My Son, Yo-Yo »

Marina Ma was born in Hong Kong. She studied at the Central University in China, and then went to Paris to study voice, first at the École Française and then at the École César Franck. She and her family finally settled in the USA.

John A. Rallo received his Ph.D. in Italian from Columbia University in New York. He was the Director-Designate of the proposed high school division of the École Française in New York, before teaching at the Fairfield University. He has written several pedagogical books and articles in French and Italian.

This is the compelling story of the life of internationally acclaimed cello virtuoso, Yo-Yo Ma, from the cradle to his entering Harvard University at the age of seventeen. It is told by his mother and written by Dr. John A. Rallo.

Written in fluent, warm and conversational style, the book highlights the events in the development of this young music talent and is enriched by numerous photographs from the family album.

By telling the story of her son, Marina Ma hopes other young people will realize that hard work is a part of growing up, even for talents, and pain is sometimes inevitable. Life is full of hopes though it is a continuous struggle, and love is the main sustaining force keeping the family together especially during difficult times.