Chapter 7: Stepping It Up
“From the moment Idol ended it felt like someone had hit the fast forward button on my life, and it became clear that it wasn’t going to slow down anytime soon” (p. 153). If Chapter 6 was about facing his insecurities in front of the American public, Chapter 7 finds David immediately launching into the life of a professional singer—there was no time to reflect or plan. His life as he knew it was over. The only thing he could do was “brace myself and count my blessings” (p. 153).
David does a fine job in this chapter of expressing the sense of dislocation and frenzy he must have felt as he started preparing for the American Idol Tour as well as his debut album. David seems to have enjoyed the touring experience immensely, even saying the tour was a relief for all the contestants, since they got to fine-tune their 
performance skills without the pressure of competition and judging. “I had the chance to learn some critical concepts, such as the importance of pacing myself, of interacting with fans, and I even had to learn the art of signing autographs” (p. 162). David’s confidence issues were still a source of frustration for him, but the opportunity to perform in front of so many people during the tour along with his Idol buddies was great training—his confidence was building and he was discovering who he was as a performer. “I was freer, more joyful, less nervous and generally more at ease . . . . I was finally starting to let go and enjoy the act of performance just as much as I enjoyed singing” (p. 162).
As if touring the country didn’t keep David busy enough, he also had to begin writing and recording his first studio album while on tour. Even though he felt overwhelmed by all the opportunities and expectations suddenly thrust upon him, he pushed forward. One definitely gets the sense that David’s unforgiving schedule was a curse and a blessing. It didn’t really allow time for his inexperience or confidence issues to cause much hesitation and he learned a great deal very quickly. Along with that, though, was the reality that he (and Jive) would not have time to craft an album that closely reflected who David was as a singer and person. He sums up the challenge succinctly on page 163, “Deliberation was out and fast decisions were in.”
David seems to have found the challenge of songwriting most intimidating, but here, as is so often the case with David, he learns to use what some may consider a weakness, his inexperience and charmingly non-linear form of expression, as his own personal style, his voice, if you will. I find the following to be a definitive statement from David on his artistic sensibility: “I told myself that since feeling itself has always been my guiding force, I could start with that as a basis for writing, too. Instead of trying to come up with clever words to tell a story, maybe I could focus more on an emotion, and somehow find the words that match the feeling . . . . There are so many ways to go about it and the more I thought about it, the more I realized that there isn’t just one right way to do it” (p. 166). This touches upon what many of us have felt about David’s performances from the beginning; his ability to inhabit the feelings, emotions, and perspectives in songs is astonishing. I’d argue it’s David’s actor-like gift for empathy, perhaps second only to the gorgeous sound of his voice, which makes David such a captivating vocalist.
David documents other events from the months following the show, most notably the quick and surprising (at least to him) success of “Crush.” For me, the most compelling revelation—threaded throughout Chapter 7—is how David began to adjust to fame and personally define his relationship with his extraordinarily devoted fans. 
He encountered countless fans during the Idol tour and his subsequent solo tour. Understandably, he was surprised and even puzzled at the lengths fans would go to see and support him. “One thing I find to be kind of tricky is understanding the world of fans. It’s hard to understand how people who have never even met me can realistically like me so much . . . . just like everything else, had its pros and cons, and I ultimately made up my mind to stay optimistic about the mania, accepting the positive things about it and simply observing and acknowledging any negativity or weirdness” (pp. 170-2). In typical fashion, when grappling with things he doesn’t understand or that give him pause, David responds with wisdom that betrays his young and, at times, awkward exterior. Unlike many suddenly famous, young people, David’s process of coping with his new reality appears to have been a very deliberate one of contemplation, and it led him to see his relationship with his fans as reciprocal. Again, David’s own words about his fans are too lovely to paraphrase and too keenly spot-on to ignore, “I have always felt without the fans, I had no way of completing the experience of singing, that without them, I would still be the shy kid in the backyard who felt safe singing to his cats. My fans allowed my music to become part of an exchange, which made me feel that someone would always be listening . . . . It seemed that many of the fans wanted to go out of their way to make sure I knew just how strongly they felt about me. It was almost as if they picked up on my insecurities and worked extra-hard to make sure that I’d feel good about myself” (pp. 175-6).
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir5Is32P-M4&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]
What emerges from Chapter 7 is the portrait of a young man who responds to a most unreal and surreal existence with the kind of thoughtful and compassionate understanding the reader can only admire.
[Included in Chapter 7 are David’s “Top 3 Interviews” (who can forget Showbiz Shelly?!), “Top 3 Touring Moments” (not really original, I admit, but mine is David’s “When You Say You Love Me” from SLC), and “Top 3 Fan Encounters,” along with more great black and white photographs of David and fans.]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvoFTlj7bAg[/youtube]
Commentary
Ok, I’ll admit. I am NOT David Archuleta and I do not possess his powers for zen-like composure and acceptance. I don’t smile 1/10th as often as he does, which explains A LOT. And as optimistic as I try to be, people would probably describe me as, well, “fretfully optimistic.” So the last thing in the world I set out to do when I discovered David was to spend untold hours ringing my hands over the fate of some 19 year old pop star’s career, but here I am. I’m a chart watcher. I’m a spin counter. As much as I love getting new music from Mr. D (and I DO! *sings, “When the world falls down like rain . . . .”*), I don’t relish this particular time, as in right now, July, 2010, of the single/album roll out. (I know we’re discussing Chapter 7 here about the immediate months documenting David’s transition from American Idol personality to genuine American pop star, but stay with me.) Soooo, as we wait to hear the inevitable news that David’s new single, “Something ‘Bout Love,” (which you have certainly purchased by now!! RIGHT?!) has lifted off into all-time, record-breaking heights of adds, spins, sales, chart positions, etc., . . . or not (I don’t even pretend to understand all this muck, even if I obsess about it, and, God knows, sometimes I wish I had never heard of any of it), I have to ask myself, “Why in the world do I care so much about this kid’s career?”
And then I read the final lines of Chapter 7, “More than fans, they felt like a team of morale-boosters who would always be around to remind me of my own worth. The fans stepped up as the much-needed providers of faith and motivation that I would come to rely on as I continued down this new path” (p. 176). There was much about this chapter that was interesting, but I was most taken with how David got his fans. Frankly, I felt a little . . . read. Through all the craziness and, I’m sure, sometimes weird “mania” that is a part of being David Archuleta, he somehow got that we’re not just fans because we love his voice (sweet fancy Moses, that boy can sing!!) or his music (“let ‘em shine tonight!”) or his charm (“Hush cats!”) or his endless compassion (insert charitable event here and he’ll show up) or his looks (I hear the ladies think he’s “Yummy!”). He came to realize that we understood him well enough to know he needed a cheering section that would stick with him no matter what. That he is so far and above being deserving of that support has made it that much more of a joy for us, his fans, to “step up” to buy all those go phones, attend all those concerts, buy all the Arch-merch, request “Crush” and “ALTNOY” and the Christmas tracks, etc. It was and is a joy to be David’s cheering section. He gives us all something only we can individually know and articulate for ourselves, but it seems we give him something, too. It’s cool to know he got us, isn’t it? That maybe we saw something he wasn’t quite able to see just yet.
Maybe it’s David’s instinct for empathy that fuels his very generous relationship with his fans, the same instinct I believe that makes him an Artist and not just a gifted vocalist. Whatever the case may be, during the next few months of sweating those blasted spins, I’ll try to relax more and be happy with whatever happens. There will 
always be a part of me that wants David to be more successful than he can even fathom (including living in a castle with his own country . . . so he could get away from all of us when he wanted . . . did I mention that?). After all, he does deserve it. But those last lines in Chapter 7 (and Chapters 8-11 especially) suggest to me that David’s idea of success may not be the kind fans typically wish for their heroes. The inspiration that David has given his fans cannot be quantified on any chart. It would appear that goes both ways. And, you know what? That’s enough for me.
What were your thoughts on Chapter 7?
Do you have any favorite moments from seeing David on the American Idol Tour? Any favorite performances? Interviews? What do you think makes David a good performer? A good singer? A good writer? As a fan, how did you feel reading the passages about David grappling with fans? With fame? Did any of it make you feel uncomfortable? What about it moved you and, if so, why? What are your hopes for David’s new album?
I really enjoyed reading your summary and your insights Houstonrufus.
I’ve been reading media reviews of COS and the emphasis is usually so shallow–his age, surprise that he is doing a memoir, it’s for those who are American Idol fans, etc. and some comically lament he doesn’t talk about the other AI contestants in a gossipy way.
And in CH 7 I too enjoyed his perspective on why he has fans, his sense of his fans motivations and defining his relationship with them. It is certainly something on a personal level that was, and continues to be, a mystery to me given the age range; and, add to that I basically am not “fan” material to begin with, I’m still figuring it out. I’m not blessed with the personality trait to just accept it and move on.
I’ve done a lot of reading on fans of celebrities and most of what’s out there isn’t exactly, well, for lack of a better word, wholesome. In fact the profile of an average fan…and I have to admit, I’m beyond average in this situation…is not inhabited with attractive attributes. And, I still hope there is some explanation that can be found that allows this to be some what “normal” when being at fan at this level is described as obsessed, stalkerish, etc. It’s a daily struggle for me to be sure.
I always wondered how David thought about having fans and this chapter, as did all of COS, fleshed out his perspective—and as always, he was looking at the other side of the negatives. In COS, he envelopes the reader in a cloud of comforting convictions. And, pardon the continued pun, I’m thinking David is first and foremost ’bout love. We need love. Love gives meaning to our lives. And in his music his ideas of love are substantial and universal. And he emotes those ideas beautifully through his voice.
What I find most amazing is the ability to live a life in what is basically a fish bowl and sort through it all and then write about it. His Emotional IQ has to be off the charts.
Thanks for the insights. I look forward to your next review.
Kizzi(Quote)
I hear you. It’s not something I understand, and I struggle with it sometimes. As most of us have said, I have never been this involved in being fan of anything before. But, here I am, not enitrely sure what I’m doing here. As Julee commented, ultimately what has kept me here so long has been the friendships I’ve made. Those relationships reinforce qualities in David I admire.
Also, I sort of liken it to cheering for a team in a sport. As a Houstonian, I’ve been a big fan of the Astros and Rockets. They’ll always be my favorite teams no matter what, and I’ll always support them. Granted, what I feel for David is much deeper and hits me in a place in my soul that no sports team ever could. I guess I use that analogy when I sometimes question my David fandom. He’s my team. He’s my champion quarterback. He’s my Hakeem Olajuwon. I’ll stick it out with him win or lose. That sort of thing.
Houstonrufus(Quote)
I agree with the team analogy. To cheer, to support, to be there in the good times and bad.
I am a huge FSU Seminole. And they’ve had their ups and downs. Love me my Bobbie Bowden who just retired—what a leader—and now this season we have Jimbo Fisher – Florida college ball is quite serious and loads of fun. I met both Chris Weinke & Charlie Ward who both won Heisman’s and Charlie is considered one of the best all around athletes; seriously though neither inspired me although I admired both in their leadership, sportsmanship, skill, and path of excellence. IDK, maybe the internet and being able to keep up with the moment to moment is a part and parcel of this. Most definitely was not a part of techno-daily life in the 90′s and early 2000s.
Good stuff.
Kizzi(Quote)
Houstonrufus, Thanks for another amazing review and commentary, WELL DONE!!!!
janey(Quote)
And so this is why I love ya My Friend! You outdid yourself with this one! You know exactly is in our hearts and minds! This is beyond beautiful!
Love & Hugs!
karin Carlson(Quote)
Hugs to YOU!!! You better bring some of those nifty post its when I see you again!!
Houstonrufus(Quote)
Believe it or not, I was just reading the final chapters again last night. I think I rushed through them the first time and I surprisingly found myself writing down his words of wisdom in my little notebook of ponderables to come back to. He is wise.
As many of us know, at times being a ‘fan’ is not easy. Like Kizzi, I struggle with it more than I want to. Am I in or am I out? Why can’t I just make a choice and be happy with it? I am often embarrassed (and worse) by what fans do and in no way want to be associated with them. I come so close to deleting my David life on all levels so many times that it’s scary. But then I get in the car and put on this little fluffy pop tune and hear the pathos in his voice and the meaning in the lyrics and I realize I am in all the way up to my eyeballs. This boy tries so hard to do and to be the right thing. I will always support him.
So I have no choice but to use his own words as a guide for MY experience with fandom:
“just like everything else, had its pros and cons, and I ultimately made up my mind to stay optimistic about the mania, accepting the positive things about it and simply observing and acknowledging any negativity or weirdness.”
Here’s to optimism and no hand -wringing Keith! To be honest, if I had not met some of the most wonderful, grounded, fabulous fans from the very get-go, (I’m looking at you friend) I’m not sure I’d still be here. I’m glad you are with me on this journey!
momJulee(Quote)
Ditto. And I’ve actually deleted much on many levels.
I scan and participate in fandom via the net and I know its for the support of this level of being a fan. And as you so well point out, it is meeting some fantastic people from the beginning that enriches and makes much of the “craziness” worthwhile.
Kizzi(Quote)
Julee, I KNOW you have earned your fan stripes.
You are one of the reasons I’m still around, my friend. This has all been one weirdly fantastic ride.
Houstonrufus(Quote)
Houstonrufus, you have outdone yourself again! You are so eloquent. You have a rare gift of expressing thoughts and feelings into words such that everyone knows exactly and immediately what you’re talking about. And your words flow so smoothly. Like buttah!
David said the following about another one of those top 3 interviews, “One of the funniest interview moments for me was during American Idol when someone asked me a question and I answered it, but for some reason everyone thought that I was going to keep on talking — only I was done talking. There was this awkward pause, and I looked at the interviewer, and everyone looked at me, and no one seemed to know what was happening for a moment.”
It was obvious to me that he was referring to the Larry King Live interview with the top 10 finalists. I wondered why he didn’t mention Larry King’s name or ShowBiz Shelly’s. Anyway, that was such a classic moment, that I thought I’d post it here to share in this book discussion:
ozarko(Quote)
Thanks Ozarko! I loved that interview – maybe I shall add it to HR’s article
archieFanDoc(Quote)
You are MUCH too kind, but thank you.
I remember that Larry King interview! hahaha!!! He cracks me up.
Houstonrufus(Quote)
Nice review HR!
Houstonrufus asks “As a fan, how did you feel reading the passages about David grappling with fans? With fame? Did any of it make you feel uncomfortable?”
This made me think of my first episode of being one of “those” fans — It was after the AI7 Tour in Los Angeles. I had never attended one of those until then (or since) – going with my tween son forever referred to as “my cover”. After the show I found myself waiting outside with the pack. I had never done anything like that before. I recall looking at all the people with their posters, pushing and shoving trying to get a good spot at the barricades. I thought to myself – I’ll never be one of “those” people. It was close to midnight – still waiting. In a moment of panic I could not find my son — until I spotted him just a few feet away fast asleep on the cold concrete sidewalk, at midnight, in downtown LA. “What’s wrong with this picture” I thought. I woke him up and we left. Fifteen minutes later getting into the car we heard the roar of the crowds shouting David and David (the 2 D’s had come out) – my son looked over to me and said “sorry mommy for ruining your life” and to make up for it he serenaded me on the drive home – belting out over an over “Apologize” (something today he will deny). I vowed to myself to never become one of “those” fans. Ha! I can hear my LA Archu-buds laughing right now as they read this – they have the goods on me (ssshhhhh ladies)
archieFanDoc(Quote)
LOL AFD – I empathize greatly.
As much as I enjoy hearing David sing live, I am equally compelled to not be noticed at concerts. Love the music, the live performance, just don’t want to be seen because as much as I’d like to fool myself that there is another explanation, for me there isn’t….going to live performance after live performance just ain’t ‘normal’ no matter the celebrity. LOL
And, yet, like all experiences one goes through the life cycle of the experience and learns and as momJulee has observed has met super fantastic people and made life long friends.
I remember when I saw “Young Frankenstein” and Igor tells Dr. F that he got him a brain from someone called ‘Normal’….turns out it was ‘A. B. Normal’ and that is one of my favorite scenes from that 70′s movie. And so in this experience, I get 100% that I am ‘A.B. Normal” and in a fun & comedic way. bwahahahahaha hmmm….maybe that’s why I’m going through this experience, to be the joke, to lighten up, to laugh at myself….and, it’s definitely working.
Kizzi(Quote)
I totally agree with AFD and Kizzi..
I thought I was going crazy when I first told myself that I am gonna meet this kid in person immediately when he comes to Singapore. Never in my life that I had fallen for any celebrities. I even asked the radio DJ if I am the only aunty who is crazy about him.. trying very hard to win Meet & Greet tickets and felt so disappointed that luck was not on my side. I have left with no choice so I decided to wait for him at the airport. Imagine that I was the odd one amongst a dozen of youngsters. I even told my hubby that I was meeting my US friend…. can you beat that?
It was love at first sight when I first saw David sang. Till now, I have no regrets in becoming his fans. I am extremely, extremely proud with his achievement and ‘something bout love’ definitely shows yet another great piece of hardwork….the music, the lyrics… I love it all.
MmeShahSG(Quote)
Mme – I remember seeing the video that captured that wonderful moment when you met David at the airport. You had such admiration in your eyes. It was a touching moment and one I know you will hold close to your heart always. Isn’t it great to be a
littlelot crazy over David Archuleta?Susan M.(Quote)
I definitely think humor makes pretty much any situation better. And I love Young Frankenstein. haha!!
Houstonrufus(Quote)
HeHeHeHeHeHeHeHeHeHeHeHeHe (from one of your ssshhhhh ladies). “I’m not going to go to an American Idol concert with all the tween/teen craziness,” I told my husband. “And besides, we’ve never been an AI follower. I will just wait for David to produce his first album and go to his concert then,” (wanting to see only David). That lasted all of one week as I melted to my knees when my husband told me that he had secured tickets to the AI7 Fresno concert (he would have acquired LA tickets but Fresno offered us much better seats — 6th row. Doc, weren’t you in the nosebleed section in LA?). My heart pounded out of my chest at the thought of seeing David perform within weeks instead of months.
P.S. I was such an inexperienced AI concert attender that I did know I could wait after the concert to see the idols. We unwittingly retired to a local hotel room instead. Still kicking myself two years later.
Susan M.(Quote)
A few thoughts after reading you funny/interesting/thoughful post Houstonrufus…
1. I don’t think David does handle it all with a zen-like quality. Just a small line in his book – easily missed – he mentions having to smile when he feels like crying…or something to that effect anyway. That saddens me but it does not surprise me. David is human like all of us. I’m sure he has learnt/is learning to let the negativity slide off his back but he wouldn’t be human if he didn’t feel it sometimes. He wouldn’t be human if sometimes he just felt too stinkin tired to be bothered or to be pulled, tugged, hugged and screamed at. David is a wonderful person but I fear we risk putting him on too high a pedastal and add more pressure to him than what he already has. One day he will act less thatn civil or do something ‘out of character’ – what will his fans do then? I hope they will be strong enough to admit that David is human too and still love him anyway.
2. I think David used to feel that before American Idol people didn’t give two hoots about him. Then all of a sudden everyone wanted to be his best friend. I think David used to feel a little resentful/hurt/distrustful because of this. From what he has said in COS regarding the unconditional support from fans, it gives me hope that he now sees that we don’t love and admire him because he’s famous but because we do genuinely care and appreciate him and his talents.
3. I love your idea of him being crazy successful and owning his own island to get away from it all! lol Great idea!
Like you, I have had to remind myself this week about what is most important for David. The first day of the release of SBL, I found myself wanting it to climb the charts. Then I slept on it and the next day I remembered that worldly success is not what I ultimately wish for David. What I wish for is his happiness and growth; in his faith, in a worthy wife, in a family of his own – in all of those things contained in the ‘simple life’. From my own selfish point of view, David does not have to be a world wide star, dominating the charts for years to come. If he can continue making music in a way that pleases him and provides a little ongoing listening pleasure for me that is enough. If however, he never makes any more music, I will burn multiple copies of what I have so that when one disc runs out, I will have more to back it up! lol And I will always pray for him and hope for his happiness. He has touched my life. Like MomJulee said – I’m up to my eyeballs whether I like it or not. There’s no turning back now.
Shanny in Australia(Quote)
I actually agree with you. Thanks for the excellent reminder. David is indeed human. I try to not put him on a pedestal. It can be tough, because I admire him quite a bit. I think what I should have said was that he eventually comes to a remarkable sense of peace with things. He struggles and feels everything we feel. But I admire his ability to think things through and come to a resolution or understanding of things that ultimately swings to an optimistic perspective. And he no doubt feels scared and tired and annoyed, but, for the most part, he soldiers through in a way that I admire.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment!
Houstonrufus(Quote)
Hi Houstonrufus, I apologize for taking so long to get back to this but I do want to make it clear that I completely understand why it sometimes ‘sounds’ like people are putting David on a pedastal, when in fact they are not. I am just as good as anyone else at using superlatives to describe David. And I genuinely think that he deserves them too. At the same time, I’m pretty sure most of us know that despite what it looks like, David is not perfect and is also subject to weaknesses and temptations….we just don’t bother putting that addendum in every time we speak of his wonderfulness. I just wanted to let you know that I understood what you were saying because if you’re anything like me, you hate feeling misunderstood. Thanks again.
Shanny in Australia(Quote)
I just finished reading this chapter (again) last night, too. I’m taking it slower this time, thinking about what he’s saying, and catching little things here and there.
I feel his struggle to somehow find a regular life. “There was absolutely nothing regular about anything that was happening.” (p. 157) And then “Despite all of my doubts and fears, I could now embrace that it was all well worth it, that God did have a plan for me, and that I did the right thing by trusting in Him. I would try to make sense of everything by always reminding myself that all of this was happening because I was following those impressions that I received from the Spirit along the way.”
You get the feeling that he analyzes a lot. Analyzes the past, tries to prepare for the future, wonders about the future. “Every morning on the tour would bring on a bunch of new questions that would simmer in the back of my mind while I sat on the tour bus heading to our next gig.” He was worrying about how to make this career happen. And he talks about how he has to deal with adult things all of a sudden – attorneys, publishers, management…. Wow. And he was 17. My son is 17. That’s a huge load for a 17 year old to worry about.
He talks about confronting the nature of sacrifice, having to give up time with family and friends “which felt (and sometimes still does) like a pretty big deal to me.” When you take into consideration that David is usually the master of understatements, it has to be a huge deal. A huge sacrifice.
I feel like reassuring David that we are there for him, that we appreciate him, that he can take a vacation and just relax for a bit some time.
daizdfan(Quote)
I have to say I was pleased to read that David found some of the fan bahavior hard to understand or that some of it may make him uncomfortable. It should! To me that signaled a healthy sense of who he is in relation to the circus around him. I thought his questioning of why fans would feel such strong feelings for him so quickly was hysterical and reassuring. I’m glad that he can feel an exchange with his fans but keep us at a certain emotional distance, too.
Houstonrufus(Quote)
MmeShah – no, I don’t think anything would top showing up at the airport in the middle of the night
Shanny – thanks for commenting! and I agree. I have been privy both in person or otherwise to some of those more humanizing moments. We don’t have David on a pedestal – but it none the less is amazing how someone so young can still demonstrate so much grace under fire so to speak. I am sure we all had to smile at some time when it was the last thing we wanted to do.
And MomJulee’s comment has inspired my new Avatar — I am up to my eyeballs too – let’s see if the gravaatar change took effect.
archieFanDoc(Quote)
Thanks to everyone for your wonderful comments!!! The best chapters are still to come and some wonderful writers (not talking about myself, here) will be contributing and giving their thoughts.
Houstonrufus(Quote)
David’s viewpoint on fans and the relationship he has with them is admirable. More celebrities should think along those lines instead of presenting themselves as being above everyone else and entitled to the fame, money, and following.
goldstar(Quote)
I’ve really been enjoying your articles and commentary, HR.
“The inspiration that David has given his fans cannot be quantified on any chart.” This reallly stuck with me and is so true. I will never be able to repay this kind-hearted, talented young man for the intangible gifts he has given me — hope, encouragement, comfort, and peace, just to name a few.
Susan M.(Quote)
Great article Houstonrufus, and I enjoyed reading all of the comments!
marc(Quote)
I haven’t been able to get the book so I’ve been lapping up these weekly commentaries on each chapter in COS.
I’ve really enjoyed reading everyone’s thoughts, so thanks y’all for sharing. 
I pretty much agree with almost everything that’s been said. and can identify with it too. I feel guilty for being so interested in David’s life and character when I’ve never even met him before. and even though the smile of David’s face in videos and stuff looks like he doesn’t mind all the craziness, he’s human and no human could possibly feel comfortable having people being so interested in his life, and I forget that. So this review really reminded me of how David is so… WOW at dealing with all this stuff and sacrificing so much, and trusting God. Shanny in Australia’s notes also really struck me on how much he’s had to deal with and how well he’s dealing with it. (I need to stop overusing words lol)
He’s definitely an inspiration to me and everyone else and such a role model for me too even though he’s only a few years older than me. Anyway. Can’t wait til the day I get to read this book!
ai lyn(Quote)
Houstonrufus, thanks again for another thoughtful, insightful article. And I’m thoroughly enjoying reading everyone’s great comments!
David’s explanations of his relationship with “fanship” are some of my favourite passages in COS. I must have read this line 10 or more times before I could keep reading: “It was almost as if they picked up on my insecurities and worked extra-hard to make sure that I’d feel good about myself.”
A lightbulb went off for me when I read that. (A) Because although I’d tried to figure out my own compulsion to thank David & let him know his impact on me, his astute explanation had never occurred to me; (B) Because I was gobsmacked that David didn’t just assume (as many celebs would) that all the attention was to be expected due to his greatness … that he spent time and energy trying to make sense of it all based on the assumption that he’s no better or worse than any of us; and (C) Because it hit me that he was right.
What makes David a good singer? A good writer? That he’s not trapped inside himself. That he leaves his ego at the door so he can show us what’s real.
Love your island idea… great place to draft up COS Part 2!
Anonymous(Quote)
hahaha, “Anonymous” above is me … I forgot to fill in the fields! *face palm*
TOfan(Quote)
“And then I read the final lines of Chapter 7, “More than fans, they felt like a team of morale-boosters who would always be around to remind me of my own worth. The fans stepped up as the much-needed providers of faith and motivation that I would come to rely on as I continued down this new path” (p. 176).
I was brought to tears by this passage the first time I read it from Chapter 7 & tonight is no exception. Thank you for a thoughtful/insightful article, Houstonrufus.
Marylee(Quote)
Thank you all for your comments on HR’s article on Chords of Strength
archieFanDoc(Quote)
can u tell me how to vote for david in the teen choice awards…plz
Archuletafan(Quote)
Archuletafan – the voting is closed for Teen Choice.
Junebug(Quote)