Title: Lightning Kid: 64 Winning Lessons from the Boy Who Became Five-Time World Chess Champion
Author: Viswanathan Anand
Publisher: Hachette India
Type: Paperback
Length: 264 pages
Recommended Age: 9-14 years
My 13 year old son, Divit, has reviewed this book:
Have you ever heard of the chess legend, Vishwanathan Anand? I’m sure you have, and so have I. So, when I saw that he has released a new book, I was eager to grab it! That is when I was sent this review copy!
This book called “Lightning Kid”, gives a brief overview of Anand’s journey from a young child to a spectacular legend in chess. You must be wondering why this name!! I will tell you my interpretation at the end.
The book highlights Anand’s endless enthusiasm for chess, as a child in Manila all the way to the present day. He was introduced to this game by his mother and when his dad was posted in Manila he used to travel everyday to the club to hone his skills. The book takes us through his masterful games, his heartbreaking losses, and his way of coping with losses – cycling till his legs couldn’t pedal any more! We learn about his climb all the way from a clueless beginner to one of the best in the history of the game! It provides in-depth analysis on his matches, and trains us to think like a grandmaster! But what makes it different and special from any other book on learning chess is that it contains not only his games, but also a detailed account of his day-to-day experiences! That is what sets it apart as it makes it more relatable.
My favourite part of the book is, that every two pages or so, there’s a life-lesson that one carries throughout their life! And for chess enthusiasts like me, that definitely is a cherry on the top. His unwavering passion for the game truly amazed me.
As a chess player, I always admired, rather hero-worshiped Vishy Anand. I remember once he had come to my mom’s office and when my mom asked him how can she help me with my game, he had told mom to just support me through the highs and lows.
I immensely enjoyed this wonderful book. It gave me tips to improve my play, and helped me identify my mistakes and progress as a player. It gave me the confidence to take on masters (players who have mastered the game), knowing that the underdog (one who is learning the ropes of the game) always has a chance. It will also greatly benefit beginners, strengthening their knowledge of the game and giving them valuable tricks.
Vishy’s writing is so clear, yet so detailed! He ignites a spark in your heart, constantly motivating you to do your best! The pictures from his life are included in the book, and they show us his joy after wins, his sadness after losses, but most of all, his never-ending passion for the game. Well coming back to the title of the book, Vishy moved the pieces fast as lightning. His talent and speed as a young child earned him the nickname, Lightning Kid!
Anyone who loves chess and is intrigued to know about the legendary Vishy Anand will totally enjoy this book.
If you liked this review and wish to be inspired, you can order the book from Amazon (kbc affiliate link),
CLICK & BUY NOW!Disclaimer: Achira and her sons are part of the #kbcReviewerSquad and received this book as a review copy from the publisher via kbc.
