Book Review: The Faith of Dolly Parton

The Faith of Dolly Parton: Lessons from Her Life to Lift Your Heart by Dudley Delffs

Anyone who knows me knows I am a big Dolly Parton fan. But, can I fill you in on a little secret? I don't love her because of her music. I like her music enough, but I really just love who she is as a person. So, naturally, when I saw there was a book about her faith, I jumped at the chance to read and review it. And, it didn't disappoint!

"When I talk about the spiritual role models in my life who continue to inspire me, most people laugh or raise their eyebrows when I include Dolly on that list. But why not? In a world filled with so much turmoil, division, strife, and conflict, Miss Dolly models a kind of Christian faith that manages to be authentic, positive, hopeful, and contagious." - From The Faith of Dolly Parton

The Faith of Dolly Parton is part biography, part author memoir, and part devotional. In addition to learning about Dolly's life and her spiritual beliefs, the author intersperses the stories with personal stories of his own. I loved that the author is a forever fan of Dolly and that his love for her shines through in his own life stories. Then, at the end of each chapter, the author provides several faith-based questions, as well as a song to listen to based on the chapter theme, and a prayer. For a Dolly fan, I loved this format. I appreciated how the author made the book not only a standard biography, but he also made it a book that can work as a devotional of sorts.

I loved learning new things about Dolly's life in what I felt was a quick and easy read. I especially liked how often the author referred to Dolly's own quotes. She is funny and smart - and she knows how to use both to her and everyone else's benefits.

If your only knowledge of Dolly is her unique body shape, then you are missing out. Dolly has made a difference in her home state of Tennessee over and over again, and she continues to make a difference through Imagination Library for kids around the world. 

If you love Dolly like I do, then you will enjoying starting your morning with this one. Happy reading!

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with this copy to read and review!