Book Review: Prairie Man: My Little House Life & Beyond by Dean Butler

 

Dean Butler brought Almanzo James Wilder to life for legions of Little House on the Prairie fans in the late 70s and early 80s. Now, learn about his life, his career, and more in Prairie Man: My Little House Life & Beyond.

Since Dean signed my hardcover book when I saw him in Farmington, Connecticut, last year, I downloaded an Audible copy of the book to read this wonderful memoir of his early life, details of his career--including roles I had totally forgotten about like CHiPs, personal interactions with family, friends and fans, the complicated relationship with his father, former love interests and his appreciation for his beloved wife Katherine, and people he considers influential. 

Coming from an affluent family allowed him to pursue his dream of becoming an actor, but as Butler shares, it didn't come easily for him. With advice from his father, he would eventually return to finish college, something he expresses gratitude for. He discusses how even back in his Little House days, he was interested in work behind the camera, and shares how he came to work on the talk show, Feherty. It was also nice to hear more about his theater work. 

Prairie Man is told in a way that is respectful of those involved. Honestly, I couldn't expect the Dean Butler I've been lucky to meet more than once at events to be any different. There were a few surprises along the way, which I won't spoil, but Dean, like Almanzo, is that quiet and shy guy who occasionally allows his stubbornness and pride to get in the way. He even admits how much like his most notable role he is--which won't surprise any Little House fan. 

I'm not sure if Dean recalls this, but back in the days of the Dean's Divas Yahoo Group, we had asked if he was ever going to write a memoir. As an aside, I appreciate the mention of Dean's Divas in the Acknowledgments.

For those of us who have followed Dean's career for decades, Prairie Man is a welcome addition to books by other Little House on the Prairie cast members. And if you follow the Little House: Fifty for 50 Podcast, you'll know he is already at work on a second book very different from his memoir. 

While I don't think we learn anything new about Butler's time on the show that he is most well known for, Prairie Man provides insight into a life that has spanned close to seven decades, many years of which have involved his connection and commitment to the legacy of a young American pioneer girl who has captured the hearts of generations. 

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Citadel
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 25, 2024
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0806543299
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0806543291

I purchased a hardcover and audio version of this book. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

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.

Book Review: Little House in Hollywood Hills by Charlotte Stewart

For those who thought maybe Charlotte Stewart was defined only as the beautiful and kind schoolteacher on Little House on the Prairie, Little House in the Hollywood Hills will show what a diverse and talented actress she really is. Though definitely more well known as Ms. Beadle (LHOP) or Betty Briggs from Twin Peaks, Stewart's career has spanned decades and found her on everything from soap operas to TV shows to big screen movies like Tremors. 

In her classy, eloquent style, Stewart shares her work, her life, and her personal struggles. She shares glimpses into what an actor's life is and about the addictions and breast cancer diagnosis she's had to fight along the way. She shares memories of her husbands and the actors she has worked with. You come away feeling like you really know her.

It took me a while to read Little House in the Hollywood Hills, mostly due to my other commitments, but it also reads at a much slower pace than some other celebrity memoirs. Three other female stars from Little House on the Prairie have written memoirs, and you'll notice the slow and steady pace of Stewart's book is different from the others. You're really immersing yourself into her life, and she brings you in calmly and casually and holds you there for a moment or two before bringing you further. It's very much a book that captures the essence of the Charlotte Stewart I met at a cast reunion in 2014.

Little House in the Hollywood Hills is the perfect addition to your Little House on the Prairie book or TV tie-in collection.

Paperback: 326 pages
Publisher: BearManor Media (April 7, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 159393906X
ISBN-13: 978-1593939069

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