Prairie Tale: A Memoir

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Synopsis
A fascinating, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting tale of self-discovery from the beloved actress who earned a permanent place in the hearts of millions when she was just a child. To fans of the hugely successful television series Little House on the Prairie, Melissa Gilbert grew up in a fantasy world with a larger-than-life father, friends and family she could count on, and plenty of animals to play with. Children across the country dreamed of the Ingalls' idyllic life--and so did Melissa. She was a natural on camera, but behind the scenes, life was more complicated. Adopted as a baby into a legendary show business family, Melissa wrestled with questions about her identity and struggled to maintain an image of perfection her mother created and enforced. Only after years of substance abuse, dysfunctional relationships, and made-for-television movies did she begin to figure out who she really was. With candor and humor, the cherished actress traces her complicated journey from buck-toothed Laura "Half-pint" Ingalls to Hollywood starlet, wife, and mother. She partied with the Brat Pack, dated heartthrobs like Rob Lowe and bad boys like Billy Idol, and began a self-destructive pattern of addiction and co-dependence. Left in debt after her first marriage, and struggling to create some sense of stability, she eventually realized that her career on television had earned her popularity, admiration, and love from everyone but herself. Through hard work, tenacity, sobriety, and the blessings of a solid marriage, Melissa has accepted her many different identities and learned to laugh, cry, and forgive in new ways. Women everywhere may have idolized her charming life on Little House on the Prairie, but Melissa's own unexpectedly honest, imperfect, and down-to-earth story is an inspiration.
Copyright:
2009

Book Details

Book Quality:
Excellent
Book Size:
371 Pages
ISBN-13:
9781416599142
Publisher:
Simon & Schuster
Date of Addition:
Copyrighted By:
Half Pint Enterprises
Adult content:
No
Language:
English
Has Image Descriptions:
No
Categories:
Entertainment, Nonfiction, Biographies and Memoirs
Submitted By:
Mayrie ReNae
Proofread By:
Mayrie ReNae
Usage Restrictions:
This is a copyrighted book.

Reviews

4 out of 5

By on

Prairie Tale is an enjoyable memoir going step-by-step through the challenging life of the actress Melissa Gilbert. This book gives intense details making the reader feel like they are really suffering with Melissa, crying with her, and sitting in her living room. It is easy to relate to, lighthearted, but also extraordinarily serious. This book is good for older readers. In Mrs. Gilbert’s life she has been through a lot and these events are described in great detail to the reader. These range from a drinking problem, to drugs, to sex, and would not be appropriate to younger readers. Melissa Gilbert is the main character and she includes the reader in her telling. She is strong and powerful. She gives a good example for all Americans. Even though she has her problems, she shows determination and courage, and a willingness to fight.