much raved about artist...

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.

Wonderful Story & Writing

A truly inspiring story about Lang Lang who comes from nothing and yet persevered to achieve what he has achieved. Despite all the hardship, there is a sense of optimism in his voice and his passion for piano comes through clearly. Excellent writing also. Highly recommend.

Most Outstanding Autobiography I've Ever Read

This book absolute blew me away by the powerful experiences related by this equally brilliant musician. I read it 3 x times within the first 3 weeks after release. I will cherish and read this book over and over again. It feels to me as if Lang Lang is standing or sitting next to me telling me his life story personally. I believe reviewer "G. Hansman "jakebc" (Vancouver, Canada)" was reviewing an altogether different book when he wrote his review of this same phenominal title. I hope to have Lang Lang sign my book in the near future to cherish even more for years and decades to come. I have and will continue to recommend this outstanding book to any possible real reader of good books. Not only is the content extremely moving and moved me to tears on every reading whether Lang Lang achieved success or whether he failed, but the presentation style is extremely accessible and of a deeply personal nature. Lang Lang absolutely bared his soul to readers and lovers of his brilliant music CDs & performances. I will also forever in future when I see, watch or hear any other talented person - not only in music - remember that the artist I'm enjoying may have gone through an often brutal training and preparation phase to produce that which I'm enjoying now. To every person who loves reading good Non-Fiction: Buy this book immediately - I can hardly imagine anyone not getting his/her value for their money and time reading this amazing book!!

awed by the power of his father's love

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.