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Lindsey Stirling has had what she calls the most amazing year of her life.

Her album "Shatter Me" hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts for classical albums and No. 2 for dance/electronic albums. As an artist, she was ranked in the top 10 on multiple Billboard lists.

The violinist also was able to incorporate the theatrical visuals she always wanted to present at her shows, and to play at iconic venues such as Red Rocks in Colorado, The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles and Central Park in New York City.

"It has been a dream come true for me this year," Stirling said.

But the exuberant 29-year-old's life hasn't always been such a fairytale.

She grew up in what she calls a humble background, and she battled depression and anorexia. She talks about those mental-health issues in her new book, this week, "The Only Pirate at the Party."

While she often takes a few moments at her shows to inspire her audiences by sharing her stories, she knows she can't share her whole story. But in the 272-page book, she delves into those times of her life.

"At some point, I realized I had been healthy at one point in my life, and I knew I could be happy again. I went to therapy to train my brain and take control of my mental state," she said. "I hope people can take something from that and learn it for themselves."

Stirling also struggled professionally, maybe most bitingly when she was eliminated in the quarterfinals on "America's Got Talent" and judge Sharon Osbourne told her she couldn't fill a theater in Vegas.

Instead of giving up, Stirling decided to carve a path by using the tools of her Millennial generation — YouTube and social media. By self-publishing and promoting her early work, much of it produced in Utah, she was able to avoid the gatekeepers throughout the music industry, from studios to radio stations.

"No one was willing to take a chance on my project, but I had this idea of being yourself and that's enough, and that's proven to be true and it has taken me to this great, strange, weird and awesome place," she said.

Stirling co-wrote the book with her sister, Brooke S. Passey. Initially, Stirling thought they could pump it out in less than a year, but the release date ended up being nearly three years after they started. The duo spent hours on Skype, recalling stories and answering questions from each other.

"I knew that Brooke would capture my voice better than anyone. It was really cool to even see even in the final pages my very strong voice. That happened because she knows me so well," Stirling said.

The book's title originated from a moment in Stirling's life when she was the only person who dressed up for a party. But she says being different is what has made her successful.

"I've always been told I wouldn't have a career because I was too different, but I ended up making a career for myself," she said. "It doesn't always mean being different is easy. It often feels like you're alone. But if you're true to yourself and accept that it's OK to be different, you realize it's the best thing to be yourself." —

Lindsey Stirling book signing

Meet Lindsey Stirling and purchase copies of her new memoir, "The Only Pirate at the Party."

Where • Deseret Book, 1110 E. Fort Union Blvd., Midvale

When • Tuesday, Jan. 19, 6 p.m.

Tickets • Free; the book lists at $24