Gemini Rising

Book Review: Prairie Tale by Melissa Gilbert aka Half-Pint

Book Review for: Prairie Tale

B002ASFPQ4

Author: Melissa Gilbert
Published by: Gallery Books
Overall rating: 4 Stars



PLOT: (4 Stars)

This is an autobiography written by Melissa Gilbert. It was written in 2009. Melissa starts with her early life and talks a little about being on “Little House on the Prairie,” before moving on. She shares tidbits about dating Rob Lowe, her first marriage to Bo Brinkman, and then about her life with Bruce Boxleitner. She talks about what it was like to win the SAG presidency and about her struggles with alcohol.

CATAYLIST: (5 Stars)



Back in March 2024, I went to the 50th reunion festival of the “Little House on the Prairie” in Simi Valley. I watched the show when I was little, but it didn’t really stick with me. One of my dearest friends was a big “Little House” fan, so I said I would go and take pictures for her. I went by myself, but there was so much to see and do and honestly, I felt myself falling in love with the ambience. There were interior sets there, a bus ride out to the exterior sets, and there were panels with the surviving cast members. I sat in on 2 panels - Alison Arngrim and Melissa Gilbert. They shared their memories, and it inspired me to find out more about these actresses. When I went home, I discovered Melissa Gilbert had written more than one book, so I thought I’d start with the first one – Prairie Tale.

THOUGHTS: (4 Stars)

First, I enjoyed the conversational tone of the book. Melissa brought the reader right into her world and made them feel like an old friend. She talked candidly about being adopted and how those feeling haunted her without her really realizing it. She shared her ups and down and it’s a story that’s really relatable to the reader.

I learned a lot of things about Melissa that I hadn’t realized or thought about. She’s had to face adversity, which isn’t easy, but she does tackle the challenges in her life.

WHAT WORKS: (4 Stars)

Melissa Gilbert was very candid about her life, and it really leaves the reader with a good vibe.

WHAT DIDN’T WORK FOR ME (WHAT WAS ‘OFF’):

Honestly, nothing was off for me. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read.

WHY 4 STARS:

The book was an easy, enjoyable read. There’s a nice blend of Melissa’s adventures as well as her musings about life. Readers will enjoy her reminiscences about “Little House,” as well as her TV movies. This is a Prairie Tale filled with smiles and struggles which readers will not want to put down.