Disclosure: I received a free advance reading copy of this book to review from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this post are my own. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase a book featured in this post.
When I heard that Jodi Benson was sharing her adventure to voicing Ariel in a new “Part of My World” memoir, I couldn’t wait to read it. Like many little Millennial girls, I dreamed of being part of Ariel’s world as I watched Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” on repeat. More than 30 years later, Ariel is now inspiring my daughter to dream about adventures under the sea.
“Part of My World” is a Faith-Filled Adventure
In “Part of My World: What I’ve Learned from The Little Mermaid about Love, Faith, and Finding My Voice,” Jodi Benson recalls her unexpected journey to Disney Legend status sharing lessons she learned and hardships she faced along the way. Written from a Christian perspective, “Part of My World” inspires readers with stories of faith, perseverance and commitment to God’s calling.
With remarkable humility, heartwarming gratitude and beautiful vulnerability, Jodi recalls her fairy tale adventure. From falling in love with musical theatre as a small-town Midwestern girl to struggling to find success on Broadway and letting go of perfectionism to find Ariel’s voice, Jodi’s journey is full of ups and downs.
“Part of My World” Key Lesson: Stop Chasing Perfection
Through early marriage troubles including a separation from her husband Ray, Jodi explains how she learned to stop chasing perfection. A season of personal and spiritual growth strengthens her marriage and shows her the beauty of imperfection.
Professionally, Jodi learns that “sometimes the real magic is in the flaws” as she brings Ariel’s enthusiasm about the human world to life by singing “Part of Your World” imperfectly. Ariel is not perfect and that’s exactly why we love her. We don’t love her because she’s a beautiful mermaid with a perfect voice. We love her for her zest for life, her open heart and her curious and adventurous spirit.
As a huge Ariel fan, I love that “Part of My World” takes the reader inside “The Little Mermaid” recording studio as Jodi discovers Ariel’s perfectly imperfect voice. It’s inspiring to read how letting go of the quest for perfection and trusting God helped Jodi find success professionally as well as personally in her marriage.
“God may have given me the gift of music, but He never asked that my voice always be perfect. All He has ever asked is that I listen, do my best, and go wherever His voice leads. That’s all He asks of any of us.”
Get Inspired by “Part of My World”
Do you want to be inspired to embrace imperfection, dream big and trust God’s plan for your life? Is Ariel your favorite Disney character?
An uplifting read, “Part of My World” by Jodi Benson is ideal for both Disney fans and those who enjoy Christian inspirational books.
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