Single Sundays: While this blog may be focused on reviewing book series as a whole, we can’t forget about the good ole’ standalone novel! On Sundays, I will review a novel that is considered to be a standalone novel. Here is this week’s offering:
Synopsis for Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones (from Goodreads):
A beautiful celebration of Dolly Parton’s iconic sense of style through entertaining personal stories and 450 full-color photographs, including exclusive images from her private costume archive
In Behind the My Life in Rhinestones, global superstar Dolly Parton shares, for the first time, the full story behind her lifelong passion for fashion, including how she developed her own, distinctly Dolly style, which has defied convention and endeared her to fans around the world.
Featuring behind-the-scenes stories from Dolly Parton’s life and career, and the largest reveal of her private costume archive, this gorgeously photographed book spotlights her most unforgettable looks from the 1960s to now. The sky-high heels, famous wigs, bold makeup, eye-catching stage clothes—she shares them all. Along the way, Parton discusses memorable outfits from her past, from the clothes her mother would sew out of feed sacks (including her “Coat of Many Colors”) and the bold dresses and hairdos that shook up Nashville, to the bunny suit on the cover of Playboy, evening wear at Studio 54, costumes from her most famous film and TV roles, and the daring styles that continue to entertain and inspire today.
Filled with candor, humor, and lots and lots of rhinestones, Behind the My Life in Rhinestones is a shining tribute to one of the most beloved musicians in history, a treasured keepsake for anyone who loves Dolly Parton, and an indispensable guide to forging your own path to beauty and confidence.
Author: Dolly Parton
Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir
Heat Rating: N/A
Point of View: First Person, Multiple
Publication Date: October 17, 2023
Source & Format: Public Library–Audiobook
Why I Picked it Up / My Expectations:
After my trip to Dollywood in the fall of 2024, I was on a Dolly Parton kick. I LOVE her. In my eyes she is an angel and one of the kindest people on Earth. She does so much and if everyone was a fraction of how kind she is, the world would be a better place.
One of the newer attractions at Dollywood is a dedicated exhibit to Dolly’s fashions so I wanted to read more about her fashion evolution over the decades because she has a unique style to say the least!
The Concept:
Basically this book is taking a look Dolly’s fashion: from her childhood until today with input from Dolly, family, stylists and others. I always enjoy behind the scene looks and I also love hidden symbols or meanings in things. So it was really cool to get that insight into her costume designs and her celebrity persona.
The Writing / My Audiobook Experience:
I originally read this as the audiobook which was GREAT! It features Dolly herself (among other people) candidly describing things and it honestly just felt like I was listening to Dolly have an informal chat with her niece or friends. She is one funny, honest lady so I could listen to her for hours talk about her outlooks on life.
The only downside of the audiobook is that I couldn’t see the outfits they were describing. I could make up an image in my mind but I think it would have helped to have the book open with the images as I listened to the audiobook. I did get the ebook after I read the audiobook just to look at the images.
Did it Impact My Life?
I’m not a fashionista by any means but I can appreciate how clothing is an art and how it can help people become confident in how they present themselves to the world.
My Rating: 4/5
It definitely helps if you are a fan of Dolly when you pick tis up. But I also firmly believe that if you weren’t a fan before, you’ll be a fan after! I highly recommend listening to the audiobook while you have the physical book with you to get the best experience.
Read if You Like: memoirs, Dolly Parton, fashion
Avoid if You: dislike fashion
- If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won’t) by Betty White
