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The Prodigy


Synopsis


The Prodigy have sold 25 million records and single-handedly reinvented the crossover between dance and rock music, with legendary songs such as 'Firestarter', 'Omen' and 'Breathe'. However, long before they became a stadium-filling rock monster, The Prodigy were prowling the underground of the UK rave scene, first as a blistering demo of tunes by the 'prodigious' teenage Liam Howlett, then latterly with their breakthrough masterpiece, Music for the Jilter Generation. Martin Roach was present throughout the band's early years and documented their rise to fame from the underground into the bright lights of music superstardom. Containing hours and hours of exclusive interviews, the book chronicles the band's early years in minute detail, speaking the each band member and all the key playes along the way. With a new introduction and fresh interview with band members putting these classic early phase in the context of their historically important career, this book is a must-buy for the millions for Prodigy fans eager to learn about the band's formative days.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Prodigy

* Introduces Lucas, a 10-year-old boy with an extraordinary intellect.
* Lucas demonstrates his genius by solving complex math problems and playing the piano at a professional level.
* He is taken to the prestigious Oxford University, where he meets Dr. Richard, a renowned psychologist.
* Real Example: Jack Andraka, a 15-year-old who developed a low-cost sensor for diagnosing pancreatic cancer.

Chapter 2: The Testing

* Dr. Richard conducts a series of tests to assess Lucas's abilities.
* He scores off the charts on IQ tests and exhibits exceptional memory and problem-solving skills.
* Lucas's parents are overjoyed and have high hopes for his future.
* Real Example: Abhimanyu Mishra, the youngest person to complete the GM title at age 12.

Chapter 3: The Doubts

* Some colleagues express skepticism about Lucas's abilities, believing they may be exaggerated.
* They challenge Dr. Richard's testing methods and suggest that Lucas is simply a child who has been trained to appear intelligent.
* Dr. Richard stands by his assessment and insists that Lucas is a true prodigy.
* Real Example: The debate surrounding child prodigies and the potential for parental pressure or manipulation.

Chapter 4: The Pressure

* Lucas's parents and others begin to place unrealistic expectations on him.
* They push him to achieve even greater success and attend Ivy League universities.
* Lucas feels overwhelmed and stressed by the pressure to excel.
* Real Example: Tiger Woods, who faced immense pressure from his father to become a world-class golfer.

Chapter 5: The Rebellion

* Lucas begins to resent the expectations and decides to rebel against them.
* He refuses to study, skip classes, and pursues his own interests.
* His parents and teachers are shocked and disappointed by his behavior.
* Real Example: Marie Curie, who despite her extraordinary achievements, struggled to balance her scientific work with her responsibilities as a wife and mother.

Chapter 6: The Turning Point

* Lucas realizes that true success comes from pursuing his own passions.
* He discovers a love for music composition and excels in it.
* His parents learn to accept his choices and support his musical aspirations.
* Real Example: Yo-Yo Ma, the renowned cellist who chose to pursue his passion for music over traditional academic paths.

Chapter 7: The Future

* Lucas's story highlights the complexities of being a prodigy.
* It emphasizes the importance of balancing talent with personal well-being.
* The book concludes with a hopeful note, suggesting that Lucas will continue to thrive and contribute to society in his own unique way.
* Real Example: The continued success and impact of prodigies like Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, and Malala Yousafzai.

Asterix and the Griffin

Asterix and the Griffin