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One Heart at a Time
“You’re listening to Delilah.”
Delilah, the most listened-to woman on American radio, has distinguished herself as the “Queen of Sappy Love Songs” and America’s ultimate romance guru. But Delilah’s life off-air is all the more extraordinary—a life full of trials, forgiveness, faith, and adventure. In One Heart at a Time , Delilah’s heartfelt account of her own story reveals what shaped the voice that 9 million listeners know and love.
Today, Delilah is the founder of an NGO called Point Hope, the owner of a 55-acre working farm, and an inductee of the National Radio Hall of Fame. But to achieve this, she often had to pave her own way. Disowned by her father, divorced, and fired from a dozen jobs over the years, Delilah pushed forward through family addiction and devastating loss, through glass ceilings and red tape. Her consistent goal to help those in need took her everywhere from the streets of Philadelphia to refugee camps in Ghana.
Along the way, Delilah was blessed by thirteen children—ten of them adopted. Though many of them contend with special needs and the forever effects of a broken foster care system, her children have been able to transform their own remarkable lessons into guiding lights for other kids in need. Just as Delilah has done.
One Heart at a Time exposes the real woman behind the microphone. In her easy-going style and characteristic, beloved voice, Delilah tells her deeply moving life story as the series of miracles it is.
Delilah, the most listened-to woman on American radio, has distinguished herself as the “Queen of Sappy Love Songs” and America’s ultimate romance guru. But Delilah’s life off-air is all the more extraordinary—a life full of trials, forgiveness, faith, and adventure. In One Heart at a Time , Delilah’s heartfelt account of her own story reveals what shaped the voice that 9 million listeners know and love.
Today, Delilah is the founder of an NGO called Point Hope, the owner of a 55-acre working farm, and an inductee of the National Radio Hall of Fame. But to achieve this, she often had to pave her own way. Disowned by her father, divorced, and fired from a dozen jobs over the years, Delilah pushed forward through family addiction and devastating loss, through glass ceilings and red tape. Her consistent goal to help those in need took her everywhere from the streets of Philadelphia to refugee camps in Ghana.
Along the way, Delilah was blessed by thirteen children—ten of them adopted. Though many of them contend with special needs and the forever effects of a broken foster care system, her children have been able to transform their own remarkable lessons into guiding lights for other kids in need. Just as Delilah has done.
One Heart at a Time exposes the real woman behind the microphone. In her easy-going style and characteristic, beloved voice, Delilah tells her deeply moving life story as the series of miracles it is.
248 pages, Hardcover
Published October 16, 2018
75 people are currently reading
2850 people want to read
About the author
Delilah .
4 books76 followersDelilah is one of America’s most popular radio personalities; her program airs daily, with an estimated 9 million listeners each week, nationwide. She has been inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame and the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Her show’s success earned her a National Association of Broadcasters’ Marconi Award in 2016 as Network/Syndication Personality of the Year and a GRACIE Award in 2012.
Delilah is also the founder of Point Hope, an NGO non-profit that champions forgotten children, particularly those in the Ghanaian community, Buduburam, as well as those in the American foster care system.
The mother of thirteen children—ten of them adopted, Delilah splits her time between her nighttime radio program, trips to Ghana, her 55-acre working farm, and her large family.
She is the author of three previous books: Love Someone Today, Love Matters, and Arms Full of Love.
Delilah is also the founder of Point Hope, an NGO non-profit that champions forgotten children, particularly those in the Ghanaian community, Buduburam, as well as those in the American foster care system.
The mother of thirteen children—ten of them adopted, Delilah splits her time between her nighttime radio program, trips to Ghana, her 55-acre working farm, and her large family.
She is the author of three previous books: Love Someone Today, Love Matters, and Arms Full of Love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
March 26, 2019
When my daughter was a tiny thing, 7 or 8 years old, she loved to listen to Delilah at Night on our local radio station. My Lambie said she hated the songs but she loved Delilah. "She really cares, Mommy." she told me. Lambie has always had a well developed bullshit meter, so I started listening, too. Delilah really does care.
We lost touch when we moved to an area that doesn't carry her show, but would pick up news of her online and catch her when we traveled.
When she lost first one child, then another, we ached as if a family member grieved. We shared her joy when she added new babies to her family.
I knew very little about her background, except for the tidbits I had picked up here and there.
So I was thrilled when I got the chance to read and review "One Heart at a Time" from Goodreads.
The theme that runs through this book is faith in God. God is ever present, in our joys, our sorrows; he is there to celebrate a new life with us, and he grieves and weeps with us when a life flickers and leaves this world. That is Delilah's first message. Her second is we are here for a reason. God has a use for us, and if we listen and open our eyes He will show us what to do.
We have the power to change the life of every person we meet, every day! (Hey, you, reading this review. I am thinking of you right now and asking God to be with you. Send me a message if you need to talk.)
I recently reviewed another book by a "Christian" that did not ring true to me, and after reading Delilah's book I know why. This other woman was an eternal victim. Horrible things happened to her, but she didn't seem to grasp that they were OVER. Her life was her own, thanks to God. She still thought like a victim.
Delilah is not a victim. Bad things happen to her, because stuff happens. She gets knocked flat. She lets God help her up, and she goes on.
I read this book, and I let go of an anger that had turned into hatred. I was able to forgive someone for wrongs done to me that they will never acknowledged.
Delilah is a star.Her book is readable, enjoyable, and may save your life.
We lost touch when we moved to an area that doesn't carry her show, but would pick up news of her online and catch her when we traveled.
When she lost first one child, then another, we ached as if a family member grieved. We shared her joy when she added new babies to her family.
I knew very little about her background, except for the tidbits I had picked up here and there.
So I was thrilled when I got the chance to read and review "One Heart at a Time" from Goodreads.
The theme that runs through this book is faith in God. God is ever present, in our joys, our sorrows; he is there to celebrate a new life with us, and he grieves and weeps with us when a life flickers and leaves this world. That is Delilah's first message. Her second is we are here for a reason. God has a use for us, and if we listen and open our eyes He will show us what to do.
We have the power to change the life of every person we meet, every day! (Hey, you, reading this review. I am thinking of you right now and asking God to be with you. Send me a message if you need to talk.)
I recently reviewed another book by a "Christian" that did not ring true to me, and after reading Delilah's book I know why. This other woman was an eternal victim. Horrible things happened to her, but she didn't seem to grasp that they were OVER. Her life was her own, thanks to God. She still thought like a victim.
Delilah is not a victim. Bad things happen to her, because stuff happens. She gets knocked flat. She lets God help her up, and she goes on.
I read this book, and I let go of an anger that had turned into hatred. I was able to forgive someone for wrongs done to me that they will never acknowledged.
Delilah is a star.Her book is readable, enjoyable, and may save your life.
October 24, 2018
Delilah is an interesting person. If you've ever listened to her show - especially her "Delilah's Dilemmas" - you get a real feeling of who she is. That, however, doesn't scratch the surface of how well you get to know her in "One Heart At a Time". She truly lets you inside her bizarre background: the successes of her work ethic, her radio show, her many, many children; the failures of her previous marriages and her relationship with her parents; and the heartaches, including the losses of 2 of her children and her beloved brother & sister-in-law.
If you have ever listened to her show, it's not hard to hear that same, lovely, soothing voice "reading" to you as you read her words. Her stories and personal background, while a little disjointed, are fascinating. (This is the 3rd autobiography I've read in the past few months, and they all follow that same, non-linear pattern.)
My only complaint is that it does get preachy. Now, I'm a Christian and I love Christian books, but sometimes she is a little heavy-handed in those parts of the book. Thankfully, it's not a large part of the book, and it IS who she is.
It's a fast, easy read, and overall enjoyable.
If you have ever listened to her show, it's not hard to hear that same, lovely, soothing voice "reading" to you as you read her words. Her stories and personal background, while a little disjointed, are fascinating. (This is the 3rd autobiography I've read in the past few months, and they all follow that same, non-linear pattern.)
My only complaint is that it does get preachy. Now, I'm a Christian and I love Christian books, but sometimes she is a little heavy-handed in those parts of the book. Thankfully, it's not a large part of the book, and it IS who she is.
It's a fast, easy read, and overall enjoyable.
February 16, 2019
I wanted to read this when I heard how may children Delilah has. I enjoyed when she was telling stories about her life and work in Africa, and I certainly don't mind her talking about how her Christian faith has influenced her, but mixed into all of that are sections that are bootstrap-y and judgmental.
October 19, 2018
Warning. This book will make you feel bad about yourself, build you back up and make you believe you can achieve anything! Regardless of your past. You just have to start with one heart at a time.
November 13, 2018
Fans of radio personality Delilah will enjoy listening to her narrate her own life's stories. Born in a small Oregon town, Delilah has since traveled the globe connecting with others through her non-profit, Point Hope. Her gift of gab and heartfelt conversational-style have endeared her to audiences across the United States. The first chapter, which discusses one of her son's suicide, is, understandably, read by Coleen Marlo, instead of the author. "One Heart at a Time" is by turns inspiring, humorous, and heartbreaking.
July 29, 2021
I started the audiobook for this but quit as soon as she said anti-depressants were “poison” and responsible for her son’s suicide. Stigmatizing an entire type of medication because you need something to blame is irresponsible and selfish. I’ve been helped tremendously by anti-depressants as have tens of thousands of other people. But we don’t matter because that’s not what Delilah wants to hear.
Her son could have requested his mom be involved in his treatment plan, which is not unusual for someone in a mental health crisis. He didn’t. His doctors could have listened and tried a different medication. Part of finding the right pill is trying different medications and dosages. They didn’t. Her son could have communicated with doctors that he was unhappy on his medication and needed something different. He didn’t.
Being in a car accident can be traumatic. Was he in therapy to deal with that? First breakups can be really hard. What did his therapist have to say about that?
It took a variety of individual decisions and choices that culminated in one tragic event. Blaming some pills was lazy, ignorant, and irresponsible.
Because Delilah wanted something to pin her pain on, she stigmatized an entire treatment method. This increases the chance of another mother knowing her pain because of her thoughtless words. I have lost all respect for her
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go be a better person, mother, and wife because of my “poison.”
Her son could have requested his mom be involved in his treatment plan, which is not unusual for someone in a mental health crisis. He didn’t. His doctors could have listened and tried a different medication. Part of finding the right pill is trying different medications and dosages. They didn’t. Her son could have communicated with doctors that he was unhappy on his medication and needed something different. He didn’t.
Being in a car accident can be traumatic. Was he in therapy to deal with that? First breakups can be really hard. What did his therapist have to say about that?
It took a variety of individual decisions and choices that culminated in one tragic event. Blaming some pills was lazy, ignorant, and irresponsible.
Because Delilah wanted something to pin her pain on, she stigmatized an entire treatment method. This increases the chance of another mother knowing her pain because of her thoughtless words. I have lost all respect for her
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go be a better person, mother, and wife because of my “poison.”
January 11, 2020
I was disappointed ☹️ n this book. I thought there was too much bragging going on, and it was not well written. Too much repetitiOn too.
February 7, 2019
& if you are young, give Delilah a chance and hear her voice, I pray that so many will be touched by this audiobook like I was ... THANK YOU! I always try to think to myself ...what is it that makes certain narrators ... have such great voice? it is like you are just talking like friends ... no barriers or judgement ...just chatting ... shooting the breeze. Delilah is able to do that and it is just a fun listen. now don't get me wrong ... she has been through some trials ...God Bless Her ... i can not imagine ... i think we walk on and know we are walking in faith daily ... without faith ... i ask myself how do these folks keep going? i know where i am headed and i know without a doubt ...he's got my back! her testimony is just amazing ... i mean give me some tissues ... there were moments where i was listening to her life - her story that i thought ... could i have gotten through a moment like that as well? i think we as a world we need to step back and let folks have a life and know we are all trying to do our best we can .. we are only human running through our lives trying to do our best and not hurt ourselves or anyone else along the way ... hoping to help, hoping to allow our lives to be a learning moment for others so u personally can see how you can change your own life and make it all better ... the bumps, bruises, aches and pains ... she has had a lot ...but bless her for sharing ... i applaud when folks can be so brutally honest. THANK YOU! no judgement ever ... i have my own puddles ... rain boots on and i keep trying ... i refuse to allow a fall ... i might fail ... and i know i will continue to fail ...but that is totally okay ... i am going to keep going and keep on keeping on!!
I know they say that folks who have been through the ringer ... life path like what Delilah has gone through are strong folks ... and no joke the life times that Delilah has gone through she is a tough, strong broad. No disrespect there, she is!!! She just keeps going, a great listen!
I know they say that folks who have been through the ringer ... life path like what Delilah has gone through are strong folks ... and no joke the life times that Delilah has gone through she is a tough, strong broad. No disrespect there, she is!!! She just keeps going, a great listen!
February 17, 2019
I remember listening to Delilah during my college years. I loved her voice and her advice. Alas, my local radio stations stopped playing her show and I actually thought it had been cancelled. I am glad to find out it wasn't. And thanks to modern technology I have found a way to listen to her show online. BUT, enough about her show, let's talk about the book.
Delilah's book is heartfelt and honest. She doesn't talk about her flaws with rose colored glasses. She is honest and real and she has truly been through many heartbreaking moments. She has lost two children one to illness and one to suicide.
But she continues to hold onto her faith and family. She truly has done many great things and testifies throughout her book the importance of loving God and loving others. She has inspired me to seek out more opportunities to serve others.
Delilah's book is heartfelt and honest. She doesn't talk about her flaws with rose colored glasses. She is honest and real and she has truly been through many heartbreaking moments. She has lost two children one to illness and one to suicide.
But she continues to hold onto her faith and family. She truly has done many great things and testifies throughout her book the importance of loving God and loving others. She has inspired me to seek out more opportunities to serve others.
Want to read
October 16, 2019Delilah.!!
This woman has a super special place in my heart. There were years that I fell asleep listening to her and the songs that she helped others dedicate to their loved ones.
Music is the first most important form of media to me (followed very closely by books) and her radio segment helped introduce me to alot of songs that I still hold near and dear to my heart.
I'm sooo gonna need to meet this woman one day and tell her how meaningful her radio spot was to me.!
This woman has a super special place in my heart. There were years that I fell asleep listening to her and the songs that she helped others dedicate to their loved ones.
Music is the first most important form of media to me (followed very closely by books) and her radio segment helped introduce me to alot of songs that I still hold near and dear to my heart.
I'm sooo gonna need to meet this woman one day and tell her how meaningful her radio spot was to me.!
October 11, 2022
Delilah is no longer in the market where I live but I loved listening to her in the '80s and my sister is currently a huge fan. I have started listening to her again on iHeart radio. I received this book at the Forever.com Conference where she was a speaker and is now a partner.
Knowing a little of her background helped me to jump into the stories. I had a hard time with the jumping around of the order they were in but what a life she has had. Her Christian message hit home with me, with the last chapter being a great wrap up and tools for living our life.
Knowing a little of her background helped me to jump into the stories. I had a hard time with the jumping around of the order they were in but what a life she has had. Her Christian message hit home with me, with the last chapter being a great wrap up and tools for living our life.
November 17, 2018
I listened to this book which is the only way to go with this book. There is something about Delilah's voice that is so comforting and soothing. Hearing her story was amazing. I have always liked her radio show but there is so much more to her than that. She had someone else read the chapter about losing two of her sons. That is understandable. Her work in Africa is wonderful.
November 15, 2018
Oh my goodness, there is such a big and inspiring story behind the soothing voice I used to listen to on KOSY 106.5 (now KAAZ 106.7) and Sunny 103.1 (now 103.1 The Wave)! Every night, dozens of listeners share their hearts with this beautiful soul and now she has shared her heart with us! This is a beautifully written book, full of tears, heartbreak, laughter, and gratitude. I felt that same intimacy I felt when I listened to her on the radio when reading this. Thank you, Delilah for sharing your heart with me. I hope you can find a way to get your show back on in Utah again!
February 15, 2019
I'm not quite sure what I expected from this book but talking about a person's personal relationship with God and how various tales from her life connect with that faith and their charitable work wasn't it.
Millions of radio listeners are familiar with Delilah and her advice about love, caring and forgiveness. Mostly stories about her early life, the poverty and her siblings, her mother that was a fabulous seamstress remaking clothes for her children, her father that would swing between being the parent kids dream of and the parent kids are terrorized by. The generosity of spirit and giving that seemed to be a center of her life. Her own children - both biological and eventually foster and adopted - that provided her with various lessons. The creation of Point Hope in Ghana which she helped provide opportunities not only for the refugees in Ghana but for children in foster care. Her good decisions as well as the bad ones. Where luck smiled brilliantly upon her activities and when it seemed like she had been abandoned - namely with the death of two of her children as well as a brother, the disintegration of her marriages, watching friends deal with alcohol abuse.
But in the end, it was about her faith in God. How her faith provided her with the strength to deal with all the negatives and continue to be a positive voice to a multitude of people across two continents.
The only negatives I can seriously find were her consistent comments about how hard her childhood was, how generous she has always been with time and caring, her accomplishments and her faith.
In the end, it wasn't what I expected but then, maybe it was what I needed to read at the time. Some positive words about getting through the hard times and we all can do with a few of those encouraging words now and then.
This was received in a GoodReads giveaway.
2019-004
Millions of radio listeners are familiar with Delilah and her advice about love, caring and forgiveness. Mostly stories about her early life, the poverty and her siblings, her mother that was a fabulous seamstress remaking clothes for her children, her father that would swing between being the parent kids dream of and the parent kids are terrorized by. The generosity of spirit and giving that seemed to be a center of her life. Her own children - both biological and eventually foster and adopted - that provided her with various lessons. The creation of Point Hope in Ghana which she helped provide opportunities not only for the refugees in Ghana but for children in foster care. Her good decisions as well as the bad ones. Where luck smiled brilliantly upon her activities and when it seemed like she had been abandoned - namely with the death of two of her children as well as a brother, the disintegration of her marriages, watching friends deal with alcohol abuse.
But in the end, it was about her faith in God. How her faith provided her with the strength to deal with all the negatives and continue to be a positive voice to a multitude of people across two continents.
The only negatives I can seriously find were her consistent comments about how hard her childhood was, how generous she has always been with time and caring, her accomplishments and her faith.
In the end, it wasn't what I expected but then, maybe it was what I needed to read at the time. Some positive words about getting through the hard times and we all can do with a few of those encouraging words now and then.
This was received in a GoodReads giveaway.
2019-004
October 19, 2018
Amazing book!! I did not want to put it down. Delilah's personal stories, memories, insights and inspiration kept me captivated and wanting to read more. I am so encouraged by Delilah sharing her truth, faith and love. She is a true light! She shares her faith and love for God in such a real way... I felt I was sitting with her having coffee and she was speaking directly to me.
I read this book on Kindle, but planning on buying a hard copy and read it again..very soon. Thank you Delilah for sharing your heart. I just want to hug you!
I read this book on Kindle, but planning on buying a hard copy and read it again..very soon. Thank you Delilah for sharing your heart. I just want to hug you!
August 26, 2018
I am familiar with Delilah from her radio show. What I didn't know was the numerous trials of her life. In One Heart at a Time, she opens herself to share with us stories from her life experience. I could relate to the sadness that formed her into the compassionate God-fearing woman she is. But she seems to have accomplished so much more in living gospel values. I was really impressed with her faith beliefs and challenged to do more with my life.
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. This book keeps pulling my heart back.
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. This book keeps pulling my heart back.
March 8, 2019
I LOVE this book. I grew up listening to Delilah on the radio after I got off work at Chick-Fil-A. In this book she inspires women to be who they are called to be. She encourages her readers to share their story because it’s THEIR story! I love how she incorporates scripture in each of her chapters. Delilah’s story has prompted me to be more compassionate and generous in all aspects of my life. Most importantly, she’s shown me the purpose that I have within sharing my own story with others. This might be my new favorite book!
May 11, 2022
Well, I sort of got what I wanted: learned about the life of Delilah…but she was all over the place in her writing, so it was hard to keep track of a timeline. It was partially a sermon on how to be a good Christian thrown in randomly. It reminded me of the poem, “Desiderata” by Max Ehrman, however much less effective.
October 9, 2018
I had no idea of Delilah's background but grew up listening to her so I was so interested in learning more about her life and family. Her heart for refugees, Ghana, children and her farm shines through this book and left me so inspired.
June 4, 2020
Delilah has led a very interesting life, but the format of this book was not for me. I found it confusing to keep track of where we were in time and was not a fan of the "life lesson" preaching element at the end of each section. Just not my style of memoir.
October 31, 2018
This book is amazing! It is so meaningful and thought provoking; how one lady can share such a profound message after so much loss - a must read!!!
July 23, 2019
It took me a month to make it half way through. It was...boring!
November 27, 2022
Wow. Just...wow. And, not the good kind of wow.
I used to listen to Delilah every night when I lived in the Detroit area and its lite rock station carried her 5-hour, calming, often sage, night-time radio show from 6pm-midnight. Delilah took calls and/or read letters from troubled listeners and would offer suggestions and prayers, and then play a song either the listener requested or she deemed appropriate. She never had an unkind or judgmental word to say. Her voice was smooth as melted butter. Delilah was the essence of fireside-chat-with-a-caring-friend radio shows.
I spent an Audiobook credit (meaning, I can't download another for a month without spending money, now) on this book, which gave all appearances and descriptions of being very much like her radio show--just with "some" of her personal life shared.
I did not even get through chapter 1. Why? I am one who has Asperger syndrome ("high-functioning autism") complicated by severe depression and anxiety, and my depression and anxiety are both managed quite well by an SSRI (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor) called Paxil. (I take the generic paroxetine.) In this book's first chapter, as labeled by the audio narration (Delilah narrating), she goes into a nearly 15-minute rant that SSRI's are poison, and that they are the poison responsible for her son's death! Even more upsetting is she doesn't give the details of her son's medical history, age, etc., until she finishes her rant; so this book will inevitably become another offshoot of a generalization scare, just like the "vaccines cause autism in chimpanzees" anti-child-vaxxing scare Autism Speaks started. (Sidebar: The Autism Society of America only helps families and guardians and donates to actual neuropsychiatric research facilities.)
I am very sorry she lost her adopted Ghanan son to sickle cell, and I am very sorry she lost her autistic son to suicide. But doing something so irresponsible as telling the world that all SSRI's are poison, cause delusions and hallucinations, and kill people before you tell what actually happened is just unforgivable and unacceptable--especially in this day and age when so many are suffering from mental health issues.
Her son was autistic and had just turned 18. Autistic people develop more slowly than others in unpredictable ways--often several aspects of of our brains. Delilah's son sought counseling while he was away at college, and his parents weren't contacted because he was considered to be an adult. Neither were they consulted when he was prescribed an SSRI (name unknown). All they knew was they got calls that he wasn't going to class--very unlike him--and when he came home for break, he was not the guy they'd known. He didn't clean his environment or help clean anything he'd left unkempt. Before he'd left for college, he'd been an immaculate cleaner--including his room(!)
Somewhere along the way, he started smoking pot, too, and I'm going to bite my tongue on that one because I know too many variations on experiences with it and have never experienced it myself. I will say, though, that if the "friend" with whom he was smoking it was getting either cheap stuff or medical grade, those two qualities of marijuana can have extreme effects on a person with any kind of neurological and/or psychological disorders. Cheap stuff is often laced with other substances to "give it that extra kick," while medical grade is already super-duper heavy-duty strength. It would be like, I'm told, someone who's used to Marlboro Lights bumming a cigarette off someone who smokes Winston Reds.
In summary, if you're an advocate for mental health awareness, this book will likely make you very angry. If you've ever lost a child, steer clear of this book because it's written in a very thoughtless way when it comes to you. Same for anyone who's ever lost a loved one to suicide. Same for the parents or guardians of anyone on the autism spectrum or with any kind of neurological, developmental, or psychiatric disorder. She went about this all wrong, and I don't want you suffering through unnecessary panic for it.
God's peace to you. He is with you and listening whenever you need to talk.
I used to listen to Delilah every night when I lived in the Detroit area and its lite rock station carried her 5-hour, calming, often sage, night-time radio show from 6pm-midnight. Delilah took calls and/or read letters from troubled listeners and would offer suggestions and prayers, and then play a song either the listener requested or she deemed appropriate. She never had an unkind or judgmental word to say. Her voice was smooth as melted butter. Delilah was the essence of fireside-chat-with-a-caring-friend radio shows.
I spent an Audiobook credit (meaning, I can't download another for a month without spending money, now) on this book, which gave all appearances and descriptions of being very much like her radio show--just with "some" of her personal life shared.
I did not even get through chapter 1. Why? I am one who has Asperger syndrome ("high-functioning autism") complicated by severe depression and anxiety, and my depression and anxiety are both managed quite well by an SSRI (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor) called Paxil. (I take the generic paroxetine.) In this book's first chapter, as labeled by the audio narration (Delilah narrating), she goes into a nearly 15-minute rant that SSRI's are poison, and that they are the poison responsible for her son's death! Even more upsetting is she doesn't give the details of her son's medical history, age, etc., until she finishes her rant; so this book will inevitably become another offshoot of a generalization scare, just like the "vaccines cause autism in chimpanzees" anti-child-vaxxing scare Autism Speaks started. (Sidebar: The Autism Society of America only helps families and guardians and donates to actual neuropsychiatric research facilities.)
I am very sorry she lost her adopted Ghanan son to sickle cell, and I am very sorry she lost her autistic son to suicide. But doing something so irresponsible as telling the world that all SSRI's are poison, cause delusions and hallucinations, and kill people before you tell what actually happened is just unforgivable and unacceptable--especially in this day and age when so many are suffering from mental health issues.
Her son was autistic and had just turned 18. Autistic people develop more slowly than others in unpredictable ways--often several aspects of of our brains. Delilah's son sought counseling while he was away at college, and his parents weren't contacted because he was considered to be an adult. Neither were they consulted when he was prescribed an SSRI (name unknown). All they knew was they got calls that he wasn't going to class--very unlike him--and when he came home for break, he was not the guy they'd known. He didn't clean his environment or help clean anything he'd left unkempt. Before he'd left for college, he'd been an immaculate cleaner--including his room(!)
Somewhere along the way, he started smoking pot, too, and I'm going to bite my tongue on that one because I know too many variations on experiences with it and have never experienced it myself. I will say, though, that if the "friend" with whom he was smoking it was getting either cheap stuff or medical grade, those two qualities of marijuana can have extreme effects on a person with any kind of neurological and/or psychological disorders. Cheap stuff is often laced with other substances to "give it that extra kick," while medical grade is already super-duper heavy-duty strength. It would be like, I'm told, someone who's used to Marlboro Lights bumming a cigarette off someone who smokes Winston Reds.
In summary, if you're an advocate for mental health awareness, this book will likely make you very angry. If you've ever lost a child, steer clear of this book because it's written in a very thoughtless way when it comes to you. Same for anyone who's ever lost a loved one to suicide. Same for the parents or guardians of anyone on the autism spectrum or with any kind of neurological, developmental, or psychiatric disorder. She went about this all wrong, and I don't want you suffering through unnecessary panic for it.
God's peace to you. He is with you and listening whenever you need to talk.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2022
Would you enjoy reading it again:
Probably not. While it is a nice recollection of Delilah's history/ experiences, there were no genuine moments that stood out as incredibly eye-opening or funny; it was all simple stories. The book is filled with optimism and making the best out of bad situations. There wasn't much humor in this book but the tone of this book felt like the purpose wasn't necessarily to be comical but rather emphasizing the importance of love - 2
Did you enjoy the plot:
It was entertaining but just simple. *SPOILERS* The book describes how Delilah had a lot of setbacks with her job, and setbacks with men and her father, how her son ultimately killed himself (which was due to faulty medication), how she started adopting children and how she established Point Hope. The stories were mostly told rather than shown, which is okay for an autobiography but I feel due to Delilah having a wonderful personality, the stories would have been better expressed through showing rather than telling (meaning it should have been third person and not first person; especially since it felt like a ghost writer wrote a good chunk of the book). Every single story ends with the concept of how to do good in the world: mostly, love each other one heart at a time. - 3
Did you enjoy the writing style:
Not really. There was barely any descriptive moments because it is just Delilah telling stories about her life rather than showing her life. There are a few moments where I could see Delilah writing that sentence but the majority of the book felt like it was written by a ghost writer due to the lack of emphasis on certain words; Delilah has a very soothing and comical way of speak and this book failed to fully deliver that - 2
Good ending?
It was what I expected but still entertaining. The only theme is the theme of love; and there is nothing that truly encourages you could flip to the next page. If Delilah had focused on one story instead, and maybe fabricated a few details, and added her own wit within the book then it would likely be a lot better but then that would be a completely different book. The beauty of this book is that it is very simple but that is also the downfall when you compare this book to other books - 3
Format: e-book
Average rating: 2.5 stars. Round up: 3 stars.
Probably not. While it is a nice recollection of Delilah's history/ experiences, there were no genuine moments that stood out as incredibly eye-opening or funny; it was all simple stories. The book is filled with optimism and making the best out of bad situations. There wasn't much humor in this book but the tone of this book felt like the purpose wasn't necessarily to be comical but rather emphasizing the importance of love - 2
Did you enjoy the plot:
It was entertaining but just simple. *SPOILERS* The book describes how Delilah had a lot of setbacks with her job, and setbacks with men and her father, how her son ultimately killed himself (which was due to faulty medication), how she started adopting children and how she established Point Hope. The stories were mostly told rather than shown, which is okay for an autobiography but I feel due to Delilah having a wonderful personality, the stories would have been better expressed through showing rather than telling (meaning it should have been third person and not first person; especially since it felt like a ghost writer wrote a good chunk of the book). Every single story ends with the concept of how to do good in the world: mostly, love each other one heart at a time. - 3
Did you enjoy the writing style:
Not really. There was barely any descriptive moments because it is just Delilah telling stories about her life rather than showing her life. There are a few moments where I could see Delilah writing that sentence but the majority of the book felt like it was written by a ghost writer due to the lack of emphasis on certain words; Delilah has a very soothing and comical way of speak and this book failed to fully deliver that - 2
Good ending?
It was what I expected but still entertaining. The only theme is the theme of love; and there is nothing that truly encourages you could flip to the next page. If Delilah had focused on one story instead, and maybe fabricated a few details, and added her own wit within the book then it would likely be a lot better but then that would be a completely different book. The beauty of this book is that it is very simple but that is also the downfall when you compare this book to other books - 3
Format: e-book
Average rating: 2.5 stars. Round up: 3 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2021
Going into this book, all I knew about Delilah was that she was the lady on the radio who played sappy love songs, listened to her listeners’ problems, and offered bits of advice and her wisdom in return. I remember listening to her show and thinking she seemed like an overall nice person with a comforting and soothing voice. But, honestly, I didn’t know much about her. This has changed since reading this book.
I never knew about all of her humanitarian work in Africa, or about her large family (thirteen children, of which ten are adopted), or even her marriages. For being as famous as she is, I figured those would be things the general public would know about her. And yet, I hadn’t.
As in most memoirs, Delilah shares a bit about her childhood and upbringing. And, she also delves into how she got into the radio business. But, one thing that kind of surprised me, was how much she shares about her faith. I guess when I thought about Delilah I never linked her to any religion or as the preacher type. I guess this explains her compassionate side and her desire to help and do good in the world. But, at times, it came off a bit judgmental and pretentious. However, I am sure that is hard to avoid doing when sharing all of the good deeds she’s done, and I truly believe that was not her intention.
If the purpose of this book was to get to know Delilah a bit better, then it definitely accomplished that. However, the way it was written seemed disorganized and messy. As most other celebrity memoirs I have read, this seems to be a collection of essays more than a chronological account of how she came to be who she is today and how she got here. And, because of this there was overlap and made her story a bit repetitive.
3 ⭐️
I never knew about all of her humanitarian work in Africa, or about her large family (thirteen children, of which ten are adopted), or even her marriages. For being as famous as she is, I figured those would be things the general public would know about her. And yet, I hadn’t.
As in most memoirs, Delilah shares a bit about her childhood and upbringing. And, she also delves into how she got into the radio business. But, one thing that kind of surprised me, was how much she shares about her faith. I guess when I thought about Delilah I never linked her to any religion or as the preacher type. I guess this explains her compassionate side and her desire to help and do good in the world. But, at times, it came off a bit judgmental and pretentious. However, I am sure that is hard to avoid doing when sharing all of the good deeds she’s done, and I truly believe that was not her intention.
If the purpose of this book was to get to know Delilah a bit better, then it definitely accomplished that. However, the way it was written seemed disorganized and messy. As most other celebrity memoirs I have read, this seems to be a collection of essays more than a chronological account of how she came to be who she is today and how she got here. And, because of this there was overlap and made her story a bit repetitive.
3 ⭐️
December 2, 2018
I was looking forward to reading this book because of the stories and experiences I knew Delilah was likely to share. I was not disappointed. From small town life as a part of a very intense family, to her rising through the ranks while working in radio and then outlining her humanitarian work as she also balanced her work, family and the devastating loss of two children, Delilah's words are inspiring and engaging. On one level it is an easy read, yet, it is also deep and thought-provoking...a book that might need to be read a few times before processing all it has to offer. It covers her love for God, family, and people and fairly projects the woman behind the voice America has come to know, trust and love. She says the book is "just a handful of stories" and that "there are plenty more where these came from." Here's hoping she's willing to share more of those stories and insights in her next book. She asked, just before going to Ghana for the first time, "But I'm just one person, what can one person do?" I think Delilah found her answer and offers that challenge to all of us: "One person can change the world--one heart at a time." She inspires me to be one person "with a heart to change the world for one person, or many" and to consider that the people I encounter in my path may have been placed there for a purpose.
June 1, 2019
Two admissions to start this review: 1) This was an audiobook selected by my wife while we were traveling...it would never have made it to my "wish list" of books; and 2) Listening to the life of Delilah was a treat. This is story of optimism and the love of life in the midst of tragedy. Much to my surprise, Delila's personal life is messy....very messy. She had an alcoholic father who disowned her. She was estranged from her mother for years. She left home after high school never to return. She lost a son to suicide. She, herself, had multiple marriages. Yet, despite these personal challenges, Delilah has a remarkable, inspiring, positive, loving outlook on life, relationships, God and the human condition. She created, funds and manages an NGO to assist refugees in Africa. She has adopted several African children suffering from illnesses, starvation or abuse. What a strong soul this woman has! You should listen to her story and her life philosophy. Why only three stars? Her writing style is as messy as her life. But, hey, she writes from the heart...just like she lives. I recommend One Heart at a Time.
September 22, 2018
This is a Goodreads win review. This is a heartwarming book about this lady, she is a radio personality, but I had never heard of her before. She has had a very interesting life. She has three children of her own and 10 she adopted. She is an inspritation.
January 27, 2019
When I first moved to the United States, my mom and I started listening to Delilah's show. Her voice and her advice and the songs that she chose to play for her listeners, gave my mom and I comfort when we were feeling so alone. Delilah helped me through more than one heartbreak and she helped my mom understand the English language better.
Reading this book gave me such incredible insight and perspective about her life. I used to often fantasize about what she was like off the show and, boy, does she have a story to tell. Her book basically reads like her radio show. It's a calm read with a dose of reality sprinkled with some laughter. It is truly unbelievable what this woman and her family have been through. And still, her attitude and her unfaltering trust in God, keep getting her through some of the hardest things I've heard someone go through. Delilah's book, just like Delilah herself, inspires hope. Reading this really made me examine my own life and the things I have pushed aside due to old grudges and anger.
Jeesh, Delilah. Keep on kicking butt, girl!
Reading this book gave me such incredible insight and perspective about her life. I used to often fantasize about what she was like off the show and, boy, does she have a story to tell. Her book basically reads like her radio show. It's a calm read with a dose of reality sprinkled with some laughter. It is truly unbelievable what this woman and her family have been through. And still, her attitude and her unfaltering trust in God, keep getting her through some of the hardest things I've heard someone go through. Delilah's book, just like Delilah herself, inspires hope. Reading this really made me examine my own life and the things I have pushed aside due to old grudges and anger.
Jeesh, Delilah. Keep on kicking butt, girl!
October 17, 2020
You are listening to Delilah, how many of you heard that on late night radio shows with love songs and some advice? This is one of her books and it is far from what most of us would expect. Her life, most of it, has been far from a love story. She tells some of her story but she also tells about her 13 children family, 10 adopted,. She is the founder of an NGO called Point Hope, the owner of a 55 acre working farm, she travels to Ghanaian community of Buduburam, where is many of her children are from, as well as the American foster care system. She also talks quite a bit about the people who have hurt, abused, and wronged her. She had a very hard time forgiving them. She finally came up with an imagery that worked for her and I love, she imagined putting all those things they had done into a large basket and writing uncollected debts on them, and then placing that basket in God's arms. Then she was free of that anger and frustration. It took more than once, but it began to work. Loving others is her mission.
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