Are you looking for a book to help give you a new perspective? Maybe some hope? Or an inside look at the journey of a Disney Legend? Well, Jodi Benson’s new book Part of My World can help you get there. This memoir from the voice of Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid is all about faith. Here’s an inside look at what you’ll find in Jodi Benson’s Part of My World: What I’ve learned from The Little Mermaid about Love, Faith, and Finding My Voice.
When we were asked by Tyndale Publishing to review Disney Legend, Jodi Benson’s, new book, Part of My World, we were excited. Mainly because as Disney kids of the famed Disney Rennaissance period of animation at Walt Disney Studios, Little Mermaid was as much a part of our childhood as the character herself was part of Jodi’s. Already we felt connected. And truthfully, we have to say, that helping you feel connected is exactly what this book does. Filled with anecdotes from Jodi’s life, this book does a wonderful job of pulling you in and letting you sit for a while. To listen, learn, and connect. While Jodi herself seemed to question her ability as a writer, we have to say the writing is beautiful. A book primarily about her faith and its role in her journey, Jodi brings us along as she tells stories from her life so far.
Who is Jodi Benson?
For those needing insight into the world of Jodi Benson, the voice of The Little Mermaid’s Ariel, Part of My World shares all. From her upbringing in Illinois to her travels across the countries performing in musical theater, film, and stage. Using her spectacular voice for music, film, stage, video games, and television, Jodi was nominated for a Tony Award in 1992 for Crazy for You and won a Disney Legend Award in 2011. She is wife to Ray Benson and the mother of two children. To learn more about her life and her career check out this article.
What is Part of My World by Jodi Benson About?
It’s no secret that Disney Legend, Jodi Benson, was the voice of Ariel, The Little Mermaid. In fact, even as a kid, I remember memorizing her name. Just like Paige O’Hara, the voice of Belle from Beauty and the Beast, you could tell these were important people to be remembered. And incidentally, Paige O’Hara wrote the forward to this book, well worth the read.
So what is Jodi Benson’s Part of My World about? Part of My World has an extensive subtitle that says it all “What I’ve learned from The Little Mermaid about Love, Faith, and Finding My Voice.” Through Jodi’s stories and the journey you get a glimpse at how some people lean on their Faith to guide them, and that as a result, it always shows up for them. In fact, while reading this book, Jodi’s repeated returns to faith are what get her to her next best thing.
Part of My World Book Synopsis
A treasure trove of colorful characters and unforgettable anecdotes, Part of My World reads like a real-life fairy tale as a girl with a big voice and even bigger dreams sets out on the adventure of a lifetime. Along the way, Jodi shares lessons she’s learned about faith, friendship, love, loss, taking chances, making mistakes, following God’s call, and chasing your dreams. In Part of My World you’ll come alongside Jodi as she
- struggles to find her footing in the rehearsal halls of Manhattan;
- finds (then loses, then marries) her prince charming;
- makes a splash on Broadway;
- gives voice to a feisty redheaded mermaid, a blonde bombshell named Barbie, a Tony-nominated powerhouse named Polly; and
- searches for her own personal happily ever after.
What Kind of Book is Jodi Benson’s Part of My World?
This inspirational book could be classified as a memoir and a self-help book. Through Jodi’s lessons of letting go of perfection, the diligence needed to pursue musical theater as a career, and the uncertainty of just about everything, readers will find common ground. Even if they’re not performers. Even if they’re not Disney Legends. Because believe it or not this girl also struggled with paying bills, letting go, finding her voice, faith, and everything in between.
She talks about her marriage to Ray Benson, her relationship with Jesus, and her journey through the uncertain financial uncertainty of Musical theater, motherhood, and more. This book delves quite deeply into the realm of the role God played in her life and profession. That said, it’s not about hitting you over the head with spirituality. Jodi does a good job of balancing the whimsical Disney anecdotes, with her purpose to fulfill God’s call. This is an incredibly human book. One that really exposes a lot of her fears, questions, and how she worked through them.
Who is this book good for?
For fans of The Little Mermaid, you will enjoy the Disney Insider bits littered throughout this book. The mentions of Howard Ashman, Disneyland, and Disney Broadway productions will make you feel like you’re home. For fans of Howard Ashman, this book is a treasure, showing the inner workings of his personality, his role at Disney, and how he worked with performers. And for readers who are mothers and wives, you’ll recognize your own worries, struggles, and trials in Jodi’s story. For businesswomen just trying to get ahead and figure out where they belong, this story gives you hope and a chance to see things differently.
Readers of Christian memoirs will find familiarity in the commitment and recommitment to God, and how that drives decision-making along the way. And truly, for anyone feeling a little lost, Part of My World, can remind you that you are not alone. God is always with you. Faith is always a tool you can use.
Is Part of My World by Jodi Benson a Good Disney Gift Book?
Yes! We would definitely say YES to this question. Everyone has someone in their lives that could use a pick-me-up, or a reminder to just hold on, have hope, and that everything will be ok. Or maybe that person is you. We love that Jodi Benson’s Part of My World book could be something as simple as a gift for any Little Mermaid fan or something to help someone get through hard times.
Is this a Good Disney Bookclub Book?
As we weed through many Disney Books to add to our Disney Bookshelf, we definitely add this one to our favorites, alongside Bob Iger’s Ride of a Lifetime and Walt Disney: An American Original. As a memoir with so much to share, we believe that Jodi Benson’s Part of My World would make a great Disney Bookclub Book, and a wonderful book to pass along when you finish reading. In truth, it was the first thing we wanted to do when we completed it. So many life lessons to share make it an excellent book to discuss.
Jodi Benson Part of My World
Jodi Benson’s Part of My World is published by @TyndaleHouse and is available to purchase starting September 13, 2022. You can grab it on Amazon here: Part of My World: What I’ve Learned from The Little Mermaid about Love, Faith, and Finding My Voice
Chances are you will find something in this book to connect to. And hopefully, be reminded that having faith in faith brings you your best life.
Rochelle Mariah is a writer, designer and photographer with an MLIS in Information Science and a B.S. in Arch and Design. Determined to make Planning a DIY Disney Vacation easier she makes lots of lists and drinks lots of coffee. When not designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's watching old movies and planning the holidays. She has been traveling to Disney destinations since 2010.
You must be logged in to post a comment.