Out of the Dark is Mandisa’s second book. Each chapter was song’s titles and contained some of her lyrics. In this book, she opens up about her life and she started with the meaning behind her top song, “Overcomer”. It was written about a challenge her best friend was facing. Her best friend, hairstylist, and former background singer, Kisha was battling stage three breast cancer for over a year and a half. Kisha found out while she was about pregnant. She was having to do a less harmful form of chemotherapy. Mandisa shared how they prayed for her and the unborn child to be protected in the womb. Her and her songwriters were almost done with the album and they needed just one more song. They wrote “Overcomer” to be a fight anthem and they never imagined how the audience would connect and relate to the song. This song is a reminder to listeners to stay in the fight until the very end even when you are down and overwhelmed. Her friend was able to attend the album release party and they raised $25,000 to help with her medical bills. She shared how she expressed hope and how they were all believing that she would be healed. She ended up going home to be with Jesus.


Mandisa admitted to how she had a lot of hopeless thoughts and she explained how she had faith. She couldn’t understand as to why God took her home from her husband and she had two kids to raise. She explained how she was struggling with being an overcomer and each performance of this song caused her deep emotional pain. She was angry at God and upset. She opened up about her how she kept her grief in a box. This opened the door to her past trauma, shame over her weight, and being eliminated from American Idol from still haunting her. She revealed how she went into a depression and turned back to letting food comfort her. She shared with readers her dark thoughts during this time and how she thought about taking pills to end it all. In the book, she will share with readers how she was able to come out of the pit and how others were there for her along the way even when at first, she didn’t see it.


I would recommend this life changing book to anyone who is dealing with depression and they feel alone and not worthy. I immensely enjoyed reading Mandisa’s journey through dealing with sadness and hanging on and not giving up on her life. I had no idea she was batting depression and you couldn’t tell it. This book will benefit anyone is struggling with depression, food addiction, past trauma, and provide readers with hope. I met her a few years ago at a concert and she was personally one of the nicest people I have ever met. She has the joy of the Lord and has such a beautiful smile that is contagious. I read her first book years ago. This one also covered some of the past stories she shared about working at Lifeway and touched on her American Idol journey. I felt like in this book, she went into more details about her life. It was heartbreaking to read again about Simon’s comments and some of her trauma she faced as a child. I also liked how she talked directly to single people and included her experiences and how she encouraged them and reminded them that God can fulfill their longing with His love.


"I received this book free from the publisher, K-Love Books for my honest review.”

I remember watching Mandisa on American Idol as a teenager, and much like I felt about her on American Idol, I found her as an author to be refreshing and a pleasant surprise!

This book is first and foremost a book on Faith. I appreciated hearing Mandisa's journey with her faith, including how she utilized it during the very stressful times of being an American Idol contestant, being a traveling musician post-Idol and during the 2020 pandemic.

While I think this book is for a Christian audience first and primarily, I do think there is a lot that anyone can get from it. The journey of a singer, putting faith over doubt, those struggling with weight, being single and many other elements. However if you are strictly looking for behind the scenes of American Idol, this would not be the book for that.

I would read more from Mandisa and looking forward to continuing to follow her journey.

I have kinda heard of the subject of the book, but I haven't heard any of her music. CCM is not really my type of genre of music. The book was kinda ok for me. I did appreciate how she openly discussed her battle with depression, which is something that is not discussed like it should, especially in the black church.

“𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘥. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘏𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦.”

The first time I ever heard Mandisa was after one of her first singles hit the Christian radio airwaves and for a long time I didn’t know she had been on American Idol (I also didn’t watch the show so…). I sort of low-key followed her as she released music but didn’t know much about her or her story. Now, thanks to NetGalley for providing an advanced reader e-copy, I can say that I have a deeper appreciation for her, her music, and the impact she is having for God.

In this book Mandisa walks us through pivotal moments throughout her life that have shaped her personally and spiritually. Mandisa addresses mental health, body image, eating disorders, shame, community, faith, fame, purpose, and a lot more. She gets vulnerable and shares her life story in such raw ways, reminding us that even strong believers, even those who are in the public eye and declare truth, can struggle and doubt. She further reminds us to let people in, to let others be with us in our struggles and hold fast to truth, even when it’s hard. Each chapter begins with lyrics from one of her songs and ends with questions to reflect on.

I was so encouraged by her transparency and was comforted that I am not alone in my struggles, though I wish neither of us had to go through what we have. But those circumstances can shape us in tremendous ways for good if we choose to let them, and in sharing what we have endured and struggled with allows us to grow, heal, and connect with others.

Whether you are an avid fan of Mandisa or have never heard of her, I recommend reading this. It’s well worth picking up and discussing with friends

This was a great book to read. It was nice to read about former American Idol contestant and CCM singer Mandisa’s story of her life. She tells her story of past traumas during her childhood, when she first became a Christian, her weight troubles, learning to accept what God sees, her life as a black woman, her American Idol journey, her singing career and more. She also shares the things God was/is teaching her over the years. It wasn’t just a memoir. I learned a lot. I love that her writing was conversational, like she’s telling you her story to you. The start of each chapter are song lyrics of hers. At the end of each chapter, there are reflection questions about the topic of the chapter and how that relates to your spiritual life.

I recommend this book for fans of Mandisa and/or someone learning about this lovely lady for the first time.

Mandisa knocked it out of the park with this wonderful book. I enjoyed every moment of reading this heartfelt, honest, and raw look into Mandisa's life. Her testimony is one I will not forget anytime soon. As someone who is newly coming into their faith, reading this just confirms to me that those that have been believers for a long time still struggle and will struggle. I loved how honest and open Mandisa was with telling her story of how she struggles with food, her weight, and depression. Not many people are honest with depression and anxiety, especially in those who are believers. I can say that reading this tory has made me think about some things differently and this book has left a great impact on me. I look forward to reading more of whatever Mandisa puts out for the world to read!

Many thanks to K-LOVE Books, the author, and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Seldom do we want to discuss our weaknesses or times when we could not stand up to the world’s standard. But that is exactly what Mandisa has done in her memoir Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God’s Joy. In a brave and open manner, Mandisa carries us back through her life’s highs and lows, explaining her innermost thoughts along the way. Explaining how God and His Word got her through it. The author shows us her early life and how she became a Christian. Then she describes the education and conditions that led her to be a Grammy award winning Christian artist. Even including an insult that was broadcast around the country. Mandisa has a way of using scripture that is quite motivational. She gives so many relatable examples of dark times in her life leaving her to wonder “why me” or “should I give up here”? Then she shows us that the answers were right there all along, in God’s promises. What a giving person to announce all her issues so that we can glean hope from the ways that she has found her help through God. I highly recommend this to those that are dealing with mental and physical roadblocks. I also recommend to those who want to be ready for when they happen in the future. Thank you to NetGalley for a free ecopy of this book, given for an honest review.

I loved Mandisa’s Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God’s Joy. Out of the Dark is Mandisa’s personal testimony of how she was in the “deep dark” of depression and how God brought her through. Mandisa shares what led up to the “deep dark”, what she did while she was in the “deep dark”, and the wake-up call that made her persevere through the “deep dark”. Mandisa shares her story unafraid and to give others hope.

I loved how raw and real Mandisa was in her testimony and held nothing back. I loved how Mandisa saturated her writing with the Word of God, showing us Hope in the middle of the struggle. On a personal note, as one who has went through depression and still perseveres through anxiety and panic attacks almost daily, I appreciated what Mandisa said about counseling and how she chose her counselor. It was very similar to the way I chose mine and I am thankful that I was not alone in that aspect.

Reading Out of the Dark, you are reading a testimony of a woman who has went through it and survived. Surviving doesn’t mean you went through it unscathed, but that your relationship with God is stronger. I believe that you will be encouraged reading Out of the Dark: My Journey Through The Shadows to Find God’s Joy.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My review is also on Goodreads and my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.)

Mandisa, oh Mandisa, you ARE an Overcomer! I have heard of Mandisa being on American Idol, but did not know of her journey before that. What a story of a girl of just following her dreams. Not that any story ever told doesn't include heartache, doubting yourself, and some really really hard blows that come your way. I love the song lyrics at the beginning of each chapter, the scripture sprinkled throughout, and even the reflective questions at the end of each chapter as well. Mandisa is extremely transparent of her journey from low points to stardom. I mean, hello, she's Mandisa ladies and gentlemen. And while that isn't where her focus should be, neither should it be ours, but because of her stardom, she also has a bigger platform to influence more people for good. Mandisa, keep being who you are. That's why we love you.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

Out of the Dark by Mandisa is a very transparent and open book. Mandisa tells of her journey as a Christian and her life. Mandisa opens up about the heartache she experienced as well as her troubles and tribulations. Make no doubt though she did mention her good experiences as well.
I love how Mandisa tells of how she escaped from her pain and troubles through food. Even when she had lost her weight, she still experienced having trouble with food. In a way, she is telling others who experience trouble with food and weight, myself included, that its okay and how there are others who go through the same thing and not to give up. That can be said for just about any kind of addiction.
Another thing I love about Mandisa's book is how she includes Scripture in each chapter to help bring together the lesson or message she is telling in that chapter.
Overall, this is a good book to read for just anyone, especially those who are fans of Mandisa or Christians or just anyone in general.
Thank you K-LOVE Books, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles, and NetGalley for an advance read.

I absolutely loved reading this book. Mandisa was very real and transparent with her readers and we really appreciate it. Her vulnerability will let her readers know that their experiences with questioning their faith can happen to all Christians. I felt like I was truly on her journey with her while reading her story. Too often we get told we aren’t being “Christian enough” or made to feel like something is wrong with us if we have mental or emotional struggles. Mandisa’s story is similar to many and this coming from one of the top CCA is very timely.
I am also glad to know a little more about her, my favorite parts were her true experience on American Idol and the grace she showed Simon on national TV. That was definitely God working through her. Losing her BFF Kisha wrecked me and her journey through all of it was real and raw. Her victory out of the darkness and the love from her friends, I just loved all of it. We all go through it famous or not and Ms. Disa kept everything so real. I highly recommend this memoir.
This was a 5* read. Thank you to K-LOVE Books, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and NetGalley for the EArc and the chance to review it!

I have followed Mandisa since her days on American Idol (which she shares about in this book), and I have always admired her talent, faith, and vulnerability. She has shared her highs and lows before, but this book ties everything together in a way that feels more complete. From song lyrics, to Bible scripture and stories, to personal anecdotes, and reflection questions, Out of the Dark shares Mandisa's story in way that is truly authentic to who she is. I laughed and cried my way through this book. Although, I am personally not sure where I stand with my faith and religion, I very much enjoyed this raw look into Mandisa's unfinished journey.

This was a good book by Mandisa. She is writing about herself and things she has struggled with since being on American Idol. She writes about losing a very best friend, Kisha. She couldn’t understand why God took her and her so young and had little children. She writes how God brings her out of the dark during these times, because she went low into the dark. Very inspirational and beautiful for her to bear her soul the way she did. Thank you to #NetGalley and the publishers, for the opportunity to read and review #OutOfTheDark with my own thoughts and opinions.

This was a very heartfelt and honest memoir. Fans of Mandisa will definitely enjoy this. I appreciated how open Mandisa was about her pain and struggles. This covers some hard topics, but her writing was very encouraging. The thoughtful discussion questions at the end of each chapter could make this good for a book club.

We all go through hard times. Just because a person is famous does not mean he/she is immune to struggles. When suffering comes our way, we all have different reactions.
For Mandisa, she chose to hide away and to seek solace in food and in television. I appreciate her candor in sharing what took her down that path - one she thought that she was free from. When a friend died after being diagnosed with cancer, Mandisa took the loss very hard. Working through that took time, and she did not always process her grief well.
For me, there are some important takeaways from this book.
1) In this world, you will have trouble. Rather than hiding, we need to deal with our issues and our losses. After Mandisa was on the right path again, the pandemic started. She took purposeful steps to make sure that she did not spiral again. Coping is not automatic.
2) We need friends to hold us accountable. Her friends knew she was spiraling. They did not let her stay there. They were persistent in reaching out. Because she had developed strong relationships during the good times, those people were there for her during the hard times. We need community. We are not meant to do life alone.
3) Just because you follow God does not mean you will not get depressed. Mandisa talked about her faith all of the time. She still wanted to walk away when God did not deliver. We all can falter. Help is available. I appreciate that Mandisa was honest about her suicidal thoughts. God loved her anyway and chose to provide a way for her to climb out of her personal darkness. Not everyone can do that. But hopefully this book will inspire those who are struggling to seek help.
I think if you are a fan of Mandisa's music, you will appreciate this book even more. All of the chapters start with the lyrics of one of her songs. But she does explain her story and how she became a noted musician, so if you are just "meeting" her, you will still be able to follow along. I do recommend this book because it is hopeful even in the midst of moments of despair. There are Bible verses aplenty, but the book feels full of life lessons rather than of sermons.
I read a copy of this book through NetGalley. I requested it for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to Mandisa for sharing her struggle and how she has used God's Word to help her overcome her struggles. She expressed many different struggles so many of us face and it was inspiring to hear how she came through it at the end. After reading this, I feel that I know a little more about her and like her more and more.

Thank you K-LOVE Books, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles, and NetGalley for an advance read.

I didn't not know who Mandisa was before reading this book, but in doing so, I found a sister in Christ.

I love that she doesn't shy away from the hard. She tackles diversity, unity, fear, depression, and eating disorders with authenticity and clarity.

She reminded me that while you may disagree on doctrine, you can agree on Jesus and that holding that in common can allow the Spirit to use someone to lift you up in spite or even sometimes because of your differences.

So often we want to hide our scars because they are raw, they hurt, or they are ugly. But we are covering up the evidence of the work God has done. Through him, we have overcome. Wear those scars to bring Him glory!

This was a “quick” read, but WOW was it still impactful! Mandisa’s music has been playing on the soundtrack of my life for many years & seasons now, but I still really appreciated this “behind-the-scenes” view of her life! From her early childhood up until present-ish (~2020/21) day, she gives you a raw and real (see TW’s below) look at how the Lord has worked in her life - in the high highs, the low lows, and the everyday moments - & there was so much I didn’t know! Though this book is mainly focused on sharing the story of the Lord’s presence in HER life, I loved how Mandisa included the “Getting Real” section at the end of every chapter (which were creatively named after some of her songs - so fun!). Each prompt was very thought-provoking, for just yourself as a reader or possibly a small group chat, & helped me to process the info and apply the Truth. Overall, I really enjoyed this book & think it could be an encouragement for any reader…if they at least give it a chance! It felt like coffee with a friend, and was a sweet reminder that the Lord is always for us & at work in our lives…even on the dark days!!! Mandisa, thank you for being vulnerable & sharing your “scar story”, & for always pointing us back to Jesus and His Light!!

TW: death (a friend & an infant); contemplation of su*cide

[Thank you to NetGalley & K-LOVE Books for the advanced e-copy that I was given access to, in order to read/freely review!]

I loved this book! Five stars simply isn’t enough!!!!I would recommend this book to everyone I know who has struggled with their mental health and physical appearance!!!! If this is you, run don’t walk to get a copy.

It is a difficult thing to be a Christian and face issues such as those Mandisa discusses in her book. I have found that when talking to other Christian’s they can tend to question my faith or the ever favorite, pray it away. However, Mandisa, having gone through them herself admits Christians will struggle in their life on earth. In fact, some of the trials Christians face may never go away as they are our “thorns in our flesh” like Paul wrote about. She preached the word of God honestly throughout the entire book without casting judgment or alienating her audience.

I read this as an e-book and I will asking for this as a gift or buying it myself so I can reread in a season of darkness. I also want a physical copy so that I can highlight and take notes! There is too much gold in this book to not delve deeper.

This will now be my go to gift for friends who I know have struggled and or are struggling in these areas.

Special thanks to NETGALLEY.com and K-Love Publishing for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my pure honesty. It has impacted my life far more than you will ever know!

Out of the Dark, by Mandisa, is a beautiful testimony about God's work in her and in her life. Ever since I first watched her on American Idol, I always just kind of assumed that she was a beautiful soul. So, it was nice to have that confirmed. Her love and kindness, especially towards others, just shines through in this powerful memoir.
This book is an in depth look at Mandisa's life and the road that lead her to becoming a Christian and commiting her life to living as one, publicly, It includes a behind the scenes look at her experiences with making it onto American Idol, to becoming one of the Top Ten finalists. She shares about the different times that she's received multiple Grammy and Dove Award nominations. And she doesn't shy away from sharing the painful and testing times, either.
Opening up and sharing her own vulnerabilities is a heartfelt challenge for us to look to God and the purpose that each one of us has been called to.