Idoleyes: My New Perspective on Faith, Fat & Fame

by Mandisa, Angela Elwell Hunt

American Idol finalist Mandisa speaks openly and honestly about how her faith was challenged and deepened as a result of her experience on the hit television show. She talks about her lifelong battle with food addiction, how it has affected her life, and how the now-famous derogatory remarks made by Idol judge Simon Cowell on live television have provided her with the opportunity to become a positive role model for millions of women who are struggling to live up to popular culture's image of the “ideal woman.” Mandisa shows women that they can be beautiful at any size, and that healthy self-esteem and personal beauty come only when they accept themselves as a unique and much-loved woman of God's creation.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Biography, Biography Memoir, Memoir, Autobiography, Adult

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never met Mandisa, but, if her songs and Facebook postings are any indication, she is one awesome lady! Her story here was inspiring as well; being a Christian in the dark world of reality television is tough, but, she handled it well. Now, I'll be able to appreciate her music all the more!

[Brooklyn Darkchild · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never reviewed a non fiction book before so please bear with me. The reason I read this book was because I loved Mandisa on American Idol, and loved her when her record "It's Only The World" came out. The fact that she worked with tobyMac, my favorite Christian artist, cemented her reputation in my book.
That doesn't mean she can write. I was disappointed in both Fantasia's and Superhead's memoirs, strictly because they weren't well written. These ladies should find their ghost writers and demand a refund.
Imagine my delight when I discovered how intelligent and insightful Mandisa's memoir is. She is nothing less than startlingly frank in discussing her weight problem and the insecurities it has caused her. She is refreshingly honest about her disappointment with God when she was knocked out of the American Idol competition in ninth place. After all: she was convinced God had told her she'd make it to the Top 3. And she also describes her struggles to remain godly in the face of some less-than-godly competitors, one of which ended up her room mate. All of this Mandisa illustrated with statistics from medical studies, Bible Study and Devotional workbooks and even the Bible itself.
The timing of the delivery of this book couldn't have been more On Time. In fact, I'm convinced Idoleyes was Heaven Sent. It was exactly what I needed to pick me up from an abysmal week that started with the senseless murder of one of my "Street" sons. As Mandisa said in the book, and I've heard this from many sources, God uses many different vehicles to relay His message. In my case, that vehicle was named Mandisa.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was really interesting to see behind the scenes of American Idol from a christian perspective. I enjoyed Mandisa's frank discussion of her life and her dreams throughout the book. I would recommend this book for people who are interesting in pursuing a singing career. To see what Mandisa went through and how hard she was willing to work was inspirational.

*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2008...

[Ynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I had trouble putting it down. I love the truth and honesty that is presented by such a vulnerable Christian woman. I would recommend it to anyone struggling in their Christian walk and/or physical battles... It is such an encouraging book!

[Jrobert · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend gave me this book to read because after meeting her at one of her concerts, she had really enjoyed reading her story. I remember watching this season of American idol and thinking, wow Mandisa can sing but Simon’s not going to like her because she’s big—not the typical “idol” choice. I found this book fascinating as I always wondered what the contestants go thru away from the cameras. She is a devout Christian and this is the essence of her book with the “idol” experience. A quick enjoyable and scriptural read. I would recommend this book.

[Nelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this book for years now but never got around to reading it till now, and I'm glad i finally did.

I loved that Mandisa is very honest about her struggles; both as a Christian and with her weight.

It was also great to see behind the scenes of American Idol from a Christian's perspective.

I didn't expect to be caught up in the book but Mandisa is an intelligent writer.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always loved Mandisa from the moment I heard her songs. This woman has some talent! So naturally I was very excited to be able to read her book, IdolEyes, which tells about her journey with being on American Idol, and becoming a famous singer. I really enjoyed reading her story, and feel like I know a lot more about her having read her book, than I did before reading it. In this book Mandisa also shared her struggle with food and weight, and offered a lot of encouragement for ladies who are also struggling in this area.

In a few Good Reads reviews, several people mentioned that they didn't think the book was very well-written, but I found it be very nicely done. I'm not sue why these people considered the writing not all that great, but I thought that it was very well written.

Overall, I'd recommend this book to Mandisa fans, or to those who might be looking for encouragement in their struggle with weight and self-confidence. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and loved learning more about Mandisa.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful autobiography. I couldn't stop reading it once I started!! Mandisa was completely open and honest with her emotions as she talked about faith, food addiction and her road to fame. It was neat to read about her journey with American Idol and about some behind the scenes stuff. However, I most enjoyed reading about her relationship with the Lord. It was very encouraging and uplifting. She is a beautiful person who would make a great role model for any female.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this Book even better than Clay Aikens book (and that is saying a lot). Mandisa starts her book by talking about how she excepted Jesus and then goes on to talk about her Bad eating habits and her Journey through American Idol. I learned from this book that I don't have to change the way I am for God to use me in a great way. I Highly recommend this book!!!!

[Hollykalvaitis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read, not what I expected, if your trying to find your way to relationship with God its interesting read for her thoughts.

[Ran Cap · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Idoleyes" by Mandisa is an inspiring and heartfelt memoir that takes readers on her transformative journey from American Idol to personal growth. Her candid reflections on struggles with self-worth, faith, and body image serve as a powerful source of inspiration. For me, her story reinforced the importance of believing in yourself and standing firm in your faith. Mandisa's resilience and the strength she found through faith offer valuable lessons for anyone seeking motivation, healing, and a deeper spiritual connection. This is a must-read for those looking to reignite their inner strength and pursue their true path.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a big fan of Mandisa, I was very excited to read her books! (Haven't gotten to the second one yet but will soon.) I loved getting to see her journey of Idol (first season I watched!) and her music career; that moment of having faith for something and then getting blindsided by a totally different happenstance is stressful and throws you for a bit of an emotional loop. I appreciate her authenticity and heart; she's one of those celebrities I would've wanted to meet in person. I'm sad she's gone but I'm looking forward to reading her next book! I really enjoyed reading this one.

[Cheryl Rowland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book because Mandia was very open about her food addiction. She also shared that it is an ongoing problem but that with her love for God and reading the scripture she is finding more strength to battle her. She quotes a lot of scripture which helps you understand where she gets her strength. She also goes into great detail about her deep depression that she went through after her appearance American Idol.

[Sara Cowells · Rating 4 out of 5]

I forgot someone gave me this book and was happy when I re-discovered on my shelf. As a singer and creative type, I loved hearing about the behind the scenes information about the American Idol process. However it was Mandisa’s candid thoughts about her faith that really grabbed me. I liked how she gave evidence of how God was leading her and how He even used bad situations for good. I would recommend reading this.

[Mima BA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had ignored this book for a while but I'm so glad I finally got to read it. Mandisa was very open about her struggles and how she overcame them, or rather is still overcoming them. It's amazing to see that 7 years after that she won a Grammy award. I'm so proud of her journey and achievements. Above all, her love for God is so contagious.

[Rachel N · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated Mandisa's honesty and was inspired by her faith. It was fascinating to read about the nature of behind the scenes on a reality show. A better editor would have made an intriguing story even better.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandisa is amazing and I was so glad to have the opportunity to not only go to one of her concerts this year but also to read her book! :) She is real and keeps to her faith with God and the honesty of her struggles as a Christian.

[Shelley B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I read it years ago when it came out. It’s every bit as insightful and encouraging today. Mandisa is very open & real about her struggles. I would love for her to write another book about the last 10 years of her life. She’s a gem.

[Heather McC · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a library book that I would like to add to my collection. Reading her memoir feels like having a deep conversation with a girlfriend and putting everything into focus. She has gone onto her eternal reward, but her memory lives through her body of work and the lives that she has touched.

[Kathi Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!!

Once I heard her sing I had to know her story, and I wasn't disappointed in any way! Mandisa is amazing!!!

[Dani Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super inspiring but outdated! I want her to write an updated one so bad!!

[Joyce Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Mandisa was so open and honest about her eating habits while going thru the American Idol experiences. She teaches how to give it all to God.

[Jan Gustafson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about Mandisa’s life, her experience on Idol, and mostly her faith in Jesus.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful look at Mandisa's life and her time on American Idol.

For full review click here

[Kacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book a fascinating, easy read. However, it's not for everyone and the writing isn't fantastic. It's most interesting on two counts. First of all, Mandisa writes openly and insightfully about her struggles with weight and food addiction. Secondly, she walks step-by-step through her journey on American Idol.

Mandisa's season of American Idol is the first season I watched, so I knew the names and stories of the people she mentions. It was fascinating getting a behind-the-scenes perspective and seeing what is actually happening off camera. It was really interesting to see what her time was like from the perspective of a Christian who is actively trying to live out their faith within the show. It was also intriguing to see the real emotions rather than simply wonder if emotions have just hidden or conjured up for the benefit of the TV cameras.

I found Mandisa's story interesting, but it's definitely a niche book.

[Kristen Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becoming a fan of Mandisa after her "Overcomer" and "Good Morning" songs were released I stumbled across this book and it was a must read for me. I was interested in how Mandisa got where she is today and this book definitely met that knowledge I was looking for. This book was a really easy, quick, and fun read. I really enjoyed seeing the behind the scenes of the show, her interaction with family and friends, her life before American Idol, and her life after. Mandisa opens up about struggles with fame, faith, and lessons that she has learned throughout the journey thus far. The American Idol experience changed Mandisa's life and she did a wonderful job telling this story. Mandisa holds a lot of spiritual knowledge that just flows out of her heart into this book. The book is an incredible piece of knowing who Mandisa is and what she is all about and that's knowing, loving, and serving God in all she says and does.

[Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful & encouraging read" I was a senior in high school when this gorgeous woman of God took the Idol stage. My mother and I voted for her Kellie Pickler and Katherine Mcphee weekly & were shocked when they were voted off. I can say with confidence that her music has been a healing balm in my personal eating disorder recovery. I downloaded this book looking for a fun read. I got that and so much more! As a singer. I found Mandisa's talk of how she obtained session work interesting. Of course, there's always the appeal of the "backstage stories" with a book like this. I enjoyed finding out that she & Kellie are still friends. But the best & most encouraging part for me was her use of Scripture & discussion of her recovery from what she calls "a food addiction". I did not expecr God to use Mandisa's sweet words as a tool in my recovery. I'm so grateful for her book.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this book even though it took me 2 months to read. What I really loved about Mandisa is she still stayed true to her faith. Even when she received false messages from her conscience, thinking it was God. I recently went through that depressive mode. I just felt so helpless that I couldn't do anymore to change what happened. Volleyball's been a tough season for me, so I'm thankful I read the book in advance. One interesting fact I learned at the end of the book was she had the same birthday as me. She was also born on October 2! Great revelation.

[NancyInWI · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspriational book written by the 9th place American Idol contestant in season 5. Everything was not always so rosy and Mandisa used her experience on the TV show to reach out to others, though that backfired for her. She came to believe that God put her (as he does all of us) in a place at a time for a reason.

[Yewande Olamiju · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heard her song on the WOW 2008 hits, watched YouTube videos of her performance in American Idol and .....

Finally read this book I'd been eyeing in bookstores for years (published in 2007).

I admit that I've come to like contemporary biographies (people of the 21st century).