Idol Eyes by Mandisa, with Angela Hunt

I heard Mandisa was writing a book about her experience on American Idol. I even heard that Angela Hunt, one of my favorite authors, was writing it with her. But I was going to pass on it. I mean, I love Mandisa, and I'm an AI fan...but I'm not obsessed.

Then I discovered that Beth Moore wrote the forward. Well, then I had to investigate. And what I read in the forward intrigued me enough to pick a copy of Mandisa's book.

I wouldn't have missed this for anything.

"Idol Eyes" is more than a behind the scenes look at American Idol. It's more than Mandisa's journey to fame as a Top 10 Idol contestant.

No, this book is a testimony to the power of prayer, Bible study, and a willingness to lay one's self on the altar of God's will for your life, and what a sold out believer can accomplish...in spite of herself.

Mandisa is honest about her journey to that ordained audition, remains true through her experiences as an American Idol contestant, and she is gut-wrenchingly candid about the aftermath of being voted off America's most popular reality talent show.

You can see the love she has for God. You can feel her passion for giving Him her all. And you can understand the dedication she has to being His representative in the media spotlight.

But I think what I loved most about this story is the same thing I love about Scripture...she not only tells us about her strength found in Christ, but Mandisa lets us watch her crash and burn, struggle and ultimately surrender to God's plan for her.

This is well crafted, stuffed full of Scripture, and the real deal. "Idol Eyes" is on par with Steven Baldwin's book on his journey of faith, and inspires us to not settle for mediocrity and safety, but to spread our wings and allow God to take us places we'd dreamed of, hoped for, and ultimately have no idea what we're getting ourselves into!!

She is honest about the controversy surrounding her size, her response to Simon Cowell's criticism, and being voted off not long after singing a blantantly Christian song. You can't help but love such an honest and beautiful woman. And Mandisa is beautiful, inside and out.

I must admit I was shocked to discover the controversy that surrounded her choice to sing "Shackles" by Mary Mary...it wasn't what I'd initially believed it to be...but took on a life of its own with suprising consequences.

"Idol Eyes" gets 4 bookmarks from me, and a microphone charm...she may not be America's idol, but she should be every Christian woman's heroine of the faith...follow her as she follows Christ.

Happy Reading!

Deena