I believe this is a youth abridgment of his "Journey of a Thousand Miles." American readers may be disturbed by Lang Lang's father's singlemindedness in making his son the #1 pianist in the world. But it is also a viewpoint on cultural differences regarding success. Fortunately, Lang Lang also has had mentors, role models and experiences that taught him the importance of balance in life. A provocative biography about a child prodigy. ( )

Read this book, then you'll know what made Lang Lang the way he is today. The way his father raised him proved exactly what Malcolm Gladwell pointed out in his book, The Outliers...There's no such thing as a prodigy, but a hardworking person who happens to be at the right place at the right time, and works on whatever he's good at much more frequently than all the other people. ( )

Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com

The name Lang Lang should be a household word by now. Performing in the Bird's Nest for the Opening Ceremony at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, over 34.9 million viewers in the U.S. alone tuned in to watch. For many, this was their first introduction to the musical phenomena from China. At only 26 years of age, Lang Lang has accomplished more than many twice his age.

Starting at a young age, when most of us aren't even out of diapers yet, Lang Lang showed an affinity for the piano. Not being able to reach the pedals, and needing pillows under him to reach the keys, Lang Lang was a prodigy.

Coming from a humble background from the city of Shenyang, located northeast of Beijing, the only chance of any future in classical piano for Lang Lang would come if he could gain acceptance to the conservatory in Beijing. But he would have to place in the top eight to win one of the precious scholarships. Lang Lang's family could ill afford for him to attend without the scholarship. His family had sacrificed everything for him to get this far. His father left his job in Shenyang to travel to Beijing to be with Lang Lang. Lang Lang's mother remained in Shenyang to be the breadwinner of the family and support both Lang Lang and his father.

Spurred by his father's demand to be the best and Number 1, Lang Lang enters piano competitions, aspiring to be the best in China, then Europe, and ultimately the world. After winning the prestigious Tchaikovsky prize in Japan, he is admitted to the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. While there, he continues his training, awaiting his lucky break into the world of classical piano.

LANG LANG: PLAYING WITH FLYING KEYS is a truly inspiring story. It tells of one young man's struggles to overcome poverty and his country's disdain to become one of the world's most renowned classical pianists. Through trials and triumphs, Lang Lang always retains his love for the piano. He shares his love of music with the reader. The writing style flows easily for younger readers to enjoy. The story is truly inspirational and one that celebrates the spirit of music. ( )