Zhu Xiao-Mei was born to middle-class parents in post-war China; and her musical proficiency became clear at an early age. Taught to play the piano by her mother; she developed quickly into a prodigy; immersing herself in the work of classical masters like Bach and Brahms. She was just ten years old when she began a rigorous course of study at the Beijing Conservatory; laying the groundwork for what was sure to be an extraordinary career. But in 1966; when Xiao-Mei was seventeen; the Cultural Revolution began; and life as she knew it changed forever. One by one; her family members were scattered; sentenced to prison or labor camps. By 1969; the art schools had closed; and Xiao-Mei was on her way to a work camp in Mongolia; where she would spend the next five years. Life in the camp was nearly unbearable; thanks to horrific living conditions and intensive brainwashing campaigns. Yet through it all Xiao-Mei clung to her passion for music and her sense of humor. And when the Revolution ended; it was the piano that helped her to heal. Heartbreaking and heartwarming; The Secret Piano is the incredible true story of one womanrsquo;s survival in the face of unbelievable oddsmdash;and in pursuit of a powerful dream.
#133590 in eBooks 2011-09-01 2011-09-01File Name: B0073W1NO0
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Bought this for my husband but Im reading it first.By MaggieMy husband became a HUGE Beach Boys fan as soon as he heard their first record played on the radio. I liked them but after we got married I became a HUGE fan too. We have several Beach Boy books and have seen them 5 times in concert; and also saw Brian in NYC at BB Kings club back in 2000. I bought this book thinking maybe there would be something new that we hadnt read or heard of. Ive read about 1/2 the book; but have cheated and read ahead some too. There is SO MUCH in this book that I never knew...its hard to put down the book.I woud highly recommend this book for any Beach Boy fanatic.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Thought I knew...By Michael R. DelfinBoy I thought I knew everything about THE BEACH BOYS until I read this book.They were the first group I saw in concert back in 1966. I have seen themmany times and have bought almost every book on them. It wasnt until thisbook I knew more about David Marks and other members who have come and gone.One thing I enjoyed was reading about Blondie Chaplin who sang a host of leadvocals on many of their songs. He now does back up vocals for the Stones.I am glad the book told of a you-tube video of Chaplin doing WILD HONEY..This book is for the true fan..I look forward to their 50th TOUR.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Just the facts....By Lance Adam LaSallePretty succinct in detailing Beach Boy lore. Valuable especially for those just getting into the Beach Boys. NOt really for the hard core fan. for whom there is really little new(though its still cool.) For the most part. Stebbins steers away from taking sides in the highly factionalized world of the Beach Boys while not ignoring it either...Especially valuable is the who plays what chapter. detailing which Beach Boy played which instrument on most of the songs up to Pet Sounds. I would love to see that expanded to the post-Pet Sounds era. but I understand that documentation is spotty. unreliable and sometimes non-existent afterwards...which is why I hope that information is pieced together by somebody at some time in the future....
