David Archuleta’s New York Times best seller book titled, “Chords of Strength: A Memoir of Soul, Song and the Power of Perseverance” was released June 1st, 2010.
David Archuleta Chords of Strength
The day is here! “Chords of Strength is officially out TODAY!!! Woo hoo!!! It’s gonna be an awesome day!
Woops, I meant to put another quotation mark. “Chords of Strength” 
Hey guys, the fansites have the photo winners’ names up! Congrats you guys and thanks so much for sending in your photos for the book!!
The names should also be going up on the official site soon! Gotta head to another interview now
On my way to Bookends in Ridgewood, New Jersey soon for my very first book signing ever! Can’t wait to see those of you coming!!
See David’s letter to the photo winners first posted on FanScene HERE
!”
CHAPTER ONE: PURE BEGINNINGS
David Archuleta’s Chords of Strength Chapter 1, “Pure Beginnings,” Summary and Commentary
Originally Posted: 07 Jun 2010 11:06 AM PDT
Summary:
As will be the case with each chapter, David begins with a quotation. Chapter one opens with “It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities”–J.K. Rowling
“Pure Beginnings” describes David’s background and childhood. As he has said in interviews before, his family has shaped the person he is today. He goes into detail about his parents and grandparents and how they have influenced him. David discusses how much he has learned from them.
What David says on page thirteen summarizes his feelings about family. “To me, family is the center of everything. The people on both sides of my family have been really important in my life. They’ve taught me so much about what matters in life [,] and they’ve been my strength throughout mine.”
Then David describes his family’s many moves throughout Florida before relocating to Utah. He talks about being close to his parents, siblings, and two cats.
He mentions the activities he enjoyed. David spent a lot of time in the library learning about various subjects. He also liked rollerblading and watching the National Geographic channel.
Commentary:
This chapter illustrates the normal life that David had growing up. He paints a family portrait of his early years with his parents, older sister Claudia, younger brother Daniel, and then younger sister Jazzy. Sadly, a younger brother before Daniel was stillborn.
David was not born into a celebrity family, and he did not live in a gated mansion. Instead, he was born into a close-knit family who had love and music wherever they went.
I was struck by how many members of both sides of his family were involved with music. Whether it was his dad’s father who performed in a barbershop quartet or his mom who was a singer and dancer, music was prevalent throughout the generations. Maybe some of their singing abilities were inherited by David. Inevitably, music was going to be a part of David Archuleta’s life!
David has always stressed the importance of family, and he continues to do so in his memoir. Obviously he receives a tremendous amount of support and strength from them.
I was surprised by how much performing he did as a child. Although it wasn’t in a professional capacity, he did family talent shows and church events, went Christmas caroling, and visited hospitals and nursing homes.
David says on page 21, “Given our family’s love of music, my mom always treated our opportunities to perform seriously, working on teaching us harmonies for the songs and original choreography for each occasion.”
Seeing how early he began detailed performances in public, I would not have expected David to be as nervous and still as he once was on stage.
I think that the musical performances helped bond his family from the start. Everyone participated in something they enjoyed and had in common.
Even in the David’s first few years, there was some foreshadowing of what he would do later in his life. At about four years old, he learned how to play the piano a little and then created some melodies on his own. Working on playing an instrument and composing music at four!
At the end of the chapter, David talks about the Boy Scout program at his church. He did not think he would make it to the Eagle Scout (highest) level. On page 26 he says, “I just never really saw myself as a leader.” Another obstacle overcome. Now look at him! David is working on leading his career and next album!
What did you think about “Pure Beginnings?” Share your thoughts in the comments section!
Love COS. Have read it several times and go back to favorite parts when I need a David fix. When I read it I feel like he is just talking to me. Hope that David will do more writing in the future.
cq#DA2014(Quote)
Love COS and have read it several times and will read it again!! Fascinating and Inspiring. I’ve gifted COS including a young family I met in line at the Motab signing. Got cute little notes from the young girls who were thrilled.
Two years…Love it!!
Heidijoy(Quote)
keep reading it! Haha!
it’s worth it anyway! 
Mary Concepcion T. Matias(Quote)
My favorite chapter in Chords of Strength is Divine Frequency. I also love chapters 8-10. I kept reading it and it always made me cry. David’s so thoughtful and persistent. I miss him so much, and I also pray for him every night before I sleep. May God bless you always. And may God bless us everyone! Keep reading Chords of Strength and always pray for David in his mission, and don’t also forget to thank God for putting someone like David a part of our lives!
Mary Concepcion T. Matias(Quote)