She Come By It Natural: Dolly Parton and the Women Who Lived Her Songs

Sarah Smarsh examines Dolly Parton's impact on American culture through the lens of feminism, class, and rural identity. The book interweaves Parton's career trajectory with stories of working-class women from Smarsh's own family in Kansas. The narrative tracks Parton's evolution from her childhood in the Smoky Mountains through her rise to stardom, connecting her experiences to broader social movements and changes in American society. Smarsh draws parallels between Parton's public persona and the real-world struggles of women who lived the hardships depicted in her songs. The text explores how Parton challenged gender norms and class boundaries while maintaining her authentic voice and connection to her roots. Smarsh's analysis reveals the intersection of feminism with working-class values, suggesting that empowerment takes different forms depending on social context and circumstance.

Readers appreciate the book's focus on Dolly Parton's connection to working-class women and her impact on feminism, though many note it feels more like expanded magazine articles than a cohesive biography. Positives: - Insightful analysis of class dynamics in country music - Personal stories connecting Parton's lyrics to real women's experiences - Clear writing style that avoids academic jargon Negatives: - Repetitive content and themes - Too much focus on the author's family history - Limited new information about Parton herself - Short length for the price Several readers mention the book works better as social commentary than biography. One reviewer noted: "It's more about what Dolly represents than who she is." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (500+ ratings) NPR Book of the Year 2020 The book resonates most with readers interested in feminist perspectives and social history rather than those seeking traditional biography.

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🎵 Sarah Smarsh initially wrote about Dolly Parton as a four-part series for the roots music website No Depression in 2017, which later evolved into this book. 🎸 The book interweaves Dolly Parton's career trajectory with stories of the author's grandmother Betty, drawing parallels between working-class women's experiences across generations. 👗 The title comes from a phrase Parton's mother would use to describe someone with natural talent: "She come by it natural." 📚 Smarsh, who grew up in rural Kansas, is also known for her bestselling memoir "Heartland," which was a finalist for the National Book Award. 💪 The book explores how Parton quietly championed feminist ideals while avoiding the term "feminist," making her message accessible to working-class women who might have been alienated by academic feminism.