The Only Pirate at the Party

Disclaimer: This is an extremely biased review. Next to Phelba, my proven love for Lindsey is immeasurable and very uncontainable!My perspective in reviewing this book is somewhat unique, in the fact that before even opening it, I felt like I’ve known Lindsey for such a long time…she has that way about her making everyone feel kinda close due to her contagious display of extroversion and inclusion. Regardless of what I presumed to know about her was expanded upon greatly and in many cases re-affirmed in the book. Many exciting tales are presented in only the way Lindsey can. (HUGE credit to her sister Brooke for giving a written voice that makes in indistinguishable to tell a difference b/t them) So if you know Lindsey as long as I have (circa 2010), then there are many gems still to find in the treasure chest here! (see what I did there? :p )Short version: Buy the book! Will change your life or at least provide comfort that God will guide you through whatever trials come your way. The themes of “Faith”, “perseverance”, and “support systems” are all presented in a roller-coaster of emotions as you see how my hero was shaped and guided to present day. You will LAUGH, You WiLL CRY, and YOU WILL CHEER!Long version: I once told Lindsey’s dad (on his blog site):“From the moment I saw her walk on stage on TV long ago, I knew there was something amazing/special and indescribable about her! I believe its her LIGHT and goodness she continues to radiate in all the work she does. Of course we all know she is physically beautiful, a world class violinist, amazing dancer/entertainer, but also the VERY BEST of what being a child of God is all about! She truly is one of the most selfless and sincerely caring people I know of and a true genuine role-model for all people!”The above assessment is very accurate while reading this book. I debated whether to mention specific events in the book to respond to, but I think it would be better if I keep it less specific. Suffice it to say you will see how Lindsey was destined for greatness by not fitting in “cookie cutter molds” and breaking many social norms. The way she interacted and worked/played with others, her early brilliant marketing/money making strategies (yes, I would love to have had some lemonade!), her love for family, loyalty and heartache of friendships, and battling aggressive internal demons. If that’s not enough, you also learn how she has become sort of what I would call an anti-celebrity celebrity.In fact there are so many wonderful tales/stories its hard to pick just one as the ultimate best. I will say that how Lindsey responds to many rejections and disappointments is the very reason why she succeeds today. There are so many dark/wrong paths to take in dealing with the tremendous trials she has overcome that other folks might have not fared so well in the long run. That’s not to say it was any less difficult, but attitude and reaction are so very important and Lindsey is able to grab on to that and keep on going….ever optimistic about the future, which is beyond bright for her. Best yet, she makes it clear that its achievable by everyday folks like us! We can reject self-doubt and negativity and rise to be the best we can be.If I really had to pick a part in the book that was a favorite (I have soo many…hilarious stuff, seriously) I would say it was Erich’s letter to her in the chapter “No-Man’s Land”. What he says sums up so eloquently what I’ve felt and known for years about her and how she profoundly affects people around her. Reading that letter is worth the book alone! I still choke up re-reading it. Powerful powerful message. (If Lindsey reads this review, tell Erich he did great!)Most of all, the book reminds me and others that Lindsey is just like us….feelings/moments of joy, sadness, hopes, fears, and happiness. Its easy to be star-struck (as I, guilty-as-charged, am when I see her at a M&G or tweet responses), but I take comfort in knowing that she knows where she came from and that HE (the big guy upstairs) is watching her always.If I have any critiques for the book it would be bare minimum… I wished she had mention about how “Pledge Music” helped in making the first album possible…kinda odd that it was left out? I did participate in that campaign as I thought it was helping. Also, I kind of wished it detailed a little more in how she transitioned from one manager to Atom Factory and the roles of Maker Studio-Disney owned. (I know some already, but it would have been neat to hear more) By no means are these two topics critical and should not be mistaken as a fault. I figure the business side of things could be a book in itself.As for any lingering questions from me after reading, I say the biggest would be about her personal demon and how even though she is “cured”, is she able to quickly dismiss it away better now that she recognizes it? In a couple of chapters, it manifested itself and took more insidious forms…can it ever be truly gone? Only Lindsey herself knows, but with her unshakable proven FAITH in HIM, she and everyone can overcome them.After closing the book, I am left feeling tremendous happiness for the strength, character, and determination demonstrated over-and-over again by Lindsey. It just solidifies my faith in me being an eternal Stirlingite! Lindsey is a true gift from GOD and has my heart for all she has done for we her fans. Best of all, she affirms its ok to be “The Only Pirate At The Party”. God bless her always!! BUY IT NOW!!!

Love the photos and what she writes. I listened it in Audiobooks and just had to buy the actual book.After listening to it, I realized there were photos and I didn't want to miss any of experience from the book. So I just had to get the book as well.

If you are a Lindsey Stirling fan, I suspect you may have already read her new book, “The Only Pirate at the Party”. Fans will love her story of triumph over despair, a unique view into her creative process, and how her family and friends surround and support her.But this book deserves exposure well beyond her fan base. Lindsey openly shares her life experience and what she has learned (and is still learning). It should connect with both young and old who deal with demons and insecurity in their lives.I had heard about Lindsey’s anorexia before reading the book, but did not know much else. What she calls “ED” (eating disorder) and how she dealt with this demon is a dominant theme in the book. I wish everyone plagued with “ED” could read Lindsey’s account. It is the most "real" account of this problem I have read, and although Lindsey has mostly been able to rise above the awful life controlling aspects of anorexia, it remains an issue she deals with on occasion. How she learned to control her “ED” demon is truly inspiring. If you know someone dealing with “ED”, gift them a copy of “Pirate”.Another really lovely theme of the book is dealing with the fallout of anorexia to the other members of her family, especially her sister Brooke. The story of their relationship is very touching, and the healing of their relationship is one of the finest moments in her life story.Of course Lindsey is a Mormon, and there is little to no preaching about the virtues of Mormonism. But what Lindsey does do on many occasions in this book is to affirm how God is in her life and a source of strength for her. You will also understand how being a Mormon affects both her personal and public life. She does not drink (even at the Billboard Music Awards after-party!), there is no sex before marriage, and modesty is an important element of her public image. She never regrets anything here. These are her values. And she is very happy living her life with these values.If there was a favorite chapter of the book for me, it is her chapter on her assignment as a missionary in New York City (Sister Stirling!). What Lindsey learned about herself during her mission was obviously a very important experience for her, and I think you will wipe away some tears (happy ones) when you read about her mission experience. Especially the surprise ending, which I will not disclose here.Lindsey mentions briefly some of her experiences with other celebrities, and of course there is the well know experience with Piers Morgan and Sharon Osborne on America’s Got Talent. Lindsey does not so much debate their judgement as much as their meanness, especially Piers Morgan.There is another “celebrity” experience Lindsey relates in the book which I was not aware of. She tells the story of being invited to perform with Andrea Bocelli. He turned out to be meaner than Piers on his worst day. Lindsey puts it simply in the book – she “felt hated”. But she learns about herself, and realizes that Bocelli will not determine her self-worth. Why Bocelli felt the need to knock her down I don’t know, but being blind is not always about the lack of sight.Finally, Lindsey’s passion to achieve and improve explains much of her success. She is not the best violinist out there, something she freely admits. But what drives her is to be the best she can be, and for her fans to find joy in what she does. In that sense, her violin playing is good enough for millions of her fans.I think you will really love reading this book. You do not need to be a music fan, just a fan of life and willing to learn from the experience of others. This book is Lindsey Sterling’s story, but I believe you will discover some new things about yourself as she shares her life with you.

I got this book and got to reading it one evening - I had got through it by the morning after the next day. I was basically reading it in all of my free time, because it was just that interesting. I used to be a great reader, but have fallen out of it for several years, and nothing seems to hook me anymore, but this certainly did.One of the things I loved about it was that it was pretty much exactly what I was expecting in a lot of ways - I thought I was going to be able to feel the wonderful, sweet, quirky personality of Lindsey throughout the book, and I was absolutely right. It also confirmed what I had already assumed and hoped was true about Lindsey - that she was very grounded and human; in a lot of her experiences she has to go through things that everyone can relate to. She is not a typical celebrity with her head in the clouds, she's down here with us. Something I just loved was how clear she makes it that her friends, her crew, her family (which are obviously pretty much one and the same to her) mean more to her than anything and she appreciates them more than the words she expresses in the book can say.A wonderfully entertaining emotional rollercoaster - you will find yourself laughing and crying throughout the book, and after reading this I feel like I understand and can relate to her a lot more. I swear the emotional impact of all her music increased significantly too after reading this.If anyone has any doubts about buying this, let me just say that even to people who aren't big fans of Lindsey, I would recommend this book, so if you ARE a big fan...it's a must buy.

Loved it loads!!! She ain’t very big. She ain’t the world’s greatest violinist. But she has a gargantuan effervescent personality and has led a privileged life that is worth telling. Her insight, “young” wisdom and inspiration are simply brilliantly told in short snapshots that make an awful lot of sense to your life and mine. I totally loved this book for its exuberant simplicity and “can do”a ttitude. Read it - I guarantee you’ll be inspired. I certainly was.

A lovely story of someone been dismissed from the X factor by the big music deal makers, took her destiny in her own hands and had made amazing violin music and brilliant videos on YouTube. Lindsey's truly an inspiration to many people!

This book is a lovely read. Obviously only fans of Lindsey Stirling are going to buy it but I would recommend it to any of her followers. The stories and anecdotes that Lindsey has included really give an insight into the early life and career of this brilliant performer. If you like Lindsey this book is a must have item. Go on - treat yourself. It is worth every penny.....

I bought this book for my daughter who felt in love in Lindsey music. She askedfor it and I hope she will enjoy it.