Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
It Books (2010), Hardcover, 320 pages
Description
Confessions of a Prairie Bitch is Alison Arngrim's comic memoir of growing up as one of television's most memorable characters-the devious Nellie Oleson on the hit television show Little House on the Prairie. With behind-the-scenes stories from the set, as well as tales from her bohemian upbringing in West Hollywood and her headline-making advocacy work on behalf of HIV awareness and abused children, Confessions of a Prairie Bitch is a must for fans of everything Little House: the classic television series and its many stars like Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert; Gilbert's bestselling memoir Prairie Tale; and, of course, the beloved series of books by Laura Ingalls Wilder that started it all.
User reviews
LibraryThing member gaeta1
Growing up, I wasn't a huge fan of "Little House", even though I was exactly in the aimed-for demographic. I thought Michael Landon was a bit smarmy (and beardless, worse yet!) and the show took waaay too many liberties with the books. (I was a picky purist, even then.) I stopped watching even
Even though I had fond memories of Alison Arngrim's sneering performances, I hesitated picking up her autobiography. Oh, boy. Yet another washed-up child actor's reminiscences of a long-off-the-air TV show. Could anything be more pathetic? Added to this were the allegations of sexual abuse by her brother. Was it just a sensationalistic ploy to get people to read her book? I decided to give it a try anyway, since it had been recommended to me, and it seemed the type of frivolous read of which I don't do enough. Besides, everyone needs a bag of Doritos once in a while.
Well, it did turn out to be more than that. Arngrim's book is both snappily and thoughtfully written. Yes, it did have those fun "fast-food" sort of anecdotes that makes people keep turning the pages. Here's her first encounter in the make-up trailor with Melissa Gilbert:
"....she looked as if she might fit into my purse-and could chew her way out if she had to...then came her stern warning, delivered with the intensity of an Edward G. Robinson in the vocal range of Shirley Temple. 'And whatever you do, you watch out for that Melissa Sue Anderson. She's evil and I hate her.'...it was as if we were suddenly in the middle of a really bad prison movie with an all-midget cast. We had just been told to 'watch our backs' by someone who looked like a talking Hobby Holly Doll."
Well, did it actually happen that way? Who knows--one would like to think so, though perhaps there was a bit of dramatic embellishment. And of course, she has plenty to say about the underwear-forgoing Michael Landon and the rest of the cast.(Michael Landon's words on the increasingly divergent-from-the book plot lines: "Have you ever read those books? There's a whole chapter on frying an apple fritter! I can't film frying an apple fritter!") Plus there are some wonderful sketches of the crew and make-up artists, which was actually my favorite part of the book.All this is delivered in a tone that is a bit gossipy yet not mean-spirited; time has given her enough distance to give her some perspective without reducing it to mellow haze.
Arngrim extends the same sharp, yet clear-eyed regard to her benevolently neglectful parents and her older brother. She gives enough detail on her brother's six years of sexual assaults so that you feel you understand what she went through without feeling like a voyeur. And she's refreshingly candid on using her type-casting to work to her advantage on her work for AIDS and child protection charities.
"Survivor" is a tired word that is used too often, especially for this sort of Hollywood biography. Yet if anyone personifies being able to overcome the odds, it is Alison Arngrim. Here's hoping she can continue a productive and meaningful life. Recommended for anyone curious about reading a well-written account of an unusual childhood and beyond--and not just for "Little House" fans.
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sporadically when Mary got married. Let's face it, Mary's life was over when she lost her sight--even Laura said towards the end of her life that their parents never got over the tragedy--and she spent the rest of her days tatting lace and beading vases in the front parlor. I think Landon could have given his audience a bit of hard-nosed frontier reality--but he chose not to do so. Ahem. Well, since this is not supposed to be a critique of Michael Landon's choices as a producer and director but rather of Alison Arngrim's autobiography--let's just say I was in the "loved Nellie" camp. She was the only thing that made the show bearable and kept it from being so sticky-sweet that you could have distilled it and poured it into a humming-bird feeder. Long live Nellie! I used to turn the TV off when I saw that it was going to be a Nellie-less episode.Even though I had fond memories of Alison Arngrim's sneering performances, I hesitated picking up her autobiography. Oh, boy. Yet another washed-up child actor's reminiscences of a long-off-the-air TV show. Could anything be more pathetic? Added to this were the allegations of sexual abuse by her brother. Was it just a sensationalistic ploy to get people to read her book? I decided to give it a try anyway, since it had been recommended to me, and it seemed the type of frivolous read of which I don't do enough. Besides, everyone needs a bag of Doritos once in a while.
Well, it did turn out to be more than that. Arngrim's book is both snappily and thoughtfully written. Yes, it did have those fun "fast-food" sort of anecdotes that makes people keep turning the pages. Here's her first encounter in the make-up trailor with Melissa Gilbert:
"....she looked as if she might fit into my purse-and could chew her way out if she had to...then came her stern warning, delivered with the intensity of an Edward G. Robinson in the vocal range of Shirley Temple. 'And whatever you do, you watch out for that Melissa Sue Anderson. She's evil and I hate her.'...it was as if we were suddenly in the middle of a really bad prison movie with an all-midget cast. We had just been told to 'watch our backs' by someone who looked like a talking Hobby Holly Doll."
Well, did it actually happen that way? Who knows--one would like to think so, though perhaps there was a bit of dramatic embellishment. And of course, she has plenty to say about the underwear-forgoing Michael Landon and the rest of the cast.(Michael Landon's words on the increasingly divergent-from-the book plot lines: "Have you ever read those books? There's a whole chapter on frying an apple fritter! I can't film frying an apple fritter!") Plus there are some wonderful sketches of the crew and make-up artists, which was actually my favorite part of the book.All this is delivered in a tone that is a bit gossipy yet not mean-spirited; time has given her enough distance to give her some perspective without reducing it to mellow haze.
Arngrim extends the same sharp, yet clear-eyed regard to her benevolently neglectful parents and her older brother. She gives enough detail on her brother's six years of sexual assaults so that you feel you understand what she went through without feeling like a voyeur. And she's refreshingly candid on using her type-casting to work to her advantage on her work for AIDS and child protection charities.
"Survivor" is a tired word that is used too often, especially for this sort of Hollywood biography. Yet if anyone personifies being able to overcome the odds, it is Alison Arngrim. Here's hoping she can continue a productive and meaningful life. Recommended for anyone curious about reading a well-written account of an unusual childhood and beyond--and not just for "Little House" fans.
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LibraryThing member camelama
If you ever watched Little House on the Prairie, you know Nellie Oleson. I never hated her like many friends did (oh how they hated her with a burning passion!) but I could see why she was hated. To me she just seemed sad - it was obvious Laura had the hearts of the village, and the full support of
Alison's life before, during and after Little House is quite astonishing. I'm just amazed by the lack of parental behavior by so many parents in the Hollywood / acting / theater world - but I guess they're everywhere, we just don't read about them as their children don't get to ack on Little House on the Prairie! :) Alison writes candidly about so many subjects, and tells all the stuff I like to hear - details on the logistics of a day on the set, why things happened, who made what decisions, what people were really like - even the people she doesn't like, she gives second and third chances to and tries to find the good in them. She's honest about herself and her actions, and her revelations about herself are fascinating to witness.
I read this book all in one sitting, staying up until 4am. I truly did not see the hours passing - started it as a little something to read before sleeping, and next thing I knew, the birds were chirping their moning song. Oops. But what a recommendation, eh?
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her family, so Nellie wasn't really a worry to her, just an annoyance. Alison's life before, during and after Little House is quite astonishing. I'm just amazed by the lack of parental behavior by so many parents in the Hollywood / acting / theater world - but I guess they're everywhere, we just don't read about them as their children don't get to ack on Little House on the Prairie! :) Alison writes candidly about so many subjects, and tells all the stuff I like to hear - details on the logistics of a day on the set, why things happened, who made what decisions, what people were really like - even the people she doesn't like, she gives second and third chances to and tries to find the good in them. She's honest about herself and her actions, and her revelations about herself are fascinating to witness.
I read this book all in one sitting, staying up until 4am. I truly did not see the hours passing - started it as a little something to read before sleeping, and next thing I knew, the birds were chirping their moning song. Oops. But what a recommendation, eh?
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LibraryThing member olegalCA
Really a top-notch biography for someone who hasn't had a published book. She is a storyteller and unafraid to expose the dark parts of her history, because not to do so would create a jumbled piece of prose. There were a few errors: she paints her brother as being much, much older than her (a
Reading this and Melissa Anderson's book back-to-back was really illuminating. Melissa's doesn't come close. They may as well have been working on different TV shows. With Alison you get the picture that she accepted the fact that her role as Nellie Oleson may have held her back from other jobs and decided to make it the best thing that happened to her in her life. And as a fan, isn't that what you want to hear? So much nicer than those actors who mumble about being typecast and disappear in a black cloud of despair.
Also important in Alison's book is the work she did for the AIDS movement and in changing the law in California to afford more protection for children who were sexually abused by family members. She is truly someone to emulate.
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teenager when she was 6 when in later chapters she would say that he was only 6 years older than her) and she remembers episodes in different order but those are minor. I would have enjoyed this biography even if I had never heard of Nellie Oleson.Reading this and Melissa Anderson's book back-to-back was really illuminating. Melissa's doesn't come close. They may as well have been working on different TV shows. With Alison you get the picture that she accepted the fact that her role as Nellie Oleson may have held her back from other jobs and decided to make it the best thing that happened to her in her life. And as a fan, isn't that what you want to hear? So much nicer than those actors who mumble about being typecast and disappear in a black cloud of despair.
Also important in Alison's book is the work she did for the AIDS movement and in changing the law in California to afford more protection for children who were sexually abused by family members. She is truly someone to emulate.
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LibraryThing member mariacamp
Highly Entertaining and Informative
This is by far one of the most interesting memoirs I have ever read. Candid recollections are presented in a down-to-earth, informative, and amusing manner. I could scarcely stand to put this down – a definite page-turner for me.
Fun Stories
The differences
Growing Up
Her mother was involved in voice acting, and it is fun to learn which voices she performed. I always love to see how people, places, and things are connected in ways that you would never expect. She and her family moved around a lot. It is fascinating to learn about the various places and people she met along the way, such as the times they spent living at the Chateau Marmont, and her friendship with Christine Jorgensen.
Michael Landon and Melissa Sue Anderson
Her stories of working with Michael Landon are insightful and provide perspective as to what it was really like. As with anyone, there are good aspects, as well as trying ones. She talks about the difficulties she encountered during her attempts to be friendly with Melissa Sue Anderson. While she expresses some frustration, it seems justified and does not feel unfairly critical. She notes that she will gladly sponsor the “first pitcher of margaritas” if Melissa Sue Anderson ever decides she wants to be friends.
TV husband, Steve Tracy
Recollections of her friendship with Steve Tracy, her television husband from the series, are touching. Her activism in promoting needed law changes for child abuse victims, as well as AIDS awareness, is commendable. There is much more that could be said about her memoir, but your time is better spent actually reading her account.
In Closing
I whole-heartedly recommend this book. It does not disappoint. The experience feels like a long, enjoyable conversation with a friend.
This is by far one of the most interesting memoirs I have ever read. Candid recollections are presented in a down-to-earth, informative, and amusing manner. I could scarcely stand to put this down – a definite page-turner for me.
Fun Stories
The differences
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between her real life and the one she portrayed on the series are many. Remembrances of her friendship with Melissa Gilbert are quite enjoyable. Especially funny is her anecdote about the two of them buying BabaRums, a special kind of snack available at the time.Growing Up
Her mother was involved in voice acting, and it is fun to learn which voices she performed. I always love to see how people, places, and things are connected in ways that you would never expect. She and her family moved around a lot. It is fascinating to learn about the various places and people she met along the way, such as the times they spent living at the Chateau Marmont, and her friendship with Christine Jorgensen.
Michael Landon and Melissa Sue Anderson
Her stories of working with Michael Landon are insightful and provide perspective as to what it was really like. As with anyone, there are good aspects, as well as trying ones. She talks about the difficulties she encountered during her attempts to be friendly with Melissa Sue Anderson. While she expresses some frustration, it seems justified and does not feel unfairly critical. She notes that she will gladly sponsor the “first pitcher of margaritas” if Melissa Sue Anderson ever decides she wants to be friends.
TV husband, Steve Tracy
Recollections of her friendship with Steve Tracy, her television husband from the series, are touching. Her activism in promoting needed law changes for child abuse victims, as well as AIDS awareness, is commendable. There is much more that could be said about her memoir, but your time is better spent actually reading her account.
In Closing
I whole-heartedly recommend this book. It does not disappoint. The experience feels like a long, enjoyable conversation with a friend.
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LibraryThing member villemezbrown
Well this is way more entertaining than I would have thought possible from a memoir by an actress who played a second tier character on a TV show in the '70s. Arngrim has a dark, caustic wit which she applies liberally to herself, her family and her castmates. She shares dark secrets and set gossip
Best LOL revelation of the book: the reason Jonathan Gilbert only read the pages of the Little House scripts with his lines.
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but leavens it all with a positive tone and outlook. Sure, Melissa Sue Anderson becomes the butt of a running joke and her brother is deservedly castigated, but Arngrim never crosses over into the realm of sheer cruelty practiced by the character she is famous for playing.Best LOL revelation of the book: the reason Jonathan Gilbert only read the pages of the Little House scripts with his lines.
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LibraryThing member cemming
Nellie Oleson, Little House on the Prairie's rotten rich girl in ringlets, may have mellowed on the show's final years, but viewers could rely on a pinch of her savagery in every performance. As it turns out, the jack-in-the-box element of mean surprise that made Nellie compulsively watchable is
One of three television shows I was allowed to watch as a child, Little House on the Prairie, already in re-runs, was my favorite for several reasons, most pivotal being my braided and buck-toothed resemblance to Laura Ingalls. But even without such a fierce affinity for the show's central character, I couldn't deny Nellie Oleson's spoiled allure. I still remember episodes with such clarity, it's like I watched them only yesterday when more than twenty years have slid past since I've seen the credits roll. So when the actress who gave Nellie her edge from the wee age of nine writes a memoir, I read it.
Perhaps it's unsurprising that Arngrim's home life is dismal, fodder for snarling on-screen performances that purge the rage and confusion of her sexual abuse. The author fearlessly shares her motivations for taking the role with a comedian's sense for pacing and a crack punchline. Along the way, she divulges (mostly forgiveable) details about the Little House cast and crew. Arngrim's picture of the set makes it easy to see why the show lasted so long: truly familial ties. Her place on the cast firmly set, Arngrim finds a replacement family that buoys her self esteem enough to help her deal with serious personal issues, present and future.
In Confessions, Arngrim culls the best bits of a seven-year stint as Nellie Oleson, crediting the role for shaping much of her adult life. Readers who are fans of the show can look forward to behind-the-scenes antics and accidents that will have them laughing aloud. Despite some grisly material, Arngrim writes in such optimistic tones that this memoir won't leave you feeling undermedicated. A triumphant look back by a woman whose spirit saved her — and fully in line with the best of Nellie's snotty edge —, Arngrim's produced an entertaining read.
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actress and comedian Alison Arngrim's saving grace.One of three television shows I was allowed to watch as a child, Little House on the Prairie, already in re-runs, was my favorite for several reasons, most pivotal being my braided and buck-toothed resemblance to Laura Ingalls. But even without such a fierce affinity for the show's central character, I couldn't deny Nellie Oleson's spoiled allure. I still remember episodes with such clarity, it's like I watched them only yesterday when more than twenty years have slid past since I've seen the credits roll. So when the actress who gave Nellie her edge from the wee age of nine writes a memoir, I read it.
Perhaps it's unsurprising that Arngrim's home life is dismal, fodder for snarling on-screen performances that purge the rage and confusion of her sexual abuse. The author fearlessly shares her motivations for taking the role with a comedian's sense for pacing and a crack punchline. Along the way, she divulges (mostly forgiveable) details about the Little House cast and crew. Arngrim's picture of the set makes it easy to see why the show lasted so long: truly familial ties. Her place on the cast firmly set, Arngrim finds a replacement family that buoys her self esteem enough to help her deal with serious personal issues, present and future.
In Confessions, Arngrim culls the best bits of a seven-year stint as Nellie Oleson, crediting the role for shaping much of her adult life. Readers who are fans of the show can look forward to behind-the-scenes antics and accidents that will have them laughing aloud. Despite some grisly material, Arngrim writes in such optimistic tones that this memoir won't leave you feeling undermedicated. A triumphant look back by a woman whose spirit saved her — and fully in line with the best of Nellie's snotty edge —, Arngrim's produced an entertaining read.
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LibraryThing member lynnm
A fantastic book. Alison Arngrim is an amazingly brave woman, and hilarious to boot. This memoir of her growing up years and time spent as Nellie Oleson on The Little House on the Prairie TV series is immensely readable.
Arngrim has a great sense of humor. She tells it like it was, never afraid to
Too, her stories about the goings-on on The Little House set, including the real personalities of the various actors, were fascinating, especially for a LH fan like me. Clearly Arngrim is nothing like her on screen personae, Nellie, and it's a testament to her great acting abilities that Nellie was such a horrible character and yet I'd love to go out for drinks with Arngrim any time.
Fun book - I highly recommend it to any fan of the Little House series.
Arngrim has a great sense of humor. She tells it like it was, never afraid to
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be brutally honest about her highly disfunctional family, especially when it comes to the horrible abuse she suffered at the hands of her older brother. While what she had to endure as a child is something truly abhorrent, Arngrim never comes across as a victim looking for pity - she dealt with her experiences in the most positive way possible and turned them into ways of helping others who might be suffering. I admire her greatly.Too, her stories about the goings-on on The Little House set, including the real personalities of the various actors, were fascinating, especially for a LH fan like me. Clearly Arngrim is nothing like her on screen personae, Nellie, and it's a testament to her great acting abilities that Nellie was such a horrible character and yet I'd love to go out for drinks with Arngrim any time.
Fun book - I highly recommend it to any fan of the Little House series.
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LibraryThing member dsafire
This was a fun ride! Highly recommended. Not a mudslinger or overly dramatized, and honestly much better written than I had expected. Couldnt put it down.
LibraryThing member edischri
I'm not a fan of "Little House on the Prairie" but really enjoyed this funny, touching biography of Allison Arngrim (who played Nellie Olsen). She gives lots of details of life on the set as well as the influence playing such an outspoken character on TV had on her life. Arngrim was a shy child who
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bore little resemblance to Nellie in life but was good friends with Melissa Gilbert. The two got a kick out of going to stores together and having people warn Melissa that Nellie Olsen was there. The book grew out of Arngrim's comedy routine of the same name, and so she's had time to polish the material and really make it sparkle. Show Less
LibraryThing member mochap
Wow! The actress who played Nellie Oleson tells her story with courage, pathos, and incredible humor. Unbelievable and inspiring. I know, weird, huh? But I mean it.
LibraryThing member 1983mk
"Confessions of a Prairie Bitch" by Alison Arngrim is an autobiography you do not want to miss. Who is Alison Arngrim?? If you don't see the cover of the book, you probably don't know. Alison Arngrim played the infamous Nellie Olsen on the beloved "Little House on the Prairie."
I absolutely LOVED
I absolutely LOVED
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that show and like most, Nellie was not my favorite character. However, after reading her autobiography I will never look at Nellie the same way again. If you get a chance read this book as it can only speak for itself. You will get a new look at Ms. Arngrim as well as amusing anecdotes about the show and insight into the real lives of each of those lovable, and not so loveable, "Little House" characters! Show Less
LibraryThing member pacey1927
I didn't have hugely high hopes for this autobiography. But I love things all Little House (mostly the books, and the real-life Laura Ingalls Wilder) but also the old tv show. Melissa Gilbert's book was good, and I really think I like her as a person, but I just wanted more Little House juice.
Yes, we got all the good Little House backstage info. She does Melissa Gilbert better in this department. We also get glimpses into her relationships with Melissa Gilbert, Melissa Sue Anderson, Michael Landon, and her on screen hubby Steve Tracy. Most of her stories are great for a laugh, but the portions of the book dealing with her sexual abuse by her brother and her activism for both abuses children and Aids charities really show who Alison is.
The best part of the book is watching Alison embrace the Nellie Olsen character. Doing so enabled her to really find her place in the world and gave her the courage to fight for the causes she believes in. I can't give the book less than five stars. There is simply not a thing I would've changed about it.
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Allison Angrim delivered the goods. She proved to be intelligent, witty, sarcastic, and incredibly brave. From her young days as the daughter of a gay publicist and his wife, the voice of Casper, to her marriage and post Little House days, the book never stalled and the book was very compelling. Yes, we got all the good Little House backstage info. She does Melissa Gilbert better in this department. We also get glimpses into her relationships with Melissa Gilbert, Melissa Sue Anderson, Michael Landon, and her on screen hubby Steve Tracy. Most of her stories are great for a laugh, but the portions of the book dealing with her sexual abuse by her brother and her activism for both abuses children and Aids charities really show who Alison is.
The best part of the book is watching Alison embrace the Nellie Olsen character. Doing so enabled her to really find her place in the world and gave her the courage to fight for the causes she believes in. I can't give the book less than five stars. There is simply not a thing I would've changed about it.
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LibraryThing member silversurfer
This book is a HOOT! Filled with behind the scenes gossip and truths that are hilarious. Alison has written a biography that is brave, heartbrakeing and laugh out loud funny! I love this book and forever will never be able to watch an Episode of LITTLE HOUSE, without being reminded of this memoir.
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Long live the PRAIRIE BITCH ! Show Less
LibraryThing member TFS93
The best of all the memoirs of the Little House girls. Alison had a terrible childhood but was able to overcome it to become a caring, smart, misunderstood adult. This is chock full of little known facts about the whole Little House cast of characters! There is much for fans to discover within
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these pages! Show Less
LibraryThing member amerynth
Alison Arngrim's memoir, "Confessions of A Prairie Bitch: How I survived Nellie Oleson and learned to love being hated" is both hilarious and heartwrenching. She details the profound abuse she suffered at the hands of a relative and her efforts to protect others from the same. She tells poignant
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stories about her "Little House" days as the resident Walnut Grove villain and the curious inability of fans of the show to separate the character from the actress. All of the stories are told with pluck and humor that would have made Nellie Oleson proud. A really wonderful book by a remarkable woman. Show Less
LibraryThing member turtelina
Absolutely brilliant! I loved the show, I hated Nelly Oleson... I now have most of the DVDs, still hated Nelly Oleson... until this book. An eye opener on how brilliant this person really is. As a hardcore fan of Little House, this was a must to read, and I didnt regret it one second! :)
LibraryThing member patmat
Like so many, I grew up a huge fan of the Little House series. I loved the Nellie character in the book series and found that I felt the same about her in the series. I really enjoyed Allison's open, honest revelations about the series, her character, and her personal life. It was difficult and
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painful to read about the terrible sexual abuse she endured, but this part was pivotal in revealing Allison/Nellie. I wept for the terrible parts of her life and laughed out loud at some of the things she told on herself and other cast members. Could have done without some of the stronger naughty words she used, but that is my personal preference in reading material always. Just wanted to give a heads up that some strong language is used in this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member neggnd2
Although there's some painful stuff in this book, I absolutely loved it. She writes in a really fun and engaging style. I didn't want this book to end. We love the Little House series, so reading this made it particularly enjoyable.
LibraryThing member Canadian_Down_Under
I loved Little House on the Prairie when I was a little girl. I also loved Nellie. She and Mrs. Oleson were my favourite characters.
In "Confessions of a Prairie Bitch", Alison Arngrim details, with great honesty and humour, her life and her days working on Little House, the abuse she suffered at
I got to know Alison Arngrim by reading this book and came to like her.
For fans of Little House or anyone who likes a good autobiography, I recommend this book.
In "Confessions of a Prairie Bitch", Alison Arngrim details, with great honesty and humour, her life and her days working on Little House, the abuse she suffered at
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the hands of her brother and the strange world that is the entertainment industry.I got to know Alison Arngrim by reading this book and came to like her.
For fans of Little House or anyone who likes a good autobiography, I recommend this book.
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LibraryThing member byroade
Oh, how I loved this book! It made me howl with laughter. Arngrim may have had a tortured childhood, but she does not wallow in self-pity or misery. It's clear that her years on LOTP gave her more structure and consistency and safety than her own family did.
This is not for a sentimental LOTP fan.
This is not for a sentimental LOTP fan.
LibraryThing member dara85
This book was really quite funny. Alison and Melissa Gilbert were the best of friends doing Little House. Alison gives you the inside scoop on many of the characters on Little House. Great book!
LibraryThing member LoriHedgpeth
If you haven't read Alison Arngrim's Confessions of a Prairie Bitch, run, run, run out right now and get yourself a copy, whether you buy, borrow or steal it (not so much that last part, okay?). It is that good.
I was a child of the 1970s, who grew up watching Little House on the Prairie and
She spills all, and I do mean all, in Prairie Bitch, from her early beginnings being born into a showbiz marriage, to her father's unspoken but accepted lifestyle, to the abuse she suffered at the hands of her older brother, to the life-changing audition for the iconic role of Nellie, to her life beyond the prairie, on the stage as a stand-up comedienne and her tireless activism for AIDS awareness.
I loved everything about this book and read it in under two days. Arngrim shares behind the scenes tales of Little House, including the aforementioned Michael Landon's aversion to underwear while in costume as Charles Ingalls, to the then 10 year old Melissa Gilbert's precociousness and all knowing information of cast and crew, to Melissa Sue Anderson's strikingly different real life personality versus that of her role as sweet Mary Ingalls, to the immediate and devoted love she felt for her co-star and television husband Steve Tracy. I was fascinated with the recountings of what really happened behind the scenes of some of my more favored Little House episodes, as well as the fact that Arngrim and Gilbert were best friends, despite playing mortal enemies each week in front of the cameras.
Her chapters on the abuse she suffered at the hands of her brother were tragic and could be hard to read, but Arngrim's strength powers through each page and this reader was encouraged that Arngrim did not fall victim to the drugs/alcohol/crime/early death cycle that many child actors do. Lindsay Lohan, among others, could take a page from Arngrim's book and learn a lot.
Perhaps most touching were the sections recounting Arngrim's initial meeting with actor Steve Tracy, their enjoyment working together, their loyal friendship and his final days. I know I will never be able to watch another episode of Little House featuring Nellie and Percival without a sadness in my heart at the loss of Tracy, as well as a special happiness knowing that neither Arngrim nor Tracy were acting in those scenes showcasing Nellie's and Percival's happiness.
Many celebrities and former child actors have written memoirs, some very well done, some for a quick buck, but I would certainly place Arngrim's at the top of the list without hesitation. You simply cannot go wrong with Confessions of a Prairie Bitch and I promise you will gain respect for Arngrim in the process.
I was a child of the 1970s, who grew up watching Little House on the Prairie and
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"hating" mean old Nellie Oleson. Wasn't she one of the cruelest child characters ever? Bless Alison Arngrim and not only her acting skills (because Arngrim herself was nothing like mean spirited Nellie) but her incredible wit and humor. She is one of the funniest people you may never meet. She spills all, and I do mean all, in Prairie Bitch, from her early beginnings being born into a showbiz marriage, to her father's unspoken but accepted lifestyle, to the abuse she suffered at the hands of her older brother, to the life-changing audition for the iconic role of Nellie, to her life beyond the prairie, on the stage as a stand-up comedienne and her tireless activism for AIDS awareness.
I loved everything about this book and read it in under two days. Arngrim shares behind the scenes tales of Little House, including the aforementioned Michael Landon's aversion to underwear while in costume as Charles Ingalls, to the then 10 year old Melissa Gilbert's precociousness and all knowing information of cast and crew, to Melissa Sue Anderson's strikingly different real life personality versus that of her role as sweet Mary Ingalls, to the immediate and devoted love she felt for her co-star and television husband Steve Tracy. I was fascinated with the recountings of what really happened behind the scenes of some of my more favored Little House episodes, as well as the fact that Arngrim and Gilbert were best friends, despite playing mortal enemies each week in front of the cameras.
Her chapters on the abuse she suffered at the hands of her brother were tragic and could be hard to read, but Arngrim's strength powers through each page and this reader was encouraged that Arngrim did not fall victim to the drugs/alcohol/crime/early death cycle that many child actors do. Lindsay Lohan, among others, could take a page from Arngrim's book and learn a lot.
Perhaps most touching were the sections recounting Arngrim's initial meeting with actor Steve Tracy, their enjoyment working together, their loyal friendship and his final days. I know I will never be able to watch another episode of Little House featuring Nellie and Percival without a sadness in my heart at the loss of Tracy, as well as a special happiness knowing that neither Arngrim nor Tracy were acting in those scenes showcasing Nellie's and Percival's happiness.
Many celebrities and former child actors have written memoirs, some very well done, some for a quick buck, but I would certainly place Arngrim's at the top of the list without hesitation. You simply cannot go wrong with Confessions of a Prairie Bitch and I promise you will gain respect for Arngrim in the process.
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LibraryThing member TeenieLee
This book was a quick read, full of fun Little House tidbits and a fair amount of gossip. I love Nellie, love Alison Arngrim and want to be friends with both!
LibraryThing member arielfl
If you grew up in t he 70's run and read this book. Alison Arnigram is hilarious! I read Melissa Gilbert's book and even though I was super Little House Fan, the book left me feeling luke warm. Alison's book on the other hand really delivers the goods and in such a loving way. Even when revealing a
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person's weakness, she makes it seem as that is the exact reason that they were so beloved. She is someone I wish I as friends with in real life. Who new Nellie Olson was so cool. After reading this book I will be watching Little House re re uns in a whole new way. Show Less
LibraryThing member LibraryCin
Alison Arngrim played Nellie, the mean classmate of Laura's on Little House on the Prairie. She was born to Canadian parents, both in the industry. Her father was gay and her older brother sexually abused her. When she was 11, she got the part of Nellie and her life changed.
This was really good.
This was really good.
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Alison talked about her life before and after Little House, and also had plenty of stories about the show and the people behind the scenes. It turns out she and Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura, were great friends. Alison later did some stand-up comedy, so she brings humour into her book, as well. I really enjoyed this. Now I might have to check out bios of some of the other Little House actors, as well. Show Less
Original publication date
2010
Physical description
320 p.; 8.44 inches
ISBN
0061962147 / 9780061962141