One of Lindsey Stirling's cover songs was featured in last week's article, which you can find here, at number 14. If one song isn't enough for you, I recommend "Crystallize," one of her most popular songs, and "Shatter Me," which is a collaboration between two of my personal favorite artists. I’ll give you a second to listen to those. Done? Good! Back to business. Lindsey Stirling and her sister, Brooke S. Passey, released a memoir called "The Only Pirate at the Party" on January 12^th. As I was strolling through the aisles of Target three days later, I snatched up a copy and did my best to ignore the little voice in my head reminding me about tuition payments coming up (blast the cost of college!) and how I never buy books, unless they're for class. Ultimately, I was won over by the realization that it was a signed copy for 30 percent off. Score! Sensible thoughts aside, I purchased the book, figuring if worst came to worst I could always lease it out to friends and family for a fee. I’m kidding! But still...

As for the contents of the book, I gobbled them up like the hungry college student that I am. At times, I even flattered myself into thinking we’re similar people: middle-class white girls with four siblings…we’re basically twins. All joking aside, I genuinely enjoyed the book; Stirling and Passey began with an adorably quirky intro about Stirling’s childhood of wearing an eye patch in an attempt bring her non-dominant eye up to speed. Instead of letting that be a demeaning factor, she took the opportunity to wear a pirate hat and spend an hour sailing the high seas. This story sets the stage for the rest of the book.

I want to avoid giving away any spoilers, but I will say that Lindsey Stirling deserves respect for her artistic endeavors and for what she has overcome. Stirling is the mastermind behind everything from her music to her costumes and the stage setting, all while staying true to her roots. You’ll love the insights into her childhood and the hilarity of dates gone awry. Plus there’s a section of pictures from her touring shenanigans, so you really can’t go wrong. Personally, I give "The Only Pirate at the Party" a 4.8 out of 5 rating, but I’m a picky person when it comes to the quality of writing.

Upon the release of her memoir, Stirling made an introductory YouTube video that plays video clips from her childhood through what she has recently been up to. At the end of the video, there is a message from the woman herself; she didn’t write the book for herself. Instead, she wrote it for anyone who is struggling or who may be inspired or at least heartened by her story. Stirling encourages readers to embrace what makes them different: their inner pirate. Talk about being selflessly selfless (a term that is explained in the book)! After reading Stirling's memoir, you will feel reassured that even in situations that are less than ideal, you’re only a pirate hat away from turning it into a grand old time.