READ: Review, Paperdoll by Natalie Lloyd
Have you ever read a book that leaves you breathless?
Natalie Lloyd’s tender heart, sensitivity to God’s Spirit, and keen insights into God’s Word spill across every page of Paperdoll: What Happens When an Ordinary Girl Meets an Extraordinary God in a way that took my breath away. Each beautifully written chapter captures the thoughts and attitudes of the woman from Samaria whose need led to her wellside encounter with the King of kings. But Paperdoll goes far beyond Bible study. The author’s vulnerability about her own failures and fumblings left me stumbling over my own. Stumbling—only to rise with fresh faith and renewed confidence.
We live in a world of paperdolls—those women with perfect faces, stylish clothes, and flawless makeup, the ones we admire on TV and whose faces grace the latest magazine covers. The problem? Paperdolls are flat, two-dimensional. And flat people can’t experience real life.
Real life: that’s the breathless beauty of Lloyd’s book. Readers will see, feel, and experience real life and real answers as she explores the concepts of true beauty, inner woundedness, and the fulfillment found only in true love. A closing Study Guide includes suggested soundtrack and discussion questions appropriate for a Bible study group along with ideas for further reflection. But whether you share Paperdoll with others or read it on your own, take a deep breath—and prepare for God to blow you away.
Want to win a free copy of Paperdoll? Leave a comment below and tell me why! I’ll choose the winner from comments left before 10:00 PM on Sunday, October 10. Yes, that’s 10/10/10 at 10! And watch for my interview with Natalie Lloyd, coming soon to the WRITE section of this blog.
I wanted this book from the moment I saw your status on Facebook. Now, I want it even more. My entire life I’ve felt ordinary but our extraordinary God has constantly called me to Himself. This book sounds like one that will release me from the recurring desire to be dissatisfied with my imperfection. And, I love the paperdoll image, and want to be the one on the right (cover illustration). 🙂
That (right side) is how I see you, Sue (and I bet how your Father does, too). Thanks and blessings!
I’ve been wanting this book for a long time, I’m glad you’re giving some of us a chance to win it =)
I had never heard of the book before. You make it sound soo good! I myself am a young woman and a lot of my passion for ministry is leading younger women!! Thank you for introducing me to the book, I do hope I win 🙂
I met Natalie several years ago when both of us had stories that won the Appalachian Writers Association prize, and we both were invited to come read our stories at the conference. She won the best story in the under 20 category, and I was absolutely spellbound as this young girl read her work, so creative, flawless, a natural storyteller with talent way beyond her years. Afterward, as I was leaving, she came up to me, with her mother in tow and said “I loved your story, I was wondering if you might give me some advice or suggestions on my work?” I was so humbled and just laughed and told her, “My advice to you is just keep writing: God gave you this gift. Just keep writing!” We exchanged numbers and emails and kept in touch over the years even though we live over 6 hours away. I guess in a lot of ways I’ve been her mentor–quit the dead-end job, don’t worry about the money–just write, write, write and trust that God will provide the rest–he wouldn’t have blessed you with this gift if he didn’t have a plan for you to use it. Trust that he has a plan for you. But I have only read her fiction…I am dying to read this book.
bev.olert@bourbon.kyschools.us
That’s a great story, Bev. Thanks for sharing. And friends who comment, make sure to leave your email or a link that lets me know how to contact you if you win!
The book sounds amazing. As I raise three adopted daughters from three different countries I’m sure to face so many questions about true beauty. I love any read that can help prepare me to express the depths of beauty found in following the King to my girls!
Love you Marti!
Cindy Foote
Hugs back to you, Cindy. And I know you would love this book!
Marti, I was not going to post on here because I figured I would just go pick up a copy. Having had come thru MANY trials and struggles I figured this book would be a great help and encouragement but the more I read your review I think it would also be a great encouragement for a friend of mine. I don’t know if you remember me often praying for a friend of mine, who was in our MOPS group, Holly. She is young, still in her twenties, with 3 boys and has been diagnosed with cancer in her blood. She has been getting chemotherapy treatments for almost a year now with hopes and many prayers that this will kill the cancer, she will find out in Dec if the treatments worked but was only given a 50% chance that it will work. Anyway, I think she would greatly benefit from this book as well. Thank you for your great review!!
You’re welcome,Dee Dee (thanks for staying in touch!) and I do remember those prayer requests for your friend. I’ll be praying for her and wish I had more copies to give away. Drawing the winner soon!
i commented before, but i forgot to leave an email, I’m the mk in guatemala, remeber me? I don’t get a lot of chances to get a hold of christian books like these down here, and i’ve heard and wanted this book for a while, but couldn’t get it. Now my grandma is coming down for christmas, so by either winning or just ordering it i could get it, and I can’t wait! this book sounds soo good! my email is tinypinkturtle@yahoo.com =)
I wish I had a copy to give everyone who commented! I do know you can order directly from Natalie (I have a link to her website in the review) and she’ll send you an autographed copy. You can also find the book online or anywhere Christian books are sold (although you may have to ask your store to order it).
I’ve emailed SUE to let her know her name was drawn as the winner of this copy of Paperdoll! Please watch for my interview with Natalie Lloyd, coming soon to the WRITE section of this blog.
I’d love to win this book…why? 🙂 Because I have heard awesome things about it too. Simple enough right? 🙂
Woohoo! Thank you, thank you, thank you!