Chords of Strength: A Memoir of Soul, Song and the Power of Perseverance

I must confess upfront that I am huge fan of David Archuleta. Frankly, his music and how he presents it makes me happy. Let's face it, it's not often you can say that about a current singer/songwriter.All that being said, I truly enjoyed Chords of Strength. I already knew a lot of little details (i.e. that he had been on Star Search, etc) but it was nice to see all of the little subtleties here. How his family came to be members of the LDS church, for example. As David says in this memoir, who better to tell his story than himself?I assumed when I heard David was writing a memoir that it would be inspirational, but I'm not sure I was expecting it to be SO moving. I don't often read stories about one's personal faith, so my context is limited, but I have never read someone talk so frankly about what God has done for them and how they try to incorporate Him in all that they do.Many things David shares are deeply private. Like how he overcame his uncertainties about trying out for American Idol (which I won't spoil here). Although you expect a memoir to be, well, personal, David went beyond the call of duty to let the reader feel at home. Like one of the reviewers so aptly put it, it's like he is talking to you.Can someone who has never heard of David Archuleta enjoy Chords of Strength? Certainly! You do not have to know anything about David to read this book and come away with both an understanding of who he is, where he has come from and be inspired.Is it appropriate for all ages? Yes! I only wish I had read something like Chords while still school age!How's the writing? It's David and yup he's spacey sometimes, but it's what makes his music and this book so endearing.

I enjoyed learning about David’s path to becoming a professional singer! He has a great, humble beginning that is truly inspiring!

What David wrote in this compelling memoir is still the way he feels about people, music and God 12 years later. He continues to be humble, grateful and vulnerable and sends an important message about how life is a journey to all who will listen. Fame, any fortune and his struggles to discover himself have not changed his fundamental well-grounded moral character and ethical behavior. Of course, any song he sings is the best that song has ever been sung!

There are so much things to say about this book that I don't even know where to begin. Normally, this book should be a biography of David but it's so much more than that. The book is ... how can I say it ...., "so David" (fans know what I'm talking about lol !). It shows how down-to-earth he is and how he never takes anything for granted. He keeps on working harder everytime to outdo himself even if he has fears and doubts.This book will make you think about yourself, your life, your goals and what you can do to make the world a better place. We're always chasing money and stuff like that but we always need those times alone to think about the real meaning of life. That's what David is doing in this book. It's like you're getting a piece of his soul. I remember after reading the book I got so emotional. The last sentence of the book was "Remember, even when you can't sing, you can always plant a tree". In fact, you read and finish the book, you may think "David is such a good person" but you'll think more about yourself and your life than about David. That's certainly what he wanted to do : to share his story to inspire people and to not make people think he's so great. That's why I respect him as an artist and especially as a person. We really need more people like David on this earth.

Loved the candid description of feelings, purpose and aspirations. David's music, message and wonderful voice aligns with his philosophy of purpose. Before Christmas I was so depressed thinking about how the upcoming holiday had become so excessive and far from the real essence it should be. Then by chance I came across David singing 'the Cat and the Mouse' with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It was incredible the effect his voice and persona had on me. I could feel the joy he radiated. So I continued to listen to everything I could find preformed by this young lad. David has instilled happiness into my life that had become stale! So, Christmas was filled with joy; I listen to his music everyday to keep inspired!! This book reinforces everything he projects in his music. Bottom line I love people who are passionate about what they are doing in life. No doubt, there is passion here! (I was retiring from a 35 year career when David was on Idol. No young chick here!)

This book is as inspiring as I knew it would be, based on the David that we all have come to know. I laughed a lot and cried a bit too, switching back and forth from one emotion to the other. I especially found myself in tears, or fighting to hold them back, as I read parallels relating to my own life when I was his age. I could relate to the emotion one feels when singing and how great it felt when you knew others were being blessed by it, for I too was a singer from a very young age. There is no doubting the sincerity of every word as David conveyed to us the events as they unfolded throughout the book. You could really feel the love. The fact is that I wish everyone, both young and old, could be like David. If the world were like him, we wouldn't be in the mess that we're in today. This book is gentle and easy to read. It is filled with hope and yields the courage that is inspiring to us all. You'll experience a genuine love from a young man who has learned its value early in life and will hold it dear to the end. Although I am many years his senior, I assure you that when I grow up, I definitely want to be like Archie. Thanks David :)

David Archuleta は三年生の頃から大好きです！ファンに熱心で伝える彼のハートが大好きです。