IDOLeyes: My New Perspective on Faith, Fat & Fame
by Mandisa Hundley with Angela Hunt
Carol Stream: Tyndale, 2007, 235pp., hardcover.

See my interview with Mandisa.

Our family first watched American Idol in 2006, and quickly became fans of Mandisa. Her radiant beauty and amazing voice had us all cheering for her, and after judge Simon Cowell sarcastically commented on her weight, we loved the way she told him that she forgave him because Christ had forgiven her.

"IDOLeyes" tells her story beginning with her youth, carried through to working for Lifeway stores, singing for speaker Beth Moore, trying out for American Idol, and her experiences since then as she has become an Ashley Stewart clothing model and EMI recording artist (oh yes, and author as well). It's a heartwarming story from a wonderful woman who has overcome trials and hard times with her optimism and trust in God.

My only disappointment was that Mandisa mentioned listening to tapes of Word of Faith preacher Joyce Meyer. Hopefully that phase is over. She mentioned numerous quality teachers and influences in the book.

Anyone who watched the 2006 American Idol season will enjoy this insider look, as will others who are interested in music, have struggled with weight problems, or who enjoy a good autobiography. I highly recommend "IDOLeyes," especially after interviewing Mandisa in March and discovering that she comes across as even sweeter and more dynamic in person than on television.

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