By Michelle Rettmueller | Staff writer, editor in chief
Demi Lovato’s book Staying Strong: 365 Days a Year isn’t your typical self-help book, nor is it an autobiography. Lovato comprises a collection of her favorite quotes, her own personal reflection, and a goal on each page. Each page is then set up to represent a corresponding day of the year, and you are meant to read a page per day.
The book starts out with a short introduction written by Katie Couric, and is then followed by a heartfelt letter from Lovato, giving motivation to and encouraging the reader. From that point on, it’s full steam ahead.
After turning to the first actual page of the book, it is soon realized that you are going to be strapped in for quite the emotional journey. Right there, at the top of the page, are the words “You are beautifully and wonderfully made.” For those who read the book and are striving to discover themselves or are dealing with their self-image, these words can pack quite the punch. Trust me, I would know. Emotional journey aside, I think the book is a great read. You are able to learn how to better yourself, while also getting a small insight into Lovato’s life. My personal favorite part of the book is how, on each page that starts a new month, a new bird is added. The month of January begins with one lonesome bird in the bottom left hand corner, and by the month of December, 12 birds span across the page to create an image that is strikingly similar to the bird tattoo that stretches across Lovato’s arm.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Demi Lovato, or anyone who wants to make themselves a better person. I would especially recommend it to those who struggle with their self- esteem in any way, because as someone who is currently fighting that battle, I am able to say that it definitely helps me to stay strong and keep moving forward.