Book Review: A Prairie Faith: The Religious Life of Laura Ingalls Wilder by John J. Fry

John J. Fry, a professor of history and dean of faculty at Trinity Christian College, blends his love and knowledge of the American West with an exploration into the religious life of a cherished American pioneer in A Prairie Faith: The Religious Life of Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Told chronologically, Fry starts with the birth of Laura Elizabeth Ingalls to Caroline and Charles Ingalls in 1867. Chapter by chapter, the author discusses the important events of the time, the daily life of the Ingalls family and those around them, Wilder's writing, her relationship with Almanzo and Rose, her numerous trips, the popularity of the Little House series, Rose's contributions to the books, and the continued fascination with Wilder and her work. Woven through this in-depth narrative is Fry's argument that while Christianity was important to Wilder's life, it was not central, as proven by her practices and her stoic ideas. 

I found A Prairie Faith fascinating and informative. It is a deeply researched, well-written biography of one of America's most beloved children's authors. Having read numerous biographies of Wilder's life, many cited in this book, I found Fry paid great attention to detail. 

The thesis type format created a fair amount of repetition as Fry focused on his point that Christianity was important but not central to Wilder's life. The author reiterated examples to support that point, stating Laura and her family, then Laura and Almanzo, did not attend evening church services; Laura and Almanzo didn't attend services when they were traveling; and that neither of the Wilders became members of local churches despite being involved in civic organizations, some with religious ties. He cited changes between Laura's handwritten manuscripts and the finished product where the editor's hand changed scenes that surrounded some of Laura's experience with church and church members. He discusses that while Wilder prayed and read from the Bible regularly, she did not mention Jesus, and that her stoic ideas fly against the dependence upon God and Savior to bring you through life. 

With the limited amount of information available on this topic, Fry did a superb job of creating this biography of Wilder's life. Though I'm not sold on supporting the author's thesis, I'm happy to add A Prairie Faith to my collection of resources about Laura Ingalls Wilder. 

Publisher:‎ Eerdmans (February 6, 2024)

Language: ‎ English

Paperback: ‎ 240 pages

ISBN-10: ‎ 0802876285

ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0802876287

I received a copy from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Thoughts on Little House Life Hacks by Angie Bailey and Susie Shubert

 

I reviewed Little House Life Hacks by Angie Bailey and Susie Shubert on my book blog. You can find that review by clicking here. I will briefly summarize this book for our readers, but since the TV show, Little House on the Prairie and the books it is based upon are the inspiration for Little House Life Hacks, I'll be sharing different thoughts at Laura's Little Houses.

During the pandemic, the authors began streaming episodes of Little House on the Prairie, which is how this book was born. After the authors' note, they introduce the Ingalls family and neighbors. They talk about Charles, Caroline, Mary, Laura, Carrie, and Albert Ingalls. They also make note of Grace and adopted siblings Cassandra and James Cooper. The neighbors include: Isaiah Edwards, Nels and Harriet Oleson, Nellie Oleson, Willie Oleson, Nancy Oleson, Doc Baker, Reverend Alden, Miss Beadle, Miss Eliza Jane Wilder and the Garveys. Almanzo Wilder is only mentioned in this section as Laura's future husband. 

There are ten different hacks in this book surrounding the topics of family life, community life, faith, romantic life, friendships, work life, self-care, resourcefulness, sustainability, and gratitude. The authors blend things about the show and some of its actors, historical tidbits from the time period and about the Ingalls family, quotes by Laura Ingalls Wilder, quotes from the Little House books and Wilder's articles, a recipe or two, and a good dose of humor to create a book to help modern readers create more balance, wellness, and fun in their lives.

Little House Life Hacks allowed me to wander through several of my favorite Little House on the Prairie moments. It's no surprise the show remains popular five decades after it first aired. And with all the 50th Anniversary Cast Reunions happening across the country, the timing of this book couldn't be better.

This is a book I wish I had been wise enough to write; though I'm not sure I could have done the content justice. Again, it validates why the show continues to attract new viewers. The book talks about a variety of subjects that all tie into Little House on the Prairie in one way or another. I think of it as another way to celebrate a show I've loved since childhood. 

What is some wisdom you've taken away from Little House on the Prairie and applied to your own life?