He’s only 19 years old, but David Archuleta is an American Idol runner-up, a multi-platinum artist, and now he adds “author” to his list of accomplishments. One week ago, David released his first book: Chords of Strength: A Memoir of Soul, Song, and The Power of Perseverance.

In Chords of Strength, the Season 7 star shares his unexpected and inspiring journey, including how he overcame vocal cord paralysis to achieve his dream of being a singer. He reveals insecurities he felt about his voice-before he realized that he loved the way singing made him feel more than he disliked the way he sounded. In this personal memoir, David opens up about the strength he draws from his unshakable faith and unyielding family. He pays tribute to those who continue to inspire him and through their example help him believe in himself, his talent, and his abilities.

In an interview with one local Fox news station, David said, “What came from [American Idol] is pretty amazing. I’m glad I went through all of it.” In his book, David talks a lot his Idol experience including knowing that he wanted to sing but not knowing if he wanted to compete. He proved that you don’t have to be a competitive person to make it far on the show.

David posted a vlog on the day of his book release saying, “It’s been quite an experience getting it together, but I’m just so happy that it’s all worked out and that everything is coming together.” He also had kind things to say in the vlog post about Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox, and he talked about his involvement with the Season 9 finale. “It was fun getting to do the group number with all the Idol contestants last week, and just seeing all of them was like a big happy family reunion together.”

Archie has been traveling around the country to sign books at stores in New York, Minnesota, and more. Today he signed copies of his memoir at Deseret Books in Orem, Utah, and he’ll be at Rexburg, Idaho’s Deseret Books on June 17th to sign more copies.

David Archuleta walked the red carpet before performing with the Idol alumni during Season 9’s grand finale tribute to Simon Cowell. View a photo of his red carpet smile.