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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
I didn't know much about Dolly's life prior to this and I still kind of don't. This was less an autobiography and more a reflection on so many (it feels like all) of the songs and the influences on them. She was so positively cheerful during the entire book and had so many positive things to say about everyone, including Porter Wagoner during their rollercoaster of a work relationship.
I listened to the audiobook so while I didn't get to see all the pictures and little mementos, I did get to hear snippets of the songs mentioned and Dolly's unedited thoughts on each and every one of them. It was so interesting to me that so many of her songs were influenced by a single sentence or someone she knew in passing, someone not totally prevalent to her life. It also had me giggling that she claims the vast majority of her songs are her favorite or the best written. I loved getting to hear the pride in her voice about her songs and she really seemed to not regret a single song. It's oddly refreshing to have someone that has tried so many different kinds of styles in the country genre but who always had the same general voice. A lot of artists nowadays change up the mood and tone and genres but Dolly feels like Ol' Reliable.
I definitely gained a lot of admiration for her after this. Now on to a Dolly Parton playlist...
I listened to the audiobook so while I didn't get to see all the pictures and little mementos, I did get to hear snippets of the songs mentioned and Dolly's unedited thoughts on each and every one of them. It was so interesting to me that so many of her songs were influenced by a single sentence or someone she knew in passing, someone not totally prevalent to her life. It also had me giggling that she claims the vast majority of her songs are her favorite or the best written. I loved getting to hear the pride in her voice about her songs and she really seemed to not regret a single song. It's oddly refreshing to have someone that has tried so many different kinds of styles in the country genre but who always had the same general voice. A lot of artists nowadays change up the mood and tone and genres but Dolly feels like Ol' Reliable.
I definitely gained a lot of admiration for her after this. Now on to a Dolly Parton playlist...
A quick one - great to learn more about this legend, her songwriting process, and her life. Having all the song clips in the audiobook really brought this to life!
informative
reflective
It’s a 5 hour interview with Dolly. It moves really fast from song to song, no story last longer than a few minutes. I lost count of how many “favorite songs of mine” Dolly has, and like, fine! You’re entitled! You’re Dolly F*cking Parton!! It just got funny after, like, the ninth “favorite.” There’s not a cohesive ‘plot line’ per se, it’s somewhat chronological though not consistently. A series of discussions of important people in her life could have been grouped together, but even those are sectioned together here and there throughout. She’s clearly talking TO someone, and there’s a male narrator pivoting some points of the story to advance the book or fill in back story, but you never hear the second side of the conversation she’s responding to. Is the narrator the same as the interviewer? Unclear. At one point she clearly references someone as “you” as in “he was a lot like you, had these same traits regarding how he had an ear for music, etc…” and it would have been nice to know who she was talking to, but oh well.
As a casual Dolly fan who grew up with her music, and someone who’s casually immersed in the culture of Dolly, I don’t feel like I learned anything here I didn’t already know about her and her work. It’s a decent way to spend a few hours if you’re a big fan though. If less than a big fan, 🤷♀️.
As a casual Dolly fan who grew up with her music, and someone who’s casually immersed in the culture of Dolly, I don’t feel like I learned anything here I didn’t already know about her and her work. It’s a decent way to spend a few hours if you’re a big fan though. If less than a big fan, 🤷♀️.
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
I’m not a fan of Dolly’s music (or country music in general), but it was interesting to hear her share her thoughts on life, songwriting, and entertaining.
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
I listened to the audio book version which does sound like an interview - it was perfect to keep me entertained while doing yardwork. I am not familiar with much of Dolly’s work beyond 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias, but I respect her quite a bit and with the audio version it did feel like she was just sitting and talking to (at?) me :)
informative
fast-paced
Honestly seemed like Dolly was bored during COVID lockdown and recorded her stream of consciousness. It was fine, but nothing notable.