Customer Reviews

Idoleyes: My New Perspective on Faith, Fat & Fame

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
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Mandisa Hundley may well go down in history as the most talked about American Idol participant who did not become the season's winning entrant. From her first audition for Atlanta radio station WSTR where she was one of six finalists who were invited to come in and sing live on the air, to the night that she was eliminated as one of the top nine finalists, Mandisa journey into the American Idol world was a life changing experience for the Born-Again Christian woman. To say it was a faith walk for her and her supporters is a gross understatement. Her new book, IDOLeyes: my new perspective on Faith, Fat & Fame succinctly tells the story.

One thing was apparent from the very beginning, Mandisa can sing. Her voice is one of the most awesome natural gifts that a singer can possess. The range, the deep soul stirring timber that rises with ever note is a dream come true. There was never any question that she was one of the better singers in the competition. The differences that set her apart from the other contestants were probably the differences that kept her from attaining the winning spot. Mandisa is a plus-sized Christian beauty who did not sacrifice her faith nor her beliefs to satisfy America. Mandisa stayed true to her soul and that is what she expresses in her new book.

Written with Christy Award winning author, Angela Hunt, IDOLeyes is a play-by-play account of MANDISA's American Idol experience. The reader is privy to every minute, from the behind-the-scenes stories of the interaction between the other contestants, the fans' reactions and behavior, and the difficulties that Mandisa's weight and faith caused her throughout the competition. MANDISA bears her soul in this book giving her side of the story of a gifted and determined young woman who goes from near obscurity to celebrity status. It was a walk on the wild side for someone whose only vision was to glorify the Lord in all that she set out to do. IDOLeyes is the story of a young woman living a Christian life in a secular world. She recounts how she allowed her elimination to cause her to lose sight of the will of God in her life and how she fell into a deep depression, despite being a strong believer because she misunderstood the voice of God that she felt was leading her to another place. She expected to remain in the final three, but found herself being sent home before the final show. She began to question her closeness to the Lord and her discernment of His will for her. She felt lost and alone and refused to allow the Lord to comfort her. The experience changed her faith as she had come to know it. She tells how she found her way out of the funk and got back in the game of life.

Although Mandisa's voice reigned supreme; her body image was not the American Idol image. Being a fat, Black woman took away from her vocal talents. When Simon made his caustic, unkind remarks about her weight on national television, she was devastated but she had the faith and the strength to pray her way on to the next level. In her book MANDISA confronts her issues with food addiction and comes to grips with the past that contributed to her becoming an overeater. She opens with; "Hello. I'm MANDISA, and I'm a foodaholic." MANDISA grew up in Citrus Heights, California near Sacramento after her parents divorced, living with her mother who was a working single mother. She spent a lot of time after school alone in front of the TV with only her favorite snacks to keep her company. She remembers that this is when she began to gain weight as a child. The book also talks about how consumed this society is with weight and body image and shows how fat prejudice is just as prevalent as race prejudice. In acknowledging her weight problems; during the competition she made a effort, choosing to eat healthily and changing her eating habits. Her perspective on fat and faith is that God can help you overcome any and all addictions.

The Fisk College graduate always remembers wanting to be a singer, but the shy and introverted little girl who sat on the sofa with only the television and her snacks to keep her company was afraid to reach out and snatch her dream even though she had the talent. She majored in music with a concentration in vocal performances and performed in many school productions. She had given her life to the Lord at an early age and soon ministered in music and song. She worked in customer service after graduation for a Christian book company while working as a worship leader for Beth Moore's Living Proof Conferences and singing back up for various artists on their CDs. She was comfortable doing studio work and conferences but still had a burning desire to take her voice further. Eventually; she submitted to that desire and asked the Lord to enlarge her portion. Mandisa finally found the courage in her faith to audition for American Idol.

Mandisa's American Idol experience changed her life and she did a wonderful job telling the story in book form. I enjoyed reading Mandisa's story and gained a lot of spiritual knowledge. I look forward to her new CD and her modeling contract with the Ashley Stewart clothing chain.

[..]

Mandisa has captured my interest. I did not (and do not) watch American Idol. I first heard Mandisa on Christian radio and decided I had to have the CD. I am also pleased to read her book and appreciate her honest and respectful way of describing and coping with the challenges she faces. Women of any size or age will likely appreciate her perspectives.

Her book has been a pleasure to read.

In this world of secularism, anti-religious attitudes, and hate crimes, this one book has the power to rise above it all. Mandisa, my personal hero and one of the greatest inspirations in my life, has a beautiful, warm, loving heart for the Lord, and every single individual who turns the pages of her life story- despite who you are and where you come from- will immediately and hopelessly fall in love with this precious young woman. Every word she writes is positive, uplifting, and inspirational, from her amusing descriptions of the odd individuals she met in her first auditions to her depictions of some of the darkest days in her life. Despite her flaws, past tragedies, and current struggles, Mandisa remains above all a strong, amazing young woman of the Lord, and I absolutely cannot recommend a more intriguing, inspiring, learned book for any starving Christian to read excepting the Word of God. If you enjoy a book that will make you smile, cry, and laugh with your whole heart, I strongly recommend Idoleyes.

I stumbled across this book after becoming a fan of Mandisa's and really enjoyed reading about her heart, life, competing in American Idol, struggling with weight, and being a Christian in and out of the spotlight.

I never saw her on Idol, so this was all new and interesting to me to read about her. This is a good read for followers of hers, followers of the show, overweight people, and teen girls who want to be "there". I like her openness and would recommend this to teens because they don't always know how to express their fears and dreams; this book can help a teen see how a mature young woman handles herself in the midst of fearful situations.

Mandisa is a strong Christian and that sense is throughout the book, yet this book can appeal to many. Those who fear to try, have dared to try, or are in the "thick" of trying and daring to become a star will enjoy the book. Not an intellectually deep book, but very emotionally rich and challenging.

From: www.BasilAndSpice.com
Author & Book Views On A Healthy Life!

Book Review: Idoleyes: My New Perspective On Faith, Fat & Fame (Tyndale House, 2007) by Mandisa

Enter the world of Mandisa, and see what it takes to be an overweight woman who becomes an international American Idol sensation.

Through Idoleyes, Mandisa Hundley recalls her life from unknown back-up singer to becoming the most recognized American Idol pop sensation. Her new perspective of "Faith, Fat, and Fame" are expressed through honest retrospection about her youth in California, a rape she suffered, her acceptance of Christ, and the climb to television fame.

Describing herself as a "foodaholic," Mandisa recognized during early auditions of American Idol that she did not represent "...the complete package - the perfect look, sound, style, and showmanship." Later, Mandisa endured stinging comments from Simon Cowell regarding her size, heard by 30 million viewers. Shocking both Simon and the American Idol crew, Mandisa, as a Christian witness, forgave Simon.

Mandisa accounts for her dieting problems - pointing out the beginning of her food issues, and acknowledges how and why they worsened. Working at overcoming her food addiction, her message is one of health. She reminds the reader that we should not look at the outside of ourselves for self-worth, but rather for value from within.

Mandisa states, "I am a living witness that God can do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine." Idoleyes is Mandisa's testimony of how she breaks free of an addiction by trusting in God. Her road hasn't been easy, but she says that God is faithful. Idoleyes provides encouragement and hope for those struggling with faith and discipline. Mandisa's story is a lesson for us all.

5 Stars

Mandisa does a great job sharing her American Idol experiences in this book. You feel like you are right there with her! She also communicates her reliance on her faith very well. My book club enjoyed this book very much!

I really enjoyed reading this book! When I grow up I want to be like Mandisa. She's a deeply spiritual woman that has surrendered all to her Lord. I struggle so much with surrender and just seeing another woman's perspective was so inspiring. I also am dealing with issues regarding my weight and her straight talk about her struggles was so uplifting. Just truth that you can fall and get back up again. I feel like a new believer all over again after reading this. Thanks Mandisa for sharing your life with us!

My wife didn't even know the book was out and was very surprised. She's halfway through it and loves it. She says Mandisa is an inspiration to all women of faith - no matter what your size.

Famous people often seem so perfect and unreachable. This book illustrates their human side. It also shows where Mandisa's music is coming from. It is a true testimony to the power of God.

Disa opens her heart in her amazing book Idol Eyes. She shares the pain of being disrespected by Simon as well as being eliminated too early from Idol. She also talks openly about her food addiction. Mandisa's book made me laugh and cry, but mainly smile. I loved Mandisa before, but this book really captured my heart.