This is my first book for the 2022 Non-Fiction Reading Challenge. It fits into the Celebrity Category. My interest was piqued when I saw Carol’s review on Reading Ladies back in November. I knew I wanted to check it out and I am glad I did. Click on the link to check out Carol’s review.
4.5 Stars:
I love Dolly Parton and thought I was familiar with most of her songs, but I was so wrong. This book highlights 175 of her songs and that’s not all of them. I was amazed at the number of songs that other people sing and are known for that were written by Dolly. She is a songwriter extraordinaire. This book shares lyrics and tells the story behind the song. Dolly refers to herself as a Songteller because she tells a story through her song.
I found this book really interesting. It was a different way to share her life with the reader. If you are not familiar with her background, here it is in a nutshell. She is one of twelve children, raised in an Appalachian cabin with few amenities and her family didn’t have much in the way of material things. Her father was a tobacco farmer and with droughts, tobacco worms and other things, the harvest could be gone in an instant. They were, however, rich in love, family and music. Her songs are usually based on people or events from her past. I really enjoyed learning all about her life.
Now, I listened to the audiobook because I was told you got to hear the music, and I thought that would be wonderful as well as Dolly narrating the story. I was also told that the full lyrics for each song and some great images were in the book, so I thought I would read along. Well, this is the first time that I have done a read/listen and has such a disconnect. Dolly talks to her listeners and DOES NOT follow the printed book in the audiobook. I gave up and listened to the story, then went back and read the lyrics and looked at the images. It was okay, but I wanted to let you know in case you planned on doing the same thing. I definitely recommend this one for anyone who loves Dolly Parton and is interested in this version of a memoir.
I want to add, that when I finished reading this book, I watched two of the movies she mentions in the book, that I had not watched before. I recommend, Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors which is a true story based on the loss of her brother “Larry” at birth and Dolly’s bullying at school. You can check out the trailer below. The other one I watched was Joyful Noise and I very much enjoyed it as well.
About the Book: Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics is a landmark celebration of the remarkable life and career of a country music and pop culture legend.
As told by Dolly Parton in her own inimitable words, explore the songs that have defined her journey. Illustrated throughout with previously unpublished images from Dolly Parton’s personal and business archives.
Mining over 60 years of songwriting, Dolly Parton highlights 150 of her songs and brings readers behind the lyrics.
• Packed with never-before-seen photographs and classic memorabilia
• Explores personal stories, candid insights, and myriad memories behind the songs
Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics reveals the stories and memories that have made Dolly a beloved icon across generations, genders, and social and international boundaries. Containing rare photos and memorabilia from Parton’s archives, this book is a show-stopping must-have for every Dolly Parton fan.
• Learn the history behind classic Parton songs like “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “I Will Always Love You,” and more.
• The perfect gift for Dolly Parton fans (everyone loves Dolly!) as well as lovers of music history and country
March 4, 2022 at 7:58 am
She’s an amazing woman, unfortunately I only share her bustline, not her voice!
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March 4, 2022 at 1:20 pm
You and me both, Shelleyrae. 😂
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January 8, 2022 at 9:59 am
I’m on hold at the library for this one! I remember driving through Pigeon Forge where Dollywood is and going to the grocery store for diapers for Amanda. No lie…..I ran in to three Dolly impersonators in full make up and costume. It was so funny! Excellent review Carla!
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January 8, 2022 at 12:18 pm
That’s hilarious, Susan. 😂😂 Ray and I did Dollywood and the Dinner Theatre when we were there and it was fun. I definitely recommend both audiobook and ebook. I hope you enjoy it. 📚💖😀
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January 8, 2022 at 3:10 pm
I’m on hold for the physical book.💜
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January 7, 2022 at 9:59 pm
Have you seen Dolly Parton’s series on Netflix, Heartstrings? It’s worth a look see.
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January 8, 2022 at 7:20 am
I’ve watched a couple, but added it to my watchlist this week and will watch more. Glad to know you enjoyed it, Rae. She is so wonderful.
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January 7, 2022 at 9:57 pm
Dolly Parton is one of my heroes. We have the same Appalachian roots. What she has done for music and for literacy is astounding.
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January 7, 2022 at 10:37 am
I grew up listening to Dolly Parton and she’s been a favorite since. My first ever CD was of one of her albums (does anyone listen to CDs anymore?). I have seen this book off and on but have never picked it up. I don’t generally read books like this but I may have to just because it’s hers. She’s such an amazing woman and songwriter.
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January 7, 2022 at 2:07 pm
It is not like reading a memoir. She uses her lyrics to share people and events in her life. It was so different. I think you might enjoy it Wendy, especially if you love Dolly. The audiobook was like sitting and having her talk to you, very comfortable.
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January 7, 2022 at 4:04 am
This sounds great. I should start listening her songs. Amazing review!
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January 7, 2022 at 6:20 am
I really enjoy her music Yesha. It is always to easy to sing along, but I often get an ear worm. Thanks.
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January 6, 2022 at 11:47 pm
Fabulous review Carla! I❤️Dolly! What an amazing woman!
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January 7, 2022 at 6:16 am
Thanks Kaceey, she sure is!
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January 6, 2022 at 10:22 pm
Wow, I love Dolly Parton and her music. I’ll have to check this one out.
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January 6, 2022 at 9:03 pm
I love Dolly Parton too and this book sounds great. It sounds like a rare nonfiction that I just might be able to read from cover to cover. Excellent review!
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January 7, 2022 at 6:12 am
It was a very different way to share her life, a memoir of sorts but not really, if that makes sense. 🤷♀️🎶
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January 7, 2022 at 8:14 am
I think it does. ❤️
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January 6, 2022 at 4:30 pm
Wonderful review Carla! Thanks for mentioning difference with the audiobook as I was going to do a read and listen as well.
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January 6, 2022 at 6:50 pm
It was the weirdest thing Nicki.
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January 6, 2022 at 3:31 pm
I bet this was really interesting! She is such a cool lady with a big backstory. I will keep this in mind. Great review!
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January 6, 2022 at 6:51 pm
Thanks Deanna. She has has an amazing life, her strength is unbelievable.
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January 6, 2022 at 3:13 pm
Great review, sounds like a really interesting read, I like finding out a bit more about stars
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January 6, 2022 at 6:52 pm
Thanks Sarah. I was quite impressed with all she was up against in her life and how she learned to stand up for herself.
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January 6, 2022 at 2:56 pm
I gifted my father with this book for his birthday last year in March. He’s still reading it since it’s such a beast! He also said he was so surprised by how many songs he knew that she’d written. Hopefully one day I can borrow it from him. 😉 Great review!
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January 6, 2022 at 6:53 pm
It is really good. I definitely recommend it and thank Carol for putting it on my radar.
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January 6, 2022 at 2:41 pm
I’m happy to hear you enjoyed it Carla! Thanks for the shout out! I need to edit my review to reflect your find about the audio not matching the print version. Nice review! I adore Dolly!
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January 6, 2022 at 6:54 pm
Thanks Carol. I do as well and have been listening to her music since I read this. Thanks for bringing this one to my attention.
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January 6, 2022 at 6:54 pm
I especially love her quiet philanthropy 😍
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January 6, 2022 at 6:56 pm
Yes, she barely mentions it, just goes about doing what she can for others. A true hero to kids, especially.
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January 6, 2022 at 7:01 pm
I read somewhere that she built Dollywood to provide jobs for people in her community.
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January 7, 2022 at 6:11 am
That doesn’t surprise me at all. My husband and I visited Dollywood when we were on vacation once. It was fun and there were definitely a lot of people working there. We went to her dinner theatre as well.
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