Book Review: The Three Faces of Nellie: The Real Story Behind Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Nellie Oleson" by Robynne Elizabeth Miller

 

By now, most fans of the books and the television show know that Nellie Oleson is a composite of three historical figures from Laura Ingalls Wilder's life: Nellie Owens, Genevieve Masters, and Stella Gilbert. In her 2016 book, The Three Faces of Nellie: The Real Story Behind Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Nellie Oleson," Robynne Elizabeth Miller dives deeply into the three young women who became Nellie Oleson to the world. In addition, she shares biographical information about their families, including dates of birth and death, occupations, marriages, and so much more!

Nellie Oleson became a fascinating character from the moment readers first met her in On the Banks of Plum Creek. Thanks to future books and the Little House on the Prairie television series, she continued to be the character everyone loved to hate. As brought to life in fiction, Nellie Oleson protected the identities of others and allowed Wilder to create one arch-nemesis for the entire series. 

The Three Faces of Nellie begins with Nellie Owens and her family, moves onto Genevieve Masters, and ends with Estella "Stella" Gilbert. Along the way, Miller provides insight into how much each historical figure influenced the Nellie Oleson character. Readers learn details about their lives that required loads of research--clearly cited in the extensive bibliography at the end--that supports the author's belief that, "Their lives, individually, and collectively..." are worth more than simply being "one of the most iconic and enduring antagonists in literary history." 

If you are a lover of Laura and her work, you need to own a copy of The Three Faces of Nellie.

Publisher: Practical Pioneer Press

Publication date: November 28, 2016

Edition: 1st

Language: English

Print length: 140 pages

ISBN-10: 069281258X

ISBN-13: 978-0692812587

I purchased a copy of this book in February of this year. 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? 

Book Review: Red Tail Feathers by Wendi Lou Lee

Red Tail Feathers is a touching memoir from Wendi Lou Lee, "Baby Grace" from the classic television series, Little House on the Prairie.

Reflect with Lee as she shares the moments where the beauty of God's grace has uplifted and inspired her daily life. Lee's skillfully woven story will touch your heart, showing how even the ordinary moments can have a significant impact on us and others.

Opening with the sighting of a red-tailed bird camouflaged by a shrub in the parking lot of the medical building where she and her husband sat after an appointment, Lee shares some of the most personal moments of her life and career, including: auditioning with her sister Brenda, navigating family changes and tragedy, accepting who God created her to be, the joy of reconnecting with old friends, and learning how to traverse a world of changes brought on by a serious diagnosis and major surgery. 

 Red Tail Feathers is a beautifully written, moving memoir that touched me deeply. Wendi opens her heart to readers, allowing them to experience her triumphs and challenges with all the vulnerability we often endure along our human journey. Her story uplifts the reader as she shares how visible and true and pure God's grace is and the lessons He gently imparts upon His children along the way. I thought I might share my favorite parts, but discovered I would need to share so much of the book that I would risk violating copyright law. :) 

Throughout Red Tail Feathers, you will learn about a talented daughter, sister, wife, mother, and actor who is very much down to earth and comfortable in the path God has laid out before her. Follow Wendi's journey to "Discover the Beauty of Grace," and let it transform how you view your own life. 

Highly recommended!

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C7SLFG6C
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pocketful of Sunshine (August 15, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 188 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8988168416

I purchased a copy of this book from Amazon. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Also available is Wendi's first book, A Prairie Devotional.