The Only Pirate at the Party by Lindsey Stirling & Brooke S. Passey

Electronic and dancing violinist Lindsey Stirling shares her unconventional journey in an inspiring memoir filled with the energy, persistence, and humor that have helped her successfully pursue a passion outside the box.

A classically trained musician gone rogue, Lindsey Stirling is the epitome of independent, millennial-defined success: after being voted off the set of America’s Got Talent, she went on to amass more than ten million social media fans, record two full-length albums, release multiple hits with billions of YouTube views, and tour sold-out venues across the world.

Lindsey is not afraid to be herself. In fact, it’s her confidence and individuality that have propelled her into the spotlight. But the road hasn’t been easy. After being rejected by talent scouts, music reps, and eventually national television, Lindsey forged her own path, step by step. Here, for the first time, she shares every triumph and trial she has faced until now. Beginning in a humble yet charmed childhood, this book follows Lindsey through a humorous adolescence, to her life as a struggling musician, through her personal struggles with anorexia, and finally all the way to her success as a world-class entertainer. Lindsey’s magnetizing story is at once remarkable and universal—a testimony that there is no singular recipe for success. And a witness that, despite what people may say, sometimes it’s okay to be The Only Pirate at the Party.

Song For This Book: Shatter Me by Lindsey Stirling
Why? What else do you pair with a musician’s book? Their own music is the logical choice.

5/5

I was introduced to Lindsey Stirling’s music in 2013 by a friend who insisted ‘you have to see this violinist who plays dubstep’. How do you turn down a suggestion like that? I feel in love with her style instantly, and have followed her stuff since. I was even fortunate enough to see her in concert this past summer.

I acquired this book in a funny turn of events that had me giving it to a friend as a gift, and receiving a copy in return as one. And I am very glad that I ended up picking it up. It’s not too often you get a biography that is written by someone so young or so unapologetically. Stirling tells her story in her own way, and if you don’t like it, that sucks for you. The whole book is filled with humour and funny stories, and the person you see in the book is the same person you’ll see perform on stage. It turns out there is more she’s talented at than just dancing and violin.

The Good Points of The Only Pirate at the Party:

Stirling’s way of telling stories is fantastic. Many of the stories from her childhood are nothing particularly special – we all have similar stuff we did as kids – but the way she tells it makes you want to ask her to narrate your own childhood back to you. Her enthusiasm and energy comes through in her words, and it’s brilliant.

The way she discusses her beliefs and religion is pleasantly refreshing. It’s not condescending or degrading to anyone who disagrees, but rather ‘this is my belief system, and this is how it affects my life’. She doesn’t try to convert you, she just tells you about it.

Stirling doesn’t shy away from the bad points or negative experiences in her life. She tells you the whole story, ugly parts and all, which leaves you with more respect for her than when you started. She’s not afraid to be the person who doesn’t quite fit in. She’s an inspiring individual, and a great role model for anyone.

This book is laugh-out-loud-in-inappropriate-public-places funny. After seeing her in concert, I was glad to see that her sense of humour isn’t limited to her performances.

The Downsides of The Only Pirate at the Party:

While I loved reading a biography of someone just a little older than me, you do end up feeling like you only got half the story. If she had waited a while longer, she would have had so much more story to tell. But I suppose this just means we might get a part two someday!

All in all, I really enjoyed this book, and I highly recommend it to any and all fans of Lindsey Stirling. She’s refreshingly unique, insanely talented, and will have you laughing through to the very last page. She’s got an incredible story to tell, and her work ethic is unparalleled. Definitely one worth checking out.

Now, excuse me, I need to go learn to play the violin…