The singer visited a shop in New York as part of the launch of her book Cada día más fuerte (Growing Stronger)

It was a usual habitual afternoon, until when Thalía came. Among shelves, books and moving clients moving through the halls, the singer became the center of attention, as part of a visit she made Tuesday at a store in the Upper West Side, New York, to sign the copies of her new book Cada día más fuerte (Growing Stronger).

Mexican fans arrived very promptly at the appointment. They waited, each with a copy of the book in hand and anxious at the arrival of the singer. In the meantime, they chanted her name and sang some of her hits.

“She has it all, charisma, her form of singing, solidarity and a huge heart,” said Azul Marcial, a fan who was intrigued by reading the lines from the book in which Thalía explains how she felt during the kidnapping of her sisters and the death of her mother. “We see them as artists, then one can not imagine how they go through difficult times,” he said.

The atmosphere suddenly transformed when Thalia appeared. The audience cheered, took pictures and some, so much excitement about having her around, wept. “Thank you, first of all, for all your love and support, especially in recent months,” she said in greeting. “You’ve been my strength and I dedicate this book because it inspired me,” she said before yelling a “let’s start …”.

The first line was a young Brazilian who lives in London, a fact that surprised the singer. And after him, the fans continued one after another, eager to approach the singer, even if only for a few seconds. Some carried a copy of the book, others had half a dozen, but all equally happy. And they did not miss to give Thalía gifts for her babies.

Source: People en Español

“For Sabrina, who fuels me with the urge to seek an even better version of myself every single day.”

“For Matthew, whose presence reminds me that life is filled with miracles and hidden treasures.”

“For Tommy, who has held my hand throughout an extraordinary journey full of passion, and who has shown me the true meaning of the word commitment.”

“For my mother, whose gaze alone transmitted unconditional love, a love that has transcended the grave. You will always be in my heart, in every place and thought we ever shared, forever and ever.”

“My fans and followers, especially if they are young like me in every circumstance of their lives feel as though they are someone wearing clothing that isn’t their size.”

- Thalía, Growing Stronger (Cada día más fuerte)

To all outside appearances, Thalía has it all. Happy marriage to mega producer Tommy Mottola. Two beautiful kids. Fabulous career.

But the Mexican superstar singer has had her share of knocks. She was bullied as a child. Her father died when she was 5, and she is currently battling a debilitating illness, Lyme disease.

In her new memoir, Growing Stronger (Celebra, $22.95), the singer talks about her various struggles and ultimately triumphing over them.

“I wrote this to inspire people,” she says from her home in New York. “A lot of times we keep important stories to ourselves, and they really are for telling so you can learn from them. I hope it can make others happy and give them hope.”

Thalía, 40, is all about turning negatives into positives.

“I feel like I should take advantage of my experiences. Everything happens for a reason.”

Inspiration came after she recorded her latest album, to be released next year.

“I really began exploring myself internally. I wanted to show myself without a mask.”

The process of writing Growing Stronger was cathartic. (Aside: she dedicates a chapter to local great Emilio Estefan, who introduced the Mottolas.)

“To put it all down on paper was empowering. I don’t think the word for ‘empowerment’ in Spanish exists. It was time for me as a woman to do just that.”

The disease she caught two years ago from a tick is in check; a recent test of her blood came out clean. Thalía has said she felt close to death during the height of the illness that affects the central nervous system, and it’s a tremendous relief to be well. She credits a good diet and proper maintenance.

“I take care myself,” says the sometime actress and radio personality. “I eat well and concentrate on my health. Todo bien.”

Though life in New York can be crazy, the family lives in the tranquility of the suburbs, the best of both worlds. “If we want to go into the city, we can. We are close enough to return home and have a normal life.”

The couple’s children, Sabrina, 4, and Matthew, born in June, are doing great. “They are a blessing,” she says. “The most beautiful present.”

The little one’s actually not so little. “He’s grandote!” she says, estimating the baby’s weight at about 18 pounds. “Lifting him hurts my back!”

Luckily he’s sleeping through the night. “He’s very calm, there’s no drama. He’s my superhero.” The siblings get along well. “Sabrina loves him, he’s like her big doll.”

Despite two pregnancies and a chronic health issue, Thalía still looks great. Her secret? “I try to live a life in balance. Despite hardships or your circumstances, be optimistic in your soul and spirit. Have a good attitude and love your fellow human being.”

Source: The Miami Herald