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449 reviews for:
Confessions of a Prairie Bitch: How I Survived Nellie Oleson and Learned to Love Being Hated
Alison Arngrim
4.13 AVERAGE
449 reviews for:
Confessions of a Prairie Bitch: How I Survived Nellie Oleson and Learned to Love Being Hated
Alison Arngrim
4.13 AVERAGE
As someone who isn't a fan of Little House on the Prairie, but watched it when I was younger because we didn't have "good" cable channels, I wasn't sure I would enjoy this book. I was wrong! Alison Arngrim has a way with words, just like Nellie Oleson. Her wit, quick humor and raw honesty made for a very engaging read that I pretty much devoured in less than a day. Alison doesn't sugarcoat anything and I appreciate that. I love memoirs that include photos and was very happy she included pictures from the night she and her father were party crashers.
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Memoirs often seem to be written for the author herself rather than for a mildly interested public. Alison Arngrim, good old Nellie Oleson, is having none of that. There are no tedious details here, only gossipy Hollywood goodness. Her irreverent approach and biting tone make for a very readable account of a colorful life. There's tragedy and abuse which she handles very matter-of-factly (good Lord her clueless parents should have been shot), and then there is a long and wonderful account of life on the set of Little House on the Prairie.
That show was huge. I mean, I even had Little House inspired clothes for my Barbies, made by my mother. And though the show was super wholesome, the bitchiness of Nellie Oleson and her mother was unlike any bitchiness you had ever seen before (my mortal enemies paled in comparison). Arngrim embraced the holy terror that was her character, and had mostly a good time on set. She and Melissa Gilbert were best buds, the other Melissa was evil (Melissa G was convinced she was trying to kill her), little Carrie was maybe not all there, and Michael Landon never wore underwear. If knowing these things does not interest you, I don't know what to say. I find that these facts (yes, I choose to believe every single word of it) bring me oh so much joy.
That show was huge. I mean, I even had Little House inspired clothes for my Barbies, made by my mother. And though the show was super wholesome, the bitchiness of Nellie Oleson and her mother was unlike any bitchiness you had ever seen before (my mortal enemies paled in comparison). Arngrim embraced the holy terror that was her character, and had mostly a good time on set. She and Melissa Gilbert were best buds, the other Melissa was evil (Melissa G was convinced she was trying to kill her), little Carrie was maybe not all there, and Michael Landon never wore underwear. If knowing these things does not interest you, I don't know what to say. I find that these facts (yes, I choose to believe every single word of it) bring me oh so much joy.
While I watched Little House a few times as a kid, I didn't become a big fan until recently when I re-read the books from childhood and bought the boxed set when it was on sale at B&N. As a child, Nellie scared the daylights out of me - mostly because I was bullied a lot in school and she reminded me of those mean girls. As an adult, I kind of loved her brazen bitchy style. While she was annoying, she was pretty damn smart. I did like how she grew up though and was sad to see her leave the show (but was thrilled when she came back for visits).
Since I read "Prairie Tale" Amazon suggested that I may want to preorder Confessions of a Prairie Bitch... and I did, immediately. It sounded like a much more enjoyable read than the former book. While I liked Prairie Tale okay I didn't relate much to Melissa at all. I didn't grow up rich. I didn't have a seemingly great family. I didn't drink until I was 21. So while her story was interesting to me, I couldn't really relate. It was also told in more of a dramatic sad fashion, than in the dark-humor fashion that I greatly prefer and understand.
I got Confessions the day it was release and it killed me to have to finish my book I was reading before I could delve into it. I kept looking at the cover just KNOWING a great story lied beneath it's pink pop art cover. While you can't always judge a book by its cover, this one is exactly what its cover depicts - sassy, spunky, edgy and hilarious.
While I didn't have a gay father, I had a similar abusive relationship with my older brother so from the early stages of this book I felt like Alison was a kindred spirit. It's rare to meet someone that has and appreciates dark humor and isn't weirded out by it. I'm also a Daddy's girl and am proud to this day when people tell me that I remind them of him in looks and wit. While I was never an actor (well unless you count the local theater!) I could really relate to a lot of Alison's stories and life. Even if I couldn't, I know that I would still enjoy this book so much more than the other prairie tales because it plays it real.
If you are looking for a backstory on some of the antics on the Little House set they are here in abundance. Alison tells the truth about everything and doesn't sugar coat a thing, including just what was beneath Charles' trousers and what Melissa Sue was really like. If you are just looking for a fun memoir to read, look no further. This book is a great read, even for the non-LHOP fan!
By far the best book I've read this year and one of the best memoirs ever. I hope to read more from Alison and that she makes a stop somewhere near the lonely state of Ohio on her tour!!
Since I read "Prairie Tale" Amazon suggested that I may want to preorder Confessions of a Prairie Bitch... and I did, immediately. It sounded like a much more enjoyable read than the former book. While I liked Prairie Tale okay I didn't relate much to Melissa at all. I didn't grow up rich. I didn't have a seemingly great family. I didn't drink until I was 21. So while her story was interesting to me, I couldn't really relate. It was also told in more of a dramatic sad fashion, than in the dark-humor fashion that I greatly prefer and understand.
I got Confessions the day it was release and it killed me to have to finish my book I was reading before I could delve into it. I kept looking at the cover just KNOWING a great story lied beneath it's pink pop art cover. While you can't always judge a book by its cover, this one is exactly what its cover depicts - sassy, spunky, edgy and hilarious.
While I didn't have a gay father, I had a similar abusive relationship with my older brother so from the early stages of this book I felt like Alison was a kindred spirit. It's rare to meet someone that has and appreciates dark humor and isn't weirded out by it. I'm also a Daddy's girl and am proud to this day when people tell me that I remind them of him in looks and wit. While I was never an actor (well unless you count the local theater!) I could really relate to a lot of Alison's stories and life. Even if I couldn't, I know that I would still enjoy this book so much more than the other prairie tales because it plays it real.
If you are looking for a backstory on some of the antics on the Little House set they are here in abundance. Alison tells the truth about everything and doesn't sugar coat a thing, including just what was beneath Charles' trousers and what Melissa Sue was really like. If you are just looking for a fun memoir to read, look no further. This book is a great read, even for the non-LHOP fan!
By far the best book I've read this year and one of the best memoirs ever. I hope to read more from Alison and that she makes a stop somewhere near the lonely state of Ohio on her tour!!
slow-paced
This was fantastically funny. Arngrim is very runny and at time moving. Some great stories of the Little House Years.
Funny! Inspiring! I have to recommended this book! Whether or not your are/were a fan of Little House on the Prairie this book is a MUST read! I actually listened to the audible version which is read by the author herself and it was great! In between stories of life on set she talks about the abuse she experienced as a child and how she used that and her time as Nellie Oleson to become an activist to improve laws against child abuse. During the 80’s she also supported HIV/AIDS education and research. She truly is an inspiration.
dark
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Loved it. This book was a quick, fun read. Not that I'm making light of the things that happened to Alison Arngrim that weren't happy and pleasant and fun, but this book was really well written and showed off her unique personality. I wouldn't wish some of the things that happened to her on anyone, but it's also partially the dark things that happen to you that make you you as well as the light, and Ms. Arngrim triumphed and regained some of her personal power over those demons. That's the best any of us can hope for, because unfortunately life isn't always easy for any of us.
You don't need to have been a fan of Little House on the Prairie or ever watched an episode to enjoy this. It's an interesting life story all on its own. But if you are, there are some interesting stories about Little House and the TV family that was created behind the scenes. I highly recommend checking this one out even if you aren't familiar with the show. But really people, what is wrong with some of you that you would think an actor is anything like his or her character? It is a ROLE. They are ACTING. GET A GRIP! Geesh. Loved this one.
You don't need to have been a fan of Little House on the Prairie or ever watched an episode to enjoy this. It's an interesting life story all on its own. But if you are, there are some interesting stories about Little House and the TV family that was created behind the scenes. I highly recommend checking this one out even if you aren't familiar with the show. But really people, what is wrong with some of you that you would think an actor is anything like his or her character? It is a ROLE. They are ACTING. GET A GRIP! Geesh. Loved this one.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse