Confessions of a Prairie Bitch: How I Survived Nellie Oleson and Learned to Love Being Hated

I read the entire book in one sitting, late into the night. I had always been intrigued by the character of Nellie Oleson, and it was nice to read about the actress who portrayed her. Ms. Arngrim and I are about the same age. I grew up watching the show, and I must admit that it wasn't until I was an adult that I realized how pretty Alison Arngrim is; the character of Nellie was so unpleasant that I always thought of her as ugly, but she's actually very lovely! Alison took an unconventional childhood, with some serious family problems and pain, and channeled her Nellie character to gain the strength to grow into an amazing and very funny woman. Nellie needed a good spanking, but Alison is strong, charming, wicked smart, honest, real, and beautiful. I donate most books I'm done reading, but this one is a keeper because I'll read it again.

Bless Arngrim for finally writing a tv star memoir that doesn't pussyfoot around about telling fans what they actually want to know. Specifically, Little House on the Prairiedogs wanna know: * Is she actually a bitch? (No.) * Who did she get along with on set? (Laura, of all people) * Who did she NOT get along with on set? (Mary, of all people) * How were famous episodes made? (With difficulty) * Was Michael Landon nice? (For the most part) * How was her home life screwed up? (Terrifically) * Did she end up screwed up? And thankfully, the answer to the last question is no. She feels like a pretty down-to-earth person, but not so dumb as to believe some patronizing horse hockey as "I'm just a regular gal!" When you have secret knowledge like Michael Landon's habit of not wearing underwear, you ain't a regular person. While the lion's share is on her time on the Prairie, as it rightfully oughtta be, she does delve into some darker personal territory. And it's so odd listening to her cornball accent as she describes traumatic episodes in her child and adult life that it threw me for a loop. But Arngrim plays the correct balance, and avoids getting depressing or maudlin. She knows how to be appropriately somber, and also appropriately naughty. (I'm also glad she touches on the bittersweetness of Percival and Nellie's marriage. Sure, they were cute together, and it's sweet that Nellie finally finds her match in a little man with a backbone. But it's sad that Nellie's happily-ever-after on the show was 'being tamed.' I'd rather have seen Nellie Oleson's bitchiness evolve into magnificent adulthood, rather than be de-toothed and domesticated.) Now, I ain't going to say this is the most perfect book in the world. I sincerely doubt it would hold interest for anyone not at least familiar with the TV show (how the hell I got into Prairie watching is beyond me). But this is exactly what I want in a memoir. She treats her readers with respect, dishes the dirt, offers but doesn't preach some of her hard-earned lessons, and admits to playing monopoly while under acid. I cannot ask for more. If you can get this on Audiobook, do yourself a favor and do that! It's even better straight from Arngrim.

I was not a regular watcher of Little House on the Prairie, but I remember Nellie. I had no idea that she was an incest survivor. Unfortunately, I was abused sexually by my twin brother when we were in our early teens. It was not to the degree of Allison's abuse, but I cannot remember if my parents ever punished him. I am glad that Allison has managed to survive and actually thrive. Her story is not unusual but the way she has overcome and even fights to improve the situation for others - who are survivors of incest - in our Nation's courtrooms is something to be admired. WAY TO GO "Nellie!"

Wowza. This is right up there with Mackenzie Phillips memoir. Absolutely fascinating, and I ADORE her affinity to the French, because I "get it". Her comments made me howl, about why the French love Nellie Olsen. She's mean, but she has a reason, and thus they understand. I myself have a quote about my own mother that "she wasn't mean, she was French". And all my friends who are Adult Children of French Mothers understand without having to explain. Her family are... something else. Dad is gay and is not hiding it from his family. Mom is nearly all the voices in 60s cartoons, including Miss Polly Purebred, oh, swoon! Be warned, there's a lot of childhood abuse by her older brother that will be very hard for some to read about. Especially if you were a fan of "Land of the Giants", because her older brother was the child star of that show, physically violent, and a rapist. As an adule, all the women he's been married to bear a creepy resemblance to Alison. But hey, Alison Arngrim survived. The book is a triumph. It's well written, hilarious, fun to read. Now I wish her one woman show would make it to Austin Texas. Hell I'd trek to Houston if I had to/

I grew up on Little House on the Prairie and The Waltons; two families that filled our young 1970s lives with homespun wisdom, good vs. evil (Laura vs Nellie), and fun family entertainment. Who didn’t love watching Laura and Nellie get into it? Over the years I’ve heard many side stories about Ms. Arngrim, including what a nice person “Nellie really is.” I’ve wanted this book for awhile, so finally picked it up and enjoyed. Ms. Arngrim is a great storyteller, with a seriously fun and at times dark wit, and a life story far from what Nellie would imagine. I won’t give anything away - you must read it all in her own words - but needless to say, Ms. Arngrim - Alison - is nothing like Nellie, and that’s both refreshing and eye opening. Her life has been a surprising series of adventures and moments, far from what most will have experienced. And her stories about Nellie and life on Little House will fill any fan with insights, but also that behind-the-scene fun that makes one see things in a new light. Most of us know what happened to Laura (Melissa Gilbert) or Charles (Michael Landon) outside of the show (one went into politics, one sadly passed away. But hearing the stories of how Ms. Arngrim met them, worked with them, or felt about them in life are charming, sweet, and memorable. Add in her advocacy for AIDS and incest survivors and you have one interesting woman. If you’re a fan of autobiography’s this is a fun, well written, and great read. If you’re a little house fan, a must-read. And if you loved or hated Nellie I think you’re going to walk away from this book loving her (for the first time or) even more.

I haven't enjoyed reading a book this much in years. Some pretty bad things happen, and she is honest and down-to-earth about what happened and how she handled it. She writes with wit and sincerity. The book is a good balance between an insider's look at LHOP and growing up with Hollywood parents. It's amazing how she was able, as an adult, to use her stardom as Nellie in addressing some heavy issues. I am looking forward to watching the show with new eyes. My favorite episode is the one where Percival comes to teach Nellie about running the hotel. I love the "short" jokes, and it was especially satisfying to read about their real-life friendship. I loved this book!

I enjoyed this book , it was written by Alison's heart, not for show or publicity . She went through abuse to finding her purpose on this planet. You feel her pain and also her happiness in helping others from HIV patients to abused children . She helped change a law in California to protect the children of abuse. Alison went outside her troubles and hardships and thought of others . She could of been easily a druggie or a selfish person who thought "woe is me " she did not she became strong and helped others ,speaking out ,working in a crisis line . It is a amazing story of a strong woman who is far from selfish and puts others before herself . My name is bethany ( Beth ) Girard.. I bought this book on my kindle not my mom j Dame . Thank you Alison for a wonderful uplifting story . Please write another book .

Alison Arngrim is now one of my all-time favorite people!! Her book, Confessions of a Prairie Bitch, arrived yesterday and I could not put it down. Whether or not you're a Little House fan, this is one interesting read. Alison is a combination of seriously smart, wise, hysterically funny, and badass! Badass in a very smart way! First, everything a Little House fan wants to know about Alison, other cast members (and of course Michael) and what really took place behind the scenes is all there, the good, the bad and the hysterically funny — she’s a hoot! I’m not kidding! I have to read it again to mark some parts I want to read to friends. Next, and I don’t know if she intended this, but she’s totally inspiring. Her early years are nothing short of tragic, heartbreaking really. But she seems to have handled it all with wisdom, or maybe it’s her sense of humor that brought her through it. Either way, she’s definitely admirable, someone I’d actually want to hang out with. I adore this book, and I adore Alison, and I’ll forgive her one transgression—calling Mary Poppins annoying!! Although most bitchy women would agree. :)

This is a first for me! I have never read a memoir of an actor before. I saw this book and decided to read an excerpt before spending $1.99 on the Kindle edition and I was hooked from that point on. I read the first 40 pages before I got out of bed! She has an entertaining manner of writing and I've really enjoyed her writing style and her insights. I can't imagine living with a rapist brother but she gained the strength to change her life from many influences in her life. I still watch reruns of Little House on the Prairie so reading about the other actors and crew was very interesting. She had such a different upbringing - and life - than I did so it's interesting to read about how the other half lived! As a kid, I lamented my boring small village upbringing with boring run-of-the-mill parents and brother and a drama-free life. As an adult, I look back on it and thank God for it - especially when I read books like this.

Talk about your tell all books. Allison Arngrim does not hold back. She covers in good detail the environment in which she grew up and many experiences of her time on Little House. Her unorthodox living situation was not a shock to me. It doesn’t surprise me how the liberals in Hollywood choose to live. She grew up in an apartment building living in somewhat poor living conditions. At one point during Little House her parents had to ask her to help buy food so the family wouldn’t starve. She seemed to be left alone for the most part with very unattached parents. The most shocking revelation is about her older brother Stefan Arngrim. He was the kid on Land of the Giants. Starting in his young teen years he began to molest Allison frequently for years by forcing her to have intercourse with him. When she finally threatened him with criminal charges he stopped. He was also a huge drug addict. Her parents refused to believe her about the abuse and they were oblivious to his drug use. He later married a very young girl that look exactly like Allison. He also admitted to Allison that he abused her and that is was the best sex he ever had. Stefan Arngrim is one sick dude. Michael Landon twice dumped a wife for a new girl. He drank heavy liquor on the set of Little House. And in a cringe revelation he didn’t wear underwear under his very tight pants. Sounds like Hollywood to me. The crew on Little House were heavy drinkers. Many of the adult cast used extremely foul language around the kids on the set. Sounds like Hollywood to me. Melissa Gilbert was a good friend to Allison. She warned Allison to beware of Melissa Sue Anderson (to be called Missy in the rest of the review as this was her nickname on the set). Melissa said Missy would “kill you” and is “evil”. Melissa had Allison’s back when some of the girls on the set were out to get Allison. Missy was very unfriendly to Melissa and Allison. It seems she may have had serious issues with her mother that caused this. Missy was quite rude to Allison even though Allison tried to reach out to her and be a good friend. Missy hated Radames Pera whom she was to marry in a storyline. Since Missy hated him they dropped Pera and went with the Mary goes blind storyline instead. These are some examples of the things you will find out in this book. This should whet your appetite for more. And there is lots more so don’t hesitate to buy this book.

I read the entire book in one sitting, late into the night. I had always been intrigued by the character of Nellie Oleson, and it was nice to read about the actress who portrayed her. Ms. Arngrim and I are about the same age. I grew up watching the show, and I must admit that it wasn't until I was an adult that I realized how pretty Alison Arngrim is; the character of Nellie was so unpleasant that I always thought of her as ugly, but she's actually very lovely! Alison took an unconventional childhood, with some serious family problems and pain, and channeled her Nellie character to gain the strength to grow into an amazing and very funny woman. Nellie needed a good spanking, but Alison is strong, charming, wicked smart, honest, real, and beautiful. I donate most books I'm done reading, but this one is a keeper because I'll read it again.

Bless Arngrim for finally writing a tv star memoir that doesn't pussyfoot around about telling fans what they actually want to know. Specifically, Little House on the Prairiedogs wanna know: * Is she actually a bitch? (No.) * Who did she get along with on set? (Laura, of all people) * Who did she NOT get along with on set? (Mary, of all people) * How were famous episodes made? (With difficulty) * Was Michael Landon nice? (For the most part) * How was her home life screwed up? (Terrifically) * Did she end up screwed up? And thankfully, the answer to the last question is no. She feels like a pretty down-to-earth person, but not so dumb as to believe some patronizing horse hockey as "I'm just a regular gal!" When you have secret knowledge like Michael Landon's habit of not wearing underwear, you ain't a regular person. While the lion's share is on her time on the Prairie, as it rightfully oughtta be, she does delve into some darker personal territory. And it's so odd listening to her cornball accent as she describes traumatic episodes in her child and adult life that it threw me for a loop. But Arngrim plays the correct balance, and avoids getting depressing or maudlin. She knows how to be appropriately somber, and also appropriately naughty. (I'm also glad she touches on the bittersweetness of Percival and Nellie's marriage. Sure, they were cute together, and it's sweet that Nellie finally finds her match in a little man with a backbone. But it's sad that Nellie's happily-ever-after on the show was 'being tamed.' I'd rather have seen Nellie Oleson's bitchiness evolve into magnificent adulthood, rather than be de-toothed and domesticated.) Now, I ain't going to say this is the most perfect book in the world. I sincerely doubt it would hold interest for anyone not at least familiar with the TV show (how the hell I got into Prairie watching is beyond me). But this is exactly what I want in a memoir. She treats her readers with respect, dishes the dirt, offers but doesn't preach some of her hard-earned lessons, and admits to playing monopoly while under acid. I cannot ask for more. If you can get this on Audiobook, do yourself a favor and do that! It's even better straight from Arngrim.

I was not a regular watcher of Little House on the Prairie, but I remember Nellie. I had no idea that she was an incest survivor. Unfortunately, I was abused sexually by my twin brother when we were in our early teens. It was not to the degree of Allison's abuse, but I cannot remember if my parents ever punished him. I am glad that Allison has managed to survive and actually thrive. Her story is not unusual but the way she has overcome and even fights to improve the situation for others - who are survivors of incest - in our Nation's courtrooms is something to be admired. WAY TO GO "Nellie!"

Wowza. This is right up there with Mackenzie Phillips memoir. Absolutely fascinating, and I ADORE her affinity to the French, because I "get it". Her comments made me howl, about why the French love Nellie Olsen. She's mean, but she has a reason, and thus they understand. I myself have a quote about my own mother that "she wasn't mean, she was French". And all my friends who are Adult Children of French Mothers understand without having to explain. Her family are... something else. Dad is gay and is not hiding it from his family. Mom is nearly all the voices in 60s cartoons, including Miss Polly Purebred, oh, swoon! Be warned, there's a lot of childhood abuse by her older brother that will be very hard for some to read about. Especially if you were a fan of "Land of the Giants", because her older brother was the child star of that show, physically violent, and a rapist. As an adule, all the women he's been married to bear a creepy resemblance to Alison. But hey, Alison Arngrim survived. The book is a triumph. It's well written, hilarious, fun to read. Now I wish her one woman show would make it to Austin Texas. Hell I'd trek to Houston if I had to/

I grew up on Little House on the Prairie and The Waltons; two families that filled our young 1970s lives with homespun wisdom, good vs. evil (Laura vs Nellie), and fun family entertainment. Who didn’t love watching Laura and Nellie get into it? Over the years I’ve heard many side stories about Ms. Arngrim, including what a nice person “Nellie really is.” I’ve wanted this book for awhile, so finally picked it up and enjoyed. Ms. Arngrim is a great storyteller, with a seriously fun and at times dark wit, and a life story far from what Nellie would imagine. I won’t give anything away - you must read it all in her own words - but needless to say, Ms. Arngrim - Alison - is nothing like Nellie, and that’s both refreshing and eye opening. Her life has been a surprising series of adventures and moments, far from what most will have experienced. And her stories about Nellie and life on Little House will fill any fan with insights, but also that behind-the-scene fun that makes one see things in a new light. Most of us know what happened to Laura (Melissa Gilbert) or Charles (Michael Landon) outside of the show (one went into politics, one sadly passed away. But hearing the stories of how Ms. Arngrim met them, worked with them, or felt about them in life are charming, sweet, and memorable. Add in her advocacy for AIDS and incest survivors and you have one interesting woman. If you’re a fan of autobiography’s this is a fun, well written, and great read. If you’re a little house fan, a must-read. And if you loved or hated Nellie I think you’re going to walk away from this book loving her (for the first time or) even more.

I haven't enjoyed reading a book this much in years. Some pretty bad things happen, and she is honest and down-to-earth about what happened and how she handled it. She writes with wit and sincerity. The book is a good balance between an insider's look at LHOP and growing up with Hollywood parents. It's amazing how she was able, as an adult, to use her stardom as Nellie in addressing some heavy issues. I am looking forward to watching the show with new eyes. My favorite episode is the one where Percival comes to teach Nellie about running the hotel. I love the "short" jokes, and it was especially satisfying to read about their real-life friendship. I loved this book!

I enjoyed this book , it was written by Alison's heart, not for show or publicity . She went through abuse to finding her purpose on this planet. You feel her pain and also her happiness in helping others from HIV patients to abused children . She helped change a law in California to protect the children of abuse. Alison went outside her troubles and hardships and thought of others . She could of been easily a druggie or a selfish person who thought "woe is me " she did not she became strong and helped others ,speaking out ,working in a crisis line . It is a amazing story of a strong woman who is far from selfish and puts others before herself . My name is bethany ( Beth ) Girard.. I bought this book on my kindle not my mom j Dame . Thank you Alison for a wonderful uplifting story . Please write another book .

Alison Arngrim is now one of my all-time favorite people!! Her book, Confessions of a Prairie Bitch, arrived yesterday and I could not put it down. Whether or not you're a Little House fan, this is one interesting read. Alison is a combination of seriously smart, wise, hysterically funny, and badass! Badass in a very smart way! First, everything a Little House fan wants to know about Alison, other cast members (and of course Michael) and what really took place behind the scenes is all there, the good, the bad and the hysterically funny — she’s a hoot! I’m not kidding! I have to read it again to mark some parts I want to read to friends. Next, and I don’t know if she intended this, but she’s totally inspiring. Her early years are nothing short of tragic, heartbreaking really. But she seems to have handled it all with wisdom, or maybe it’s her sense of humor that brought her through it. Either way, she’s definitely admirable, someone I’d actually want to hang out with. I adore this book, and I adore Alison, and I’ll forgive her one transgression—calling Mary Poppins annoying!! Although most bitchy women would agree. :)

This is a first for me! I have never read a memoir of an actor before. I saw this book and decided to read an excerpt before spending $1.99 on the Kindle edition and I was hooked from that point on. I read the first 40 pages before I got out of bed! She has an entertaining manner of writing and I've really enjoyed her writing style and her insights. I can't imagine living with a rapist brother but she gained the strength to change her life from many influences in her life. I still watch reruns of Little House on the Prairie so reading about the other actors and crew was very interesting. She had such a different upbringing - and life - than I did so it's interesting to read about how the other half lived! As a kid, I lamented my boring small village upbringing with boring run-of-the-mill parents and brother and a drama-free life. As an adult, I look back on it and thank God for it - especially when I read books like this.

Talk about your tell all books. Allison Arngrim does not hold back. She covers in good detail the environment in which she grew up and many experiences of her time on Little House. Her unorthodox living situation was not a shock to me. It doesn’t surprise me how the liberals in Hollywood choose to live. She grew up in an apartment building living in somewhat poor living conditions. At one point during Little House her parents had to ask her to help buy food so the family wouldn’t starve. She seemed to be left alone for the most part with very unattached parents. The most shocking revelation is about her older brother Stefan Arngrim. He was the kid on Land of the Giants. Starting in his young teen years he began to molest Allison frequently for years by forcing her to have intercourse with him. When she finally threatened him with criminal charges he stopped. He was also a huge drug addict. Her parents refused to believe her about the abuse and they were oblivious to his drug use. He later married a very young girl that look exactly like Allison. He also admitted to Allison that he abused her and that is was the best sex he ever had. Stefan Arngrim is one sick dude. Michael Landon twice dumped a wife for a new girl. He drank heavy liquor on the set of Little House. And in a cringe revelation he didn’t wear underwear under his very tight pants. Sounds like Hollywood to me. The crew on Little House were heavy drinkers. Many of the adult cast used extremely foul language around the kids on the set. Sounds like Hollywood to me. Melissa Gilbert was a good friend to Allison. She warned Allison to beware of Melissa Sue Anderson (to be called Missy in the rest of the review as this was her nickname on the set). Melissa said Missy would “kill you” and is “evil”. Melissa had Allison’s back when some of the girls on the set were out to get Allison. Missy was very unfriendly to Melissa and Allison. It seems she may have had serious issues with her mother that caused this. Missy was quite rude to Allison even though Allison tried to reach out to her and be a good friend. Missy hated Radames Pera whom she was to marry in a storyline. Since Missy hated him they dropped Pera and went with the Mary goes blind storyline instead. These are some examples of the things you will find out in this book. This should whet your appetite for more. And there is lots more so don’t hesitate to buy this book.

Omg this was a terrfiic book that I finished in two days. Though she may have been known as nasty Nellie on Little House on the Praire Alison Angrim was the complete opposite of her character. What many don't realize is that she and Melissa Gilbert became great friends and still are. I enjoyed reading about her life and what it was like playing on Little House on the Praire. She also shares what it was like growing up in a house with two parents who weren't always around and a brother who was a sociopath. She does reveal a little behind the scenes gossip and also shares her relationship with Steve Tracy who she was good friends with and whom she helped when he was battling AIDS. Very excellent story and I really like Alison and admire her for overcoming her obstacles.

Years ago, I saw this book and was put off by the title and cover. In addition, the thought of reading about the sexual abuse Alison Arngrim experienced as a child made me think the book would be too depressing a read. Thus, at the time, I decided to pass. But then it was on sale last week for $2.99 and I got it and read it in one night. Not my intention, but I could not stop reading. Ms. Arngrim wrote a terrific memoir that was intelligent, funny and insightful. A memoir that was so much better than Melissa Gilbert's, which revealed too much and was downright trashy; as well as Melissa Sue Anderson's, which was too reserved and revealed too little. Alison Arngrim's book was a perfect mixture of her personal life, her working life on "Little House On the Prairie", and her observations of life in California during the 1960s and 1970s. There's no self-pity, even though there could have been due to her eccentric, negligent parents and her sicko, creepy older brother. There's no self-absorption, even though she's an actress. There's only heartfelt feelings, insightfulness and humor. One wonders if it wasn't her sense of humor, her sense of irony that saved her from ended up tragically, or at least bitter, like many child actors of yesterday. The fact she turned outward, instead of deeper inward, and focused on the suffering of others also probably had a lot to do with her not ending up trying to convince memoir readers what a poor victim she was, and how everyone else was responsible for her unhappiness as a child and adult. I still dislike the title and cover of the book, and could have done without the profanity, but felt the contents of the book was well worth the $2.99. Plus, it made me wish Melissa Sue Anderson would have revealed more about her thoughts and feelings as a child and young adult in her own memoir.

When I was in the fourth grade, our teacher read a small part of "Little House on the Prairie" to us after recess each day. I loved the book, and as Hollywood would have it, the t.v. pilot and series started about the same time (early 70s). So, I bought this book, because I was a fan of the Little House books and the show. I wanted to learned about what went on behind the scenes of the t.v. production. I got that and much, much more from Alison Arngrim. I found the book to be honest, entertaining, enlightening, educational and funny. Alison Arngrim has one helluva sense of humor!! In the end, you will find out that the author is much, much more than a damn good actress. With 20/20 hindsight, I can see that she (and Katherine MacGregor, a.k.a. Mrs. Oleson) put the show over the top in popularity. Alison Arngrim is a kind, decent, altruistic person who has experienced incalculable pain, but used it to help others (especially children) and make the world a better place. Phenomenal!

As a huge fan of Little House on the Prairie I sailed through most of through this biography and enjoyed learning all the behind the scenes gossip. What I wasn’t prepared for was the straightforward, raw, painful truth of Alison’s past. There really ought to be a trigger warning for survivors of sexual abuse. She doesn’t mince words when describing in detail her experiences as well as reliving them later in life. She doesn’t try and pull at emotional heartstrings which strangely makes it even more difficult to learn the specifics of what her brother did to her because it was terrible and inexcusable. Her life is very interesting in many different ways and her stories never failed to keep my attention. From her crazy and famous parents, to her Little House experiences, to her life & friendships that long outlasted the show, to her using her celebrity to take action that mattered. This book was eye-opening, emotional, funny, heartbreaking, and definitely worth the read. I am extremely impressed with Alison Angrim.

I grew up watching Little House on the Prairie with my mom. This was the 80's, when the show was on daily syndication. Everyone I knew watched it. Even today, the references to it in day-to-day life seem universally understood. My husband and I have been re-watching it recently, in fact. This all being the case, I was very interested to read this book. I loved the behind-the-scenes glimpse into the show. I also enjoyed Alison's narration and perspective. She's pretty funny. Some of the anecdotes in this book had me cracking up. Some of it, though, was heart-rending. She suffered some serious abuse, and playing Nellie Olsson was therapeutic for her. I would have preferred less cussing. I personally hate profanity. Still a worthwhile read.

It was an okay read, not really my type of book. I almost ditched the book entirely when I was just a few chapters from the end but forced myself to continue reading and ended up glad I finished it. Not because of the read or writing, but because of Alison's important role in changing a law the desperately needed to be changed. Unfortunately, I can't honestly recommend it as a great read, but I'm glad to know the story.

I guess I'm a little late to the party, having never seen "Little House" or heard of Alison before, but boy am I a fan now. I love memoirs. Browsing through Barnes & Noble one day the title, of course, cracked me up first thing, and the cover photos seemed to depict an odd character I'd never heard of, so I bought the book. This is my second time reading it through and I imagine I'll be reading it again until, hopefully, she comes out with a new one. There are many good writers out there, but only a few who can "write funny," which is one of the hardest things to do. Rarely have I read such a humorous book. And I read a lot. Her narrative draws you in immediately and then it's a laugh a minute. When I saw that Alison was doing her show at a theater here in NYC in May, I tried to get tickets but, of course, they were sold out and had a waiting list. I can see why. As someone who has dealt with some of the same serious issues and situations (outside of showbiz), that Alison has, I found myself marveling at her moral certitude and then her follow-through which is no small thing. Besides being funny as Hell, Alison Arngrim has been a powerful force in social change and helped countless people in the process. She has keen insights into human nature and I found myself not only laughing, but learning, while being delightfully entertained. The author has a hard-won and rock solid moral core and a voice that oozes empathy and compassion in between all the yuks. And I loved it just as much the second time. Five Stars. Great Read!

I’m not a huge fan of celebrity memoirs, but this one is non-stop fascinating with one interesting passage after another. Arngrim writes about the ups and downs of working on Little House on the Prairie and painful personal struggles. The Little House anecdotes were fun to read as I recalled the actors, characters, and episodes mentioned. With her personal life, I could see how resilient Arngrim is, as she used her tragedies to be an advocate of and a voice to important causes.

I had grown up watching Allison Arngrim as Nellie and like many, I didn't like her. When movies were being taped in my hometown, I got to see how actors and actresses behaved when their on-screen personas were different. I then began to wonder what Allison was truly like and when I saw that she had written a book, I bought it. I have read it and read a few others, but I did enjoy this and recommend the story.

I never gave Allison Arngrim a second thought until our family was on COVID19 lockdown and bought the entire Little House on the Prairie dvd collection. We began getting interested in the main characters and found out the 3 main female characters (Mary, Laura and Nellie) wrote books. So I read her book. It was insightful, so much so that you come away thinking she was the only adult-thinking member of her family. She gave us a glimpse into why Nellie Oleson saved her life. She proves how acting gave her an outlet and in retrospect, therapy, to deal with what happened to her prior to LHOTP. I did not want the book to end. Allison is a lovely woman and VERY funny!

Confessions of a Prairie Bitch was such a great book! Normally for me I get a book that I want to read and half way through I get distracted and put it down, never really to return to finish it. Well, with this book, I finished it 100% and I enjoyed every page! That is because Alison Arngrim is such an amazing soul. Every time I see her on YouTube promoting this or that I just have to smile, and that smile comes straight from the heart. That beautiful energy comes straight into the pages of this book. Everyone in the world has heard of Nellie Oleson and what a misunderstood and mean character she played, and Alison played it first class I will tell you that. She explains it beautifully the big roll she played on Little House on the Prairie. (How she got there, the behind the scenes wonderful relationship with Melissa Gilbert (Laura) that grew into a awesome friendship, Michael Landon, Steve Tracey who played Percival, and much much more!) She talks bravely about what happened to her with her brother and how she overcame that to a point where she changed laws to protect others who were in the same situation. Not to forget her relationship with her parents and who they were which was very interesting. It's a fun read, an interesting read and it's a book that will live on for sure! Thank you Nellie!

I only give reviews when I feel most strongly feel about a purchase whether good or bad. This book is not just good but better than I far expected. Its so well-written, so funny and so entertaining that I can't put the book down. I'm almost finished with it shy of three chapters after receiving it 2 days ago. What I find most ironic is that they play characters that are completely opposite of who they are in their real lives. Alison Arngrim plays a character growing up in a very well to do family but her life outside the show is completely different. Her family lived in a 2 bedroom apartment in West Hollywood that lived paycheck to paycheck and during some months had only enough to pay the rent with not much left over to pay for anything else. Melissa Gilbert plays Laura who we all know did not come from a well to do family but in realty her life couldn't have been more different. They play these characters so well you actually think they really are these people. The only thing I don't like about this book is the way she is so harsh on Melissa Sue Anderson. Melissa from the research I've done was extremely shy but you wouldn't know it by her outspoken character on Little House. Speaking from experience, I was painfully shy growing up usually avoiding most social engagements because my anxiety was so acute. My sister in law gets physically sick every time there is a get together and unfortunately missed out on most of her wedding reception because she was too preoccupied with hiding from people. Many people get the impression that shy people are cold and friendly which I'm guessing Alison felt towards Melissa. Hope you read this Alison!

I watched Little House because of Neilie Oleson. Who didn't love to hate her antics? But what a great book. So interesting with behind the scenes stories. And what a tragedy turned into triumph with the author's abuse story which turned her into an advocate for change. I really enjoyed this book with its message and would encourage anyone who needs a positive story in these difficult times to read it. It was well written and just an interesting, good book.

I purchased this as a Christmas gift for my mother and it was a hit! My mom could not put the book down and kept reading me excerpts from the book... It was so nice to hear my mother laughing about the brutal honesty written in this book. If you or anyone you know happens to be a fan of Little House on the Prairie, I highly recommend this book!! It will surely bring a smile to a Fan's face, even to someone that despised Nellie!

I absolutely LOVED this book. I went into it not knowing anything about Alison other than the fact that I hated her LHOTP character when I was a child. Little did I know that this book would make me want to be her best friend. It's honest, funny, happy, sad, and amazing. How this woman has been through so much in her life yet has come out laughing, I just don't know, but I admire her so much for it. I loved all of the behind the scenes scoop about LHOTP and was happy to have my suspicions that Mary was a turd totally confirmed. I feel so much better now.

I don't remember the last time I read a book this quickly or with such a feeling of excitement. Arngrim writes with such honesty. She does not hold back from the trauma of her childhood, and doesn't look for pity or blame. She simply shares her life's story and reveals how everything in her life came together to teach her and help her help others. At the end it feels like she's your lifelong friend.

I'm older than the Little House Girls, but I did watch the show when it was in its original years... This book.....was really one of the books that made me wish the author had gone on and on writing more books . The character of Nellie was horribly mean, but thank Heavens this little girl/author Alison evolved into a thoroughly likable person who has great depth, and strength, and a wonderful sense of humor. So even if you are a bit older than the author, and are familiar with the show, I definitely recommend this book. I really recommend it also as an example of a person who went through horrors in her own life, and yet managed to become the admirable soul she is. Bless you, Alison ---

Let’s start with I’m a huge LHOTP fan and have all the remastered Blu-ray’s but Alison Arngrim always rubbed me the wrong way as an adult. I dont know why. Now I completely get her. I wanted to read “Mary” and “Laura’s” books bit this one was the best reviewed and I need a good read to stay interested. I finished it in 3 days, which is a record for me. I was so surprised about how much she shared and how honest she was. There are a lot of little nuggets about the cast and show that will appeal to any LHOTP fan but the heart of the book is about overcoming under extraordinary circumstances. She’s an amazing woman and I’m so glad I decided to read it. I wanted to call her and talk for an hour after I finished the book. You won’t regret reading it. I promise.

I am not highly invested in the LHOTP series but I love biographies and this one was definitely worth the read. The stories moved at a great pace and really held my interest. The author and the stories felt very authentic. I read this book in one sitting. The author did a good job of sharing her personal journey through both the ups and downs of life. I appreciated her honesty, transparency, personal reflection and sense of humor.

This book goes well beyond her time as Nellie Olsen on Little House on the Prairie but shows she has well embraced what that opportunity has done and continues to do for her. Little did anyone know what her life was like until now. I've seen very few people stand as strong against life as Alison Arngrim has. After listening to this, I feel like I can take on the world.

I remember when I read Melissa Gilbert's memoir. She had a list of potential titles for her book at the back and one of them was, "Nellie's not a bitch but Mary is." Yes, Melissa Gilbert and Alison Argrim (who played the despicable Nellie Oleson) were actually best friends behind the scenes. Don't you just love a plot twist like that? Arngrim's book is very well-written. She now makes her way through life as an AIDS activist and a stand-up comedian. Those skills assisted her in making the book so readable and enjoyable. She details the beginnings of her life, as a girl who grew up in either feast or famine when it came to money. Her brother took advantage of parents who weren't paying attention and raped her repeatedly. Her recounting of the Little House days is wonderful and just the insider information most of us wanted from Melissa Gilbert's book. She was very attached to her on-air husband, Steve Tracy (Percival), who was gay and eventually died of AIDS (keep in mind the timeframe of Little House and how there wasn't a great deal of knowledge about AIDS back then). This inspired her to become an activist within the AIDS community. However, Arngrim did have to deal with playing a universally hated character. She was often treated as though she herself were Nellie, rather than an actress just playing the part of a bad girl. She had to learn early on to separate out her self-worth from her press. I really loved this book and I think it's something that anyone would love, not just Little House fans.

I grew up watching the Little House series and have fond memories about it. I hated the Nellie Olesen character then grew to love her after she was "tamed" after her match with Percival. After reading Alison's memoir, I want to invest in the entire series and re-watch with a whole new lens! Alison writes an honest account about growing up on the set of the series and comes across so relatable. She tells it like it is without coming across self-indulgant like many celebrity memoirs often appear. She has a vivid manner of describing events with a strong sense of wit that jumps across the pages. It's so refreshing that she does not run away from the character she played but instead, has worn Nellie with pride. Alison is thankful and recognizes the paths that the character has opened for her: from the lifelong bonds developed with her castmates, to providing a mechanism to help her heal from her abusive older brother, and paving the way as an advocate for the PROTECT organization. This was such an entertaining read which I would highly recommend, whether or not you were a fan of the Little House series!

Bought this on my kindle on a whim and read it in less than a day while at the beach. Perfect beach read. Had me laughing, horrified and interested in subject matter the entire book. Had zero expectations and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Loved reading about The Little House experiences- as I too was once a huge fan when I was growing up - and loved hearing about all the other actors on the show. I had no idea that Alison/Nellie had such a crazy childhood. Some parts are horrific and other parts are laugh out loud funny. Fun read. Thank you!

I would have a hard time believing that people would really think that Alison Arngrim was really Nellie Oleson picking on Laura Ingalls and everyone else she didn't like if I hadn't read of similar instances like this before with other actors or actresses who played rotten people. I even read once that some people really thought that there were seven people stranded on Gilligan's Island! Long ago even as a child I knew that a fictional television show was just that, fiction. Do people really think that we have cameras zooming in on people watching their lives?! I think that better lesson is after reading this book is that not every person who plays a rotten person is necessarily rotten and that not every people who plays a nice person is really that nice. If anything as I child I had an illusion that a child on a TV show must have a really great personal life. They must be rich and have anything they want. Their home life must be great. They must not suffer abuse, but even as I got older I came to realize that that is not always the reality. And I would say that is the lesson to be learned from this book. Alison Arngrim didn't grow up rich and her real life wasn't wonderful but after all of it she walked away a strong person. Alison I enjoyed the book. I have to add would any show be as enjoyable if everyone was nice. Having rotten characters adds to a show.

It was great reading about a child star who grew up struggling with a lot of the same things other child stars struggle with but who had the insight to make good decisions. Loved reading about her experience on Little House and her other life experiences. Very interesting and it was not a book only about her her her but about almost everybody she came across.

This book is, at times, said. & painful, at other times, funny and uplifting. In other words, it’s REAL. Life isn’t all rainbows & happy times. Life also involves pain, suffering & sorrow. Alison Arngrim shares it all here, the good & bad, the lovely & the ugly,and she does so beautifully. I’m thankful to her for sharing her life with the world.

I grew up watching LHOTP like most who probably read this book, and I was so surprised at how much I enjoyed not just this book but how engaging and likable Alison is! I was so sad to read about her abuse as a child, but I'm so glad she had a supportive "family" on the set when this was going on. Like she said, it probably helped being able to scream (when she was playing Nellie) and get out her anger and hurt in a safe environment. I'm also so proud of what she has done for children of abuse and people with AIDS. Talk about giving back! I would love to read any other books she cares to write and would also love to see her stand-up comedy show!

Alison is amazingly candid and isn't afraid of public attention because it's given her leverage to fight real evil. This book is both funny and interesting. It's a great read and, God love her, she didn't hold back. Congratulations for making this world a better and safer place. LHOTP is still binge worthy and I highly recommend this to anyone who loved to hate Nellie. She drew her strength from it and her own pluck.

Okay, as a big fan of L.H.P, I was so excited to read this book. Who wasn't terrified at the thought of mean old bitchy Nellie Olson? I knew more about Melissa Gilbert so I was curious to hear what Allison had to say. Wow, I could not put this book down. I was saddened to read about the abuse she endured as a young child- and was fascinated to read about her parents and about their fame as well. She has had an adventurous, yet tragic life while continuing to keep her sense of humor. Frankly, she sounds like an amazing women! Loved her tales of life on the set of Little House. I was surprised to know about Mary being such a snob but I guess it was her loss. I especially enjoyed her re-telling the making of my favorite episode- when Laura pushes her down the hill in her wheel chair! Who can forget Nellie's rage at the end of that episode? When she tears up everything and then throws a toy horse- I truly thought she was the most evil person I had ever seen! What a wonderful time for her and it's nice to see the cast continues to be close and has get-togethers. Any Little House fan will really enjoy this book! And the title is hilarious!

I had heard about this book from a few people who said they found it funny and very interesting. I got the book just this Saturday afternoon and was finished with it by Sunday evening. I honestly couldn't put it down (except for when I had to). It was so funny (in just my type of humor) and really gave some background on the show and Alison's life. Being a huge fan of LHOTP, it was a treat to read, especially since Nelly is actually one of my favorite characters... after I had grown up and started watching the reruns, that is. Plus, I loved the story between Nelly and Percival (those are some of my favorite episodes). It was an even larger treat to have her write about their friendship. It seemed they had a deep friendship, which was probably really good for her (and him) with all that was going on in her/his life. I also wanted to know if there was any truth, no matter how little, to the rumors I'd hear about MSA; how distant and snotty she was during the show and even later. Alison didn't seem to bash her, but she did mention how she didn't seem very responsive to her attempts at extending the olive branch. This surprises me as Mary was such a likable character, I assumed the actress was at least a little like this. Not saying I'm definite she's horrible now, but after hearing so much about it and reading this book, I am starting to think maybe MSA isn't very nice... at least, to the cast for whatever reason. The book went into Alison's life, something I'd wondered about before. I hadn't known she was raped or anything, so it was surprising. I appreciate that she was even able to tell it because I'm not so sure I would have been able to. She seemed to be a little detached from it, but I assume that's because it was horrible and it's probably not something she's worked through completely (but then again, could you ever really put that behind you?). All in all, it was a fantastic book: informative about the show, the cast, and herself. I'd recommend this book to any LHOTP fan. It will be going into my 'keep it' library of books because I know I'll enjoy going back every now and then and revisiting it. To me, it seemed like she did survive it and survived it well.

I grew up watching Little House on the Prairie and likewise LOATHING Nellie Oleson. I am happy to say though that I adored Alison Arngrim's memoir. Alison writes with an open heart letting everyone in on EVERYTHING in her life both before and after Little House. Like Nellie, Alison is not afraid to open up and say the things others won't. The revelations that she makes will at times make the reader cringe and other times make you laugh. I loved the stories she told. Like the fact that she and Melissa Gilbert were great friends and spent much time together on and off screen. Or how she went to an event dressed as Nellie and got attacked which was the last time she dressed as Nellie off screen. Or how Michael Landon drank on set, and didn't wear underwear! My favorite was the story about her and the actor who played her on screen husband Percival during the "bed scene" where they were laughing uncontrollably.

Though I had always liked Alison the actress, because I knew how good she was to make Nellie so hated. Her book made me love Allison the person. I read Melissa Sue Anderson's book and felt a little cheated. There wasn't a lot of substance, there was very little personal information. Alison on the other hand, gave us everything. She told about her parents, her brother. The awful things that happened to her when she was young. And the fun and horrors of being the biggest little bitch on the Prairie. In reading this book, I am so proud to have watched this little girl grow up in front of me and become a truly, kind and loving woman. Someone that cares about others the way Nellie would never have cared. Someone that has spent countless hours volunteering for a cause that other's at that time wouldn't lend their name to. Someone that didn't give up the fight after her friend had lost.

I’d recommend this book to anyone who grew up watching LHOTP and/or anyone who had abuse in his/her childhood. It’s sad, funny, heartbreaking, scandalous, and extremely thoughtful. I’ve heard it said to play a “dumb” character takes brains. By the same token, I think it must take a tender heart to play a b*tch. Alison is an activist, actress, comedienne and author. She’s also an amazing narrator—if you decide to buy the audiobook like I did.

I laughed, hard. I cried, too. I was stunned and overwhelmed by this story, and the directions and depths of honesty Allison was willing to venture. I didn't know about her story, i.e. Political victories, or incest. I'm an avid documentary fan and I couldn't resist the title of the book. I hope that one day I can shake her hand. Oh, and if you guys ever come to Napa you have an open invitation to my house and I'll try and make you some mousse.

I can't say enough good things about Alison Arngrims biography. She has certainly had a most interesting life. Not many children start out life living in hotels. Unfortunately many children are abused and molested when they are too young to understand what is happening to them. I applaud Alison's complete honesty in speaking of her abuse and naming her abuser. I know of a couple of childhood friends that had similar abuse. They keep it a dark secret to them selves. It is all too common and is almost always a relative, a friend of the family or a neighbor. Alison also had a gay bi-sexual father. This is not unusual either except most people are secretive about it. Her husband on the series died of aids. I applaud her advocacy for the disease. In truth all of us keep childhood secrets. In a refreshing turn about Alison talks openly about her abuse and how she made the abuser stop. She threatened to call the police. I hope that by reading this book you will be comforted as to know that it is the abuser who should be ashamed. If you are being abused you do have power. This was such a good book with great information as to how scenes were filmed on the Little House set. Some times not very safely. For example the time they sent Alison down a hill in a wheel chair without any safety equipment. Her relationship with Melissa Gilbert is strong as it was when they met the first day she worked. Her hilarious screen test where she talked about how wealthy the Oleson's were. She had them laughing out loud. There are so many interesting things in the book that you will just have to buy it to read it your self. The biggest book of the summer. As soon as you finish it you will want to read it again. We want another book Alison. We want a second biography from you as you are the best. Buy this book. You will enjoy it.

It’s a surprisingly good book by a surprisingly likable person. I watched Little House the first few years but became disinterested when the children “grew up.” Alison Arngrim grew into a strong individual who uses her “powers” for good. It’s a fun, fast read and I’m glad to have learned about this really cool person.

"Confessions of a Prairie Bitch" has been out for awhile but I just read it and I am beyond glad I did. I'd always read that Alison Arngrim is the real deal: funny, talented, sweet, honest and strong...and, WOW, her book proved all of those things and more. Most of us who have always loved "Little House" have also loved & hated Nellie Oleson. The fact that Alison celebrates and appreciates her lasting fame from her iconic character is so refreshing. While that is the foundation for her book, it really is her real-life trauma, courage, kindness and sweet, sardonic humor that make her book as special as it is. And, believe me, this is a very special book. Of course, it's fun to hear the inside scoop on her "Little House" life and co-stars and Alison's charming writing had me laughing out loud more times than I remember. On top of that, I was so, so moved by her personal experiences with a unique family, hideous abuse, losing her BFF to AIDS and her subsequent commitment to helping others through selfless courage. Believe me, I am a bit of a jaded bitch but this book will melt even the coldest heart, as Alison is so honest, direct and real in describing her life experiences. The realizations she shares at the end of the book are so touching and profound that you can't help but relate to this wonderful woman and appreciate all she has been through and shared. I highly, highly recommend this book for all "Little House" fans, as well as anyone interested in reading about a woman's very unique life and her ability to rise above her personal pain to not only help others but attain personal happiness and peace. I am not usually grateful for having read a celebrity autobiography but I am grateful for "Confessions of a Prairie Bitch" because it is so much more than a celeb tell-all. Read it and you will be glad you did, too!!

Alison you are as gifted a writer as you were at being Nellie Oleson! I learned of Alison's book while looking up information on Little House on the Prairie. My daughter was born in 1970 and she and I watched Little House every week, loving every minute. As my daughter grew up with Nellie and Laura and Mary, she then introduced all of her childhood friends from the 'Prairie' to her son born in 2000. We are now three generations who loved Nellie's antics...all of those 'looks'...I loved Nellie and Mrs. Oleson...when they weren't in an episode I was always disappointed. I still loved the episode but the 'fun' was on hold til they came back into another episode. Not to say that Laura was disappointing, not at all. This book is so well written. I have enjoyed it so much that I don't want it to be over..I have laughed and I have been shook to my very foundation learning how this child was abused...and yet her sense of humor and inner strength grew in spite of her home life. Amazing. Alison, I hope that you will try writing again. Anything...you're that good. I love that Alison shared so much of the spirit of the making of Little House...the Ups and Downs...the real Pa and Ma. I am familiar with Simi Valley, where Little House was filmed, and when I read about Nellie's WIG and clothes and the hours involved I thought...it's a wonder they survived with a sense of humor at all....because it gets HOT in Simi Valley in the summer. There isn't anything a FAN of Little House on the Prairie would enjoy more than this book......it does not disappoint...it's the perfect 'peek' behind the curtain. I am going to give my daughter her own copy for her 40th Birthday. Again, I hope Alison writes again..

If you are looking for a book that is funny, irreverent, and courageous, look no further than "Confessions of a Prairie Bitch" by Alison Arngrim. In a style you come to expect from the woman who portrayed Nellie Oleson for many seasons on Little House on the Prairie, Arngrim shares her story from her childhood, the years she suffered sexual abuse at the hands of a relative, her years on Little House, and beyond. This is a woman who isn't shy about opening up, and you'll love her for it. Argrim provided a great deal of behind the scenes stuff and spoke of many of her co-stars. I wish she had been a bit kinder to Melissa Sue Anderson, but overall, I didn't feel she exposed any horrible or damaging secrets. She spoke lovingly of her time on the set, and shared how portraying Nellie helped her deal with the problems at home. She also spent some time talking about the late Steve Tracy, who played her husband, Percival Dalton. As a fan of the show, I have always felt that Arngrim and Tracy had such wonderful on-screen chemistry. It is such a shame he passed away so young. Argrim speaks of that loss, Michael Landon's passing, her role as an AIDS activist, and her involvement in PROTECT.org. I read "Confessions of a Prairie Bitch" in under a day. The minute it arrived, I opened it up, and I pretty much didn't stop reading. I didn't want to stop reading. I couldn't stop reading. As soon as I was done I was ready to read it again. Alison Arngrim is a natural storyteller. I can see why her comedy act is so popular. If you're a fan of Little House on the Prairie, Nellie Oleson, Arngrim, or just want to read a hilarious book that you can't put down, pick up a copy of "Confessions of a Prairie Bitch".

I'll preface this review by saying that I probably haven't seen an episode of "Little House on the Prairie" in over 30 years, when my Mom made me and my sisters watch the show each week (this was long before cable TV and the net). But Alison Arngrim's Nellie Oleson always struck a cord with me. She was just an olden times versions of the bullies of my world at that time. It was always great when Nellie "got hers". I knew that as Alison's TV career declined with the end of her run on "Little House", she established a stand-up comedy act that centered around her life as Nellie and it was well received. So when I saw that she wrote a book about her life, I was interested. Other reviews have described the main aspects of her life, so I won't spend a lot of time rehashing, but she comes off as a woman you'd love to have a couple of drinks with and just listen to her talk. She's very candid about her show business family and the abuse she suffered from her brother, her relationships with "Little House" actors (with a surprising disdain of Melissa Sue Anderson) and her activiism in the AIDS movement brought on by the death of her "Little House" husband. My only disappointment is that I wish there was an unabridged audiobook with Alison narrating. I'm sure her vocalizations of her very interesting story would have been a great listen!

First I read Melissa Gibert's book. The one complaint I had was that there was not enough "Little House" moments . .I wanted to know more about life of the set. M.G.'s book at times also had a little too much info. . .and yet not about her and the cast members--the reason that Melissa G. became such a household name. Then I read Melissa Anderson's book. Good and completey different from M.G.'s, but totally non revealing about ANYTHING on her life, yet chock full of "Little House." Enter Alison. Absolutely PERFECT! She does both personal AND Little House. She is funny, sad . . etc. You "get" to know how she was (who'd of thought that SHE was shy) and about Little House (Imagine, her and Melissa Gibert being best friends! What GREAT actresses to be able to do that!) And after reading about what she had to say about Melissa Anderson, I can see why M.A.'s book was SO VERY impersonal, for whatever reasons M.A. has. I can't even imagine how Alison, from the not-so perfect childhood she had, has soared from child to adult. I am also amazed from all three as to how much work was put in on the set of Little House. These weren't children, they were adults! This woman has her head on straight! Go, go go NELLIE!!! And actually, out of all of them, Alison presents herself as the one that most would choose to be friends with! Many, many thanks for a GREAT READ!!!

Alison Arngrim has written one of the most affecting autobiographies I have ever read. The abuse she suffered by her brother made me cry. Her behind the scenes look at the making of Little House on the Prairie was especially revealing. One of the key players had a drinking problem that may have led to his death. One of the book's takeaways is how Alison learned to live with the hate directed not only at her character, but her! FRED ROSEN, AUTHOR, BAT MASTERSON THE FIRST DREAMER.

This book is AWESOME! I loved to hate Nellie growing up... but I love Alison Arngrim! She bares her soul and shares a lot. Shes so entertaining, so humorous, I couldnt put the book down. I rented it from the library, now I own it! The one thing I recommend is get her AudioBook having Alison read it is even more of a kick! God bless you Alison for sharing your story and your wonderful sense of humor! 😊

I'm going to keep this review short and simple. If you are a fan of the show and you enjoy reading memoirs, this book is perfection. If you are not a fan of the show, this book may not be of interest to you, mainly because Arngrim focuses alot on the show itself (behind the scenes and in front of the camera). However, it may prompt you to give the show a chance but if you're not familar with the episodes, there may be a disconnect as you read through some of the book. She does speak about her early life and her family but the show is a larger focus. It's very well written, informative and engaging. There are funny moments and there are some shocking revelations (one of which was horrifying and my heart goes out to her). Overall, it's one of the best memoirs I have read and I hope she publishes more books. She has an amazing gift of writing.

I wanted to read Alisons account of growing up because I have already read Melissas. I think sharing her story was very healing for her, and she did a good job of balancing vague verses descriptive to share her views. I found the behind the scenes interesting, but would have enjoyed it without all the swearing.

Watched Little House as a kid, but was never a fanatic or a big fan of Nellie Oleson, but who was? However, this book written by the woman who played Nellie, is really well done - i won't give away any spoilers, but the book is funny, touching and enlightening. Most celeb books stink (i know, i've wasted too much time on too many of them, but this one is really good and Allison's story is interesting and engaging. Relatively quick read though, so that is the only downside.

I, like so many other kids growing up in the 70's and 80's was a big fan of Little House. As a little girl growing up with an absent father, Michael Landon's "Pa" character was my favorite and seemed like the perfect Dad. I was lucky enough to get the Kindle edition of this book on sale for 1.99 one day, and started to read it and haven't been able to put it down! It is very interesting, but also very sad to learn of Alison's abuse she had to endure while a child from her brother. She is very brave to put this out there, and hopefully it will help others in similar situations. In the book she shares some of the inside stories of the making of Little House (wow those were some pretty tough little kids) and she shares a few stories about Michael Landon, and Katherine Macgregor and the two Melissa's, as well as her on screen husband Percival. I would've enjoyed it if she had included a few stories of some of the other characters on the show such as Mary's husband Adam, or half pint's brother Albert but she pretty much leaves most of the secondary characters out. It is a very interesting book however, and well written. It was a great price and I'm enjoying it!

One of the best autobiographies I ever read. The little girl I grew up hating yet fascinated me has grown up into one hell of a woman and she fascinates me more. It was an excellent read, excellent story telling and excellent life lessons. I rarely get to the end of a book, particularly an autobiography, and think there wasn't something that couldn't have been improved or should have been left out. Like really, really should have been left out. This book was perfect in my opinion and deserves to be a Classic in the category of modern American culture. If you grew up watching this excellent show, you'll love this book. It won't spoil the show for you. It almost made me want to watch it all over again but with new eyes.

I originally purchased this book when it first was released. Unfortunately, I loaned that copy out and needed to replace it. This book is a fast read, and Alison sucks you into her world with a lot of wit and sarcasm, and a lot of heart! I keep hoping that she will come to Syracuse, New York to perform her show or a book signing. I absolutely love this book, and have an unending love and respect for the woman herself!

I didn't have hugely high hopes for this autobiography. But I love things all Little House (mostly the books, and the real-life Laura Ingalls Wilder) but also the old tv show. Melissa Gilbert's book was good, and I really think I like her as a person, but I just wanted more Little House juice. Allison Angrim delivered the goods. She proved to be intelligent, witty, sarcastic, and incredibly brave. From her young days as the daughter of a gay publicist and his wife, the voice of Casper, to her marriage and post Little House days, the book never stalled and the book was very compelling. Yes, we got all the good Little House backstage info. She does Melissa Gilbert better in this department. We also get glimpses into her relationships with Melissa Gilbert, Melissa Sue Anderson, Michael Landon, and her on screen hubby Steve Tracy. Most of her stories are great for a laugh, but the portions of the book dealing with her sexual abuse by her brother and her activism for both abuses children and Aids charities really show who Alison is. The best part of the book is watching Alison embrace the Nellie Olsen character. Doing so enabled her to really find her place in the world and gave her the courage to fight for the causes she believes in. I can't give the book less than five stars. There is simply not a thing I would've changed about it.

If you are looking for a light, funny read with some nostalgia (and a life story no one could make up!), this is for you… It was an impulse buy, and boy was I surprised. I really didn’t know what to expect, but I surely didn’t expect this. It’s actually fascinating, and she is hilarious.

I have never read a biography, but I liked Nellie when I was a kid and the title caught my eye. Reading this book made me angry for what had happened, made me cry because such love and life was lost but continues on and made me laugh. This is definitely my favorite book of the year.

Although I grew up with "Little House," this is my first memoir by any of its cast. I was expecting funny, but this was so much more. From shyness, child abuse and bullying to watching a dear friend (Steve Tracy, who played Percival) die from AIDS, Alison has been through much more than anyone who simply enjoyed the show could ever guess. How she used Nellie's character to help her as a child and then as an adult is inspiring, courageous and quite clever. Although I loved the insight and funny tidbits about the "Little House" cast and life on the set, I found Alison's story before and after being on the show just as compelling, if not more so. After her friend Steve died, Alison spent years volunteering to educate people about AIDS. Not only does she get help to deal with the child abuse she lived through, but she stood up for millions more victims, using Nellie once again to get through to senators who at first told her they didn't care that she was molested as a child. When she was done with them, they cared and a California law that did nothing to protect child abuse victims was changed. She's gutsy, funny, affectionate, angry, determined, fiesty, a doer. She says it so well when she says that ultimately, "The only one who can save you is you." She explains why, despite everything, she's happy. Her book inspired me to stand up for myself and be happy, too.

Shew! I'm really late to this party, but better late than never! I guess I'm with others that never thought I'd ever love Nellie Oleson, but I was so wrong! Looking back at the old shows as an adult, I think she's hysterical. And she is in this book too. Afer reading this, how could I not love her??? Though this is a very funny book, it has a very serious message. This could've easily been a lousy poor-me misery memoir, but it isn't. It's amazing what she went through and still was able to, and still is able to laugh. And though she had a lot of ugly things happen to her, boy, did she have some simply amazing ones as well. I'm so happy that she never let the darkness in her life overwhelm her. Anyone who loved Little House on the Prairie will love this book. Memoir fans should rejoice to get their hands on a copy. It is one of the best memoirs I've ever read. It kept me up reading until the wee hours to finish. I am so glad that I read it, and I'm not sure I won't reread it someday, just for the laughs. I applaud the author for her honesty with a troubling, disturbing story and for never letting her personal tragedy define her as a person. Great, great book.

Our family has been making our way through

Written in a straightforward conversational way.I felt as though I was visiting with a good friend.my children loved little house on the prairie and when we had to track through the snow during blizzards to get home we would pretend that we were pioneers. A lesson in endurance is what many took away from that show and it is also typified by Alison,s journey.

I didn't know this book existed until I watched an interview of Alison Arngrim. What I loved most about that interview was the positive energy she exuded. So, I downloaded a sample to my Kindle and enjoyed her writing so much that I purchased the book immediately. Alison educates the reader about what it was like being a child actor in the 70s. She also talks about what it was like to work with the cast members and crew on Little House. That was very interesting in itself, but what I really enjoyed reading about was her life's difficulties and how she dealt with them, especially where her brother was concerned. That was an extremely difficult topic, and she handled it very well. Because she was honest about her experiences, many people can identify with and rally for her. I hope Alison writes more books in the future because I love her sense of humor and her outlook on life. Highly recommended.

While I watched Little House on the Prairie, who didn't at some point in time?, I can't say I was ever a big fan. I am, however, a fan of books- all types. I'm not sure what drew me to this autobiography, perhaps it was the great Kindle pricing. Once I started reading, I could not put this down. Alison Arngrim presents a very frank memoir of her less than typical upbringing. She tells behind the scenes stories from the set that appear matter of fact and unbiased. Despite the difficulties in her life, she presents herself as self assured, with no self pity, and has a delightful sense of humor that is woven throughout the book. It is refreshing to hear a tale of a child actor/actress, that has matured into a seemingly well balanced adult -despite early exposures to incest, alcohol and drugs, that could have led her a totally different way. While I may have been indifferent to her before, I have a new found respect.

I wouldn't have expected Nellie Olsen to become a hero to me. Don't get me wrong, this is a really delightful, funnybook. In fact it's down right hilarious and yet I found a personal hero reading it. This woman went through hell.She is an incest survivor, aids activist, and a champion of abused children everywhere and she makes COMEDY out of it. I didn't watch Little House. I knew about Nellie the bitch, but I now respect Allison the Woman!

So, i got this book to read on the kindle app on my ipad2 for 2 reasonss-- to save space on my bookcase, and because i had been wanting to read it for quite awhile and it was at a good price. I loved little house on the prairie growing up and even now as an adult i own the complete series on DVD-- i couldn't stand Nellie on the show till after she married Percivial. I read all rthe reviews for the book and though they were mixed i got a sample of the book and liked it so i went ahead and got the book. I am so glad i did-- i couldn't put it down! i got it around 10:00pm one evening and read the first 9 chapters before bed. i finished the remainder of the book the next day i couldn't put it down. Allison did a good job of giving you a feel of what it was like to get into wardrobe, hair and make-up no matter the weather. loved her ancidotes of Michael Landon's sens of humor and how fondly she remembers him and the other cast members that have since passed. Her closeness with her TV hubby was very refreshing to read as back then most people would have shunned him for his orientation (some sadly, still would.) i could feel her heartache as she wrote about his illness from the time she found out he was sick, till he sadly passed away- it made me tear up. her stories about her childhood were heartbreaking at times-- but her friendship with Melissa Gilbert really seemed to make her immensely happy. Overall i thought it was a very good book.

I respect Alison’s great courage and resilience, her defense of the helpless, and victory in the protection of children (PROTECT.ORG). Isaiah 61:3 bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of despair.

This was interesting to read about one of the iconic stars from Little House on the Prairie. I grew up not liking Nellie Olson, but now I realize what a brilliant actress Allison Anagram was to depict that character so well. She was probably one of the best actresses on the show. She gave me a look behind the scenes of the television series.

If you loved to hate Nellie, you'll dig the behind the scenes anecdotes that Arngrim spins so well. She's hilarious and insightful. And Arngrim's story of how she persevered through the sometimes hellish life of a child actor and came out the other side to help so many others is really inspirational. And I don't use that word often or lightly.

I can't say enough about this funny, sad, informative, wonderful read! Alison is someone to be admired in every sense of the word. It really shows what a wonderful actor she was, and a side no one would guess. She knows how to make lemonade out of lemons and come out on top! kudos to you Alison. You are one person I would love to meet! Your book helped me immensely. Thank you for sharing your life!

Alisons book had me laughing so hard! Of course there were tears too. Such a well written and heartwarming story. It’s clear she’s loved and has loved. Despite a difficult childhood and surviving incest she has made a wonderful life and has friends from “Little House” still. I bought the book because she’s spent most of the last year reading to all of us every day (on fb). Another wonderful feat from a woman who has been on the front lines fighting for AIDS patients, abused children, and all of us. THANK YOU for writing this. We really need books like this today.

I've enjoyed this book just as much as Melissa Gilbert's book. I'm not quite done,however. Alison Arngrim certainly gives a more in-depth look at the interactions between her, "half-pint", and "Missy" on the set and off the set of "Little House on the Prairie". She holds nothing back in discussing her early days and child sexual abuse before it was talked about for those of us that are around her age. I enjoyed the way each chapter was started with lines from the show between Nellie and whomever. I just may buy Melissa Sue Anderson's so that I can compare all three. I think it would be interesting as these first two really have no relationship with her. I'd like to read what she thought, however, she's stated repeatedly in interviews that she didn't get along with anyone including Michael Landon and has not shown for reunions with the cast and crew. Back to Alison,it is an easy read, although there are chapters that are difficult as she attempts to say "good-bye" in her own way with Nellie's help to the people that were her family as she grew into a young woman and began her career as a comedian.

Wow!! As a big fan of LHOTP I can appreciate such an in depth story. I just loved the whole Olsen family. They gave the story the oomph it needed in my opinion. Allisons story comes from the heart. No pity me, but a woman who took back her life and is doing some wonderful things with the hand life dealt her. I feel like (I dont know why) but so proud of her. You go girl. Grab that happiness and run with it!!

There is absolutely nothing in this book that I disliked. I was pleasantly surprised about many things. I give very few reviews that touch as close to home as this one did. This was a very balanced book. Loved the beginning, loved the middle, loved the ending. This is a great read. Something I saved for quiet times and then devoured at the end. I just absolutely could not put it down! Enjoy!

So funny and informative, not only on one of the old west’s bad girls, but also on many other aspects of the Little House series. The story of Alison Angrim is so interesting, there is more to her than you know and Nellie Olson she is not outside the show. One of the best parts revolves around her friendship with Melissa Gilbert, who would have thought off screen Nellie and Laura were best friends. So many interesting stuff and once you start you won’t want to put it down.

My confession first, I didn't see much of Little House on the Prairie as I lived overseas much of the time it was broadcast and haven't bothered with reruns. But I saw enough episodes to get the gist of it. The revelations of her appalling home life and the sexual abuse she experienced were difficult to read. And be forewarned that the B word is the least of the profanity in this book. I am not a fan of such language but it is so appropriate in the context of her story that I didn't feel assaulted by it as I have in other books. For me, the best part of the book was the post Prairie years when she became an advocate for animals and AIDS education and then worked to effect changes in legislation concerning childhood sex abuse. That she can tell her life story with so much humor and honesty after enduring some of the worst that life can throw at you is a tribute to her triumph over horrific events and her strong spirit.

I had read others reviews of this book and even though the kindle edition was more than I usually spend, this autobiography was worth it. I still watch reruns of Little House on the Prairie and will continue with a different view. Great book.

I bought this book on a whim thinking it would be a piece of fluff while traveling but I was very much impressed! If you are expecting a typical celebrity "dishy type tell all you" will be disappointed. This is an honest, very funny and thoughtful book about Alison Arngrim's experiences on Little House but also in her life. She simply shares her experiences and observations without being mean spirited just what she saw and felt and how it affected her. I love that this book feels like I am simply having coffee with her while she tells me her stories!

Anyone who grew up watching Little House in the 70's grew to detest the character Nellie Oleson. Now that we are all adults and have some spare time, some of us, like myself, may have wondered about the young lady who played that character and if she really turned out OK or not. Alison Arngrim fills us in on the details of not only working on the set and growing up in the entertainment industry but of overcoming the worst kind of abuse at the hands of her brother. The chapters are filled with sharp wit and I laughed out loud on more than one occasion. Alison really isn't anything like Nellie Oleson and if I ever saw her in person, I would not clock her in the side of the head with an orange soda. A fascinating, funny, inspiring read with a great ending.

Although I am not usually a fan of either celebrity "tell-all" books or biographies in general, this book intrigued me. I knew that Ms. Arngrim now does some stand-up comedy and thought this might be a good summer read. That turned out to be an understatement. On one hand, it's an inspirational story of a girl who overcame horrific abuse and grew up to be a lovely, compassionate adult who spends much of her time helping others. But it's also a fascinating tale of growing up in Hollywood in the 1970s. Much of the book describes the time that Ms. Arngrim was on Little House on the Prairie and includes interesting insights on her co-stars. She manages to be candid without being mean-spirited (something Nellie Oleson could have never pulled off!). And did I mention that this is also one of the funniest books I've read in a long time, with more "laugh out loud" moments than I can count? If you're on the fence about whether to buy this book, go for it!

I never watched Little House on the Prairie when it was on unless someone else was in charge of the tv. I had read all the books and felt nothing Hollywood could do would be better. I know I saw a few episodes. So why I found this book to be interesting enough to buy is beyond me. Boy! Am I glad I did. Not for the backstage peek at what went on but because the author writes meaningfully. She is an admirable woman who has used her fame in a positive way to help there’s. Others who are not universally loved or easily helped. I highly recommend this book.

I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!! I wasn't much of a LHOTP fan when I was a kid; some of the plot lines were too out there for me. Plus I had my own real-life "Nellie Oleson" to deal with at school. But I read some excerpts of this book, and Ms. Arngrim is FUNNY! It sounds like her awesome sense of humor kept her sane when she was sexually abused. I got the book for Christmas, and doubled over laughing over Katherine MacGregor, aka "Harriet Oleson," dropping F-bombs when she'd forget her lines!

This book is awesome! Humor, mixed with fact, mixed with tragedy, mixed with more humor...Alison is a hoot! This book is worth the read. I shipped my copy to Mansfield, MO for her appearance at the Laura Ingalls Wilder museum back in September and the curator had her to personally autograph it for me. A book I will treasure always

I just finished this book, and although I normally wouldn't pick something with profanity as my choice of entertainment, I somehow knew this would be different .... worthwhile. I was correct. I will be watching "Little House" with a keener eye from now on. Nellie's character was the armor Alison needed to survive the craziness & atrocities of her home life. Child actors rarely have 'normal' lives, but Alison's was a wee bit more abnormal. What struck me as eye-opening was the person behind the character. Alison is down-right hysterical to read. I gathered from the book that this, too, is part of the armor she acquired, but it suits her well. It makes me love Nellie. I see her in a whole new light. Thank you, Alison, for the insight into the lives of all the other characters on "Little House". And thank you for sharing what for most of us would have been truly difficult, as well as for all the work you do on behalf of public relations. Kudos to you!

This book probably has one of the best titles ever. I am more a fan of the Little House books than the TV show, but I was curious to what Alison Arngrim had to say about playing the meanest little girl on TV in the 1970's. I really did enjoy reading her book. There were parts where I laughed out loud and other parts where my heart broke. It's kind of surprising that she did not live a glamorous life at all, even though she was on the top TV show for years. I'm glad that she took things that could have destroyed her and used that experience to help others. The only reason I didn't give a total 5 stars is because I rarely give top ratings for anything. I would recommend this book to others.

I gave this the full 5 stars because while just as most of the planet hated Nellie O. I also hated her, she was mean, spoiled and obnoxious. So I just had to get to know the woman who played her. She tells the heartache and shame of being raped by her own brother, she explained with great humor how it was to be raised by the woman who was the voice of Gumby, and a father who was a closeted gay man. I felt like she made me understand how Nellie O. helped her deal with the pain and suffering of being a incest survivor. I also learned who Percival was really, and she made me love him too. I loved this book, and honestly want her to keep writting. I want to know all I can about Allison. And now that I have read this book, I too can forgive Nellie Oleson.

I was so surprised reading the sample what an entertaining, engaging and very good writer Alison Amgrim is. I watched LHOTP for five minutes once and didn't like it at all, (although I loved the books when I was little). But I remembered her, the two Melissas and Michael Landon. Since I read celebrity memoirs to relax, I thought I'd give this a try. I'm glad I did. She had one of the worst of childhood experiences. Incest. What's fascinating to me, always, is how she survived it. Working on LHOTP was major. And in the years after, interestingly, the character she played continued to help her in so many ways. You have to read the book to understand how. She gives the inside scoop on what it was like working on the show and what the other actors were like. That's always fun. She is amazing, so strong, so honest, and she speaks out on behalf of good causes. I found her quite inspiring.

I read very few and very select Hollywood biographies; this one is worth reading. While the stories from LITTLE HOUSE are great, the real life Alison Arngrim is an amazing woman. She relates the stories of the horrible abuse from her childhood and her tenacious activism as an adult. This is a woman with whom I could really be friends!

I sincerely believe after reading Confessions of a Prairie Bitch that Alison Arngrim is the celebrity to love! I was truly touched in Arngrim's sharing of her story. I felt like I was right there through it all. Right away you will fall in love with the girl we grew up hating on tv because her true light shines right from the beginning of her story. To read how she took the negatives in her life and used them to go on to do such great things will truly bless you. I know this is a biography but it is also inspirational because it makes you look at your own life and wonder how you can make such positive changes come about. I was sad when I was reading the last page because I enjoyed following Alison Arngrim around. I look forward to hearing about all of the important things she continues to do.

I grew up watching Little House on the Prairie. I remember the whole family, even my parents, getting together to watch. Well, as soon as I heard about this book--written by the actress that played Nellie Oleson, I had to buy it immediately. She was definitely the most intriguing and memorable character on the show--the one we all loved to hate. And the was as good as I hoped. We get all the behind the scenes scoop on the Little House set plus a lot more about Alison's life. Alison is a hilarious writer and this was a great book. Note: I should warn that Alison tells about some really bad stuff that happened in her life as well--so this is not just a light comic read--but she has such a great attitude that this book is definitely not a downer. Alison is my new hero! This is a book I will be sharing with other Little House fans.

First, let me say that this read like I was having a conversation with a dear friend. I loved it! Alison is as gifted as a writer as she is as an actress. Second, let me say I never disliked Nellie Olson. I was born in 1973, so the show was already in production when I started watching. I actually enjoyed her character and held a secret jealousy that she played this role as I think I would have LOVED this role! Her memoir was honest and refreshing. I loved the 'insider scoop' about the behind the scenes. I also appreciated her honesty about her homelike, abuse and dysfunctional family. This is a worthwhile read!

I was surprised by just how much I loved this book. Alison Arngrim has proven to be not just a beloved child star but a wonderful writer and effective supporter for incest victims and AIDS patients.Her story is inspiring and I was sorry when the book came to an end.

Contrary to most fans, I was not really a fan of Little House on the Prairie. The sole reason I watched the show was for Nellie Oleson. I remember in the 70's, before I even turned 10 years old, my sister and I would sit in front of the TV asking; "Where's Nellie?!" We always knew when Nellie was on screen, we would be guaranteed a sadistic uproarious laugh. I never hated Nellie, but loved her for the villain that she was, even then. In the 90's, I began to catch reruns of Little House, and was reminded at the brilliance that is Nellie; her looks, her dialog delivery, her vicious little smile..., then it all made sense to me. I was now able to view Nellie's antics as the undeniable camp that they were, and my love for this character in the 70's was apparently the first hint that I was a budding little gay boy. I have no idea why the idea of a vicious little girl, (The Bad Seed, anyone?) appeals so much to gay men, but it does. I think it may have to do with the cartoonish over-the-top situations they are usually depicted in. And let's face it, Nellie Oleson was often wonderfully over the top. I found myself recording these reruns, copying only the Nellie bits for future viewing pleasure. I'm now tempted to buy the whole series because there are many other Nellie bits that I've probably not seen since the original broadcast. I'm not a very spiritual person, though I do sometimes find that I am drawn to specific people, musical artists or movies, even before knowing much about them. One of the first things I did when I got online in the mid-90's was look up Alison Arngrim and any information I could find about her. I was able to read various interviews and Q&As which proved that not only was Nellie Oleson a brilliantly acted character, but Alison Arngrim was also a very funny, witty, strong, caring and brilliant woman. She was not dull or bland, with her depiction of Nellie just being a fluke. She was a hilarious and fascinating person. I've adored Alison as much more than Nellie ever since. A couple of months ago, I got a phone call from a friend of mine in another state. He casually mentioned the upcoming release of Alison's book, assuming I must already be aware of it. I had no idea what he was talking about, and promptly came to Amazon to see if my friend was just playing the cruelest of jokes on me. But there it was in all its glory - Confessions of a Prairie Bitch. I thought I was dreaming by the look of that hilariously perfect cover, and the amusing title. I honestly think I may have had a tear in my eye. Oh, no! The book was still a couple of months from release! I found myself returning to this Amazon listing a couple of times a week, giddily anxious like a kid at Christmas time in anticipation for the big day. I received my copy of the book last week, and it has been everything I expected, and more. I had no doubt that a book recalling Alison's life would be a fascinating and insightful read, and the humor I had come to expect was all over it. It was informative, hilarious, revealing, and even sad at times, but always up front, frank and real. I love people who are truly authentic, and Alison is all of that. Having written and released my own memoirs a few years ago, (though mine is more focused on a specific time frame and subject matter), I know how therapeutic and purging compiling something like this in print can be. But what an adventure she has been on. I love Nellie Oleson for the brilliantly campy villain that she was, and no one could have brought her to life the way Alison did. I adore Alison for being the funny, strong and wonderful woman she is. I would love her to stop by the Cleveland area some time with her show and for a book signing. I wish Alison all the luck in the world in her life and with her book, and hope the steady stream of well deserved 5 star reviews continue to add up. You deserve every one of them!

I never watched Little House or read the books, but this book came highly recommended so I decided to give it a shot. By the time I finished it I wanted to stand up and applaud. Not only is it well written and highly entertaining, but it is incredibly inspiring as well.

I grew up listening to people talk about Little House on the Prairie. We didn't really watch too many episodes when I was a kid, but I was familiar with the series. I did watch enough episodes to know that Nellie Oleson was a little brat. That said, this memoir was amazing. There was so much more to this little gal than the character that she played. She suffered greatly as a child, things no child should ever have to go through. That she was able to get past all that and go on to do the things she did with people with AIDS says volumes about the type of person she grew up to be. It was especially interesting learning all the behind the scenes stuff that went on during taping. How down and dirty and unglamorous it all really was. Loved it!

Alison has written a funny and truthful book about her life without all the preachy, talky, stuff other celebrities tend to tell. Wonderful book about her life at all stages, growing up, Little House, and afterwords. She might not have had many acting jobs after Little House, but she used Nellie for good things! This is a book you will truly enjoy!

Growing up as a child of the 70s, Monday nights were reserved for one thing and one thing only: "Little House on the Prairie." Some may have thought the show was schmaltzy and cheesy, but we loved it for all it was worth. One of the best parts about "Little House" was the character of Nellie Oleson, played beautifully by Alison Arngrim. Never before, and probably never since, was there a character you so loved to hate. She was mean, cruel and nasty-- and in our household, we called her "Nasty Nellie" for that exact reason. So many years later, I started watching "Little House" reruns on cable TV. I found myself remembering so many episodes and loving them all over again. But my favorites were the ones featuring Nellie Oleson. For some reason, that character MADE the show. It was great in every other aspect, but when Nellie was on, it was golden. Alison Arngrim's book is a delight. I typically get bored with memoirs, especially those written by stars who have been out of the spotlight for a while. But her story was so personal and interesting and moving, I could not stop reading it. It is compelling and entertaining at the same time. Her stories from her time on the "Little House" set were not just re-hashings of episodes; they gave intriguing and sometimes outright hilarious background on the show, its actors, and everyone involved. I felt like I was right there in Simi Valley with everyone, donning spiral curls and wearing petticoats. And I'm a guy! Her stories of abuse were harrowing, but not so blatantly shocking that you were left horrified. Alison has a way of finding humor in even the worst of situations, and I think that's why this book is so captivating to read. She has some difficult things to share-- but she shares them with grace, dignity, and most importantly, humor. That's a very delicate balance to maintain. Alison Arngrim does it beautifully. From her stories of life on the "Little House" set, to her experiences with her zany parents, her heartbreaking and incredibly touching relationship with her "Little House" co-star Steve Tracy, and her life after "Little House" as an AIDS and abused children activist; Alison Arngrim proves that being a child star does not mean a life of torture and pain. Fortunately for Alison, she had Nellie Oleson to help her through those hard times. I think all of us could use a Nellie Oleson to help us get through life's rough spots. How could you not love a bitchy friend like that?

"Every show needs a villain," as my mom said of Nellie. The incident when Allison was kicked at the school appearance must have made some media, or been discussed in an interview or something at that time, because I remember my mother telling me about it, and saying it must have been hard for a little girl. Little House was a ritual in our house, and Nellie, like J.R. Ewing, was the character you loved to hate. I thoroughly enjoyed Allison's frank telling of her story; I had not known she was a survivor of abuse. Yet she relates her whole story with wit and humor, frankly and without affectation. She took what could have destroyed her and worked with it, around it, in spite of it. She seems like she'd be great fun hang out with.

I was going through a biography phase when I came across all three of the "Little House" biographies. Luckily a friend of mine had already read all three and told me to just read this one and I am glad she did. Allison Arngrim speaks with a frankness about her life which allows you to peak into her life without feeling sorry for her. She speaks candidly about subjects that could have been written in a more titillating way, but instead she brings an acceptance of yes this was my life and I've made peace with it. I laughed, I cried, and ran the gamut of every emotion in between. I loved the fact that being Nellie Oleson helped her find her inner B@#$% (as necessary). Even though she has written a decent length book, I wished it wouldn't end.

Just finished reading this book and loved it. Heartbreaking in some chapters in her childhood and so funny in many of the chapters about Little House. I have always loved the show and it was great to hear about the behind the scenes adventures. I had no idea that her and Steve Tracy were such wonderful friends after Little House. I knew she was involved with AIDS work after his death. Now I understand more about why she was led to be an AIDS advocate for so many years. Highly recommend this book. It was hard to put down.

Fun and heartbreaking at the same time. Alison talks about her abuse so matter of factly. I can tell that she has come to terms with it which is wonderful, but thinking about the sadness and confusion she went through at the time is awful. But that aside, the book is lots of fun, even if you weren't a regular Little House watcher (I am not but I read the Little House books). The tone is light and airy, the pace is quick and you get to read about lots of little fun tidbits about behind the scenes. I always thought Nellie Oleson was a fun combination of brat and sass. I recommend this if you enjoy other memoir type books like those by Tori Spelling or Tine Fey.

Loved her gutsy honesty,. This book is not just about “Nellie” but about Alison’s bizarre home life and horrific abuse. She tells about life on the set, her life long friendships with the other actors, most of them anyway, and her personal life. Three thumbs up.

I must say I'm a huge fan of memoirs and read a lot of them. This is one of my all time favorites. Alison is not only a great writer but she's funny as well. This one was so good that I just downloaded Melissa Gilbert's and have just started reading it. I would have loved to have read Melissa Sue Anderson's book as well, but what she wrote apparently doesn't go into any personal detail (which is what a memoir is all about) but is rather a blow by blow account of a lot of the Little House on the Prairie episodes, according to the reviews that is. I decided not to waste my money on that one. Hopefully, Melissa Sue Anderson will come out with a personal memoir at some point. If so I would love to read it.

I loved the show Little House and I loved this book as well. She really takes us behind the scenes and I had a lot of fun reading it. She's one of those people that just seems to tell it like she sees it..damn those who don't like it. I appreciate her humanizing Michael Landon for me. It makes me appreciate it that we all have a complexity to our personalities and that good and bad we can still appreciate one another. As for her childhood...I'm sorry that happened to her but because of it she is helping change laws that should have been changed a long time ago. Talk about strength and survival and initiative ..she has it all. I wish her the best of luck on her journey through life.

I watched Little House while growing up and even now on reruns and like everyone else hated Nellie Olsen until she married Percival and she changed from a spoiled brat to a loving wife. She also became so boring, it wasn't fun to watch her anymore. I never thought I'd be interested in anything "Nellie" had to say. But the book title caught my attention and the reviews intrigued me. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. Alison Amgrim is an excellent writer. She tells her story clearly without a "poor me" attitude. The abuse she endured was horrific yet, she found her place in life. Her courage in sharing her story is an inspiration.

Now and then, I like to take a break from reading serious fiction and dig into a good celebrity autobiography to feed my curiosity about Hollywood lifestyles and fuel my need for juicy gossip. Arngrim's memoir didn't disappoint. It is warm, engaging, sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, and peppered with poignancy. I am a closet fan of Little House. I don't admit this to my friends, lest they think I'm uncool, but I can confess it here. Growing up, each week I eagerly looked forward to watching the adventures of the Ingalls family and the rest of the residents of Walnut Grove. The show was well-written and well-acted. To be sure, it was squeaky-clean family fare, but it was a lovely hour-long diversion to simpler times. Of course, the highlight of any episode was when that little psychopath Nellie Oleson got her comeuppance, especially from Laura. And, as a pre-pubescent, I had more than one fantasy about the gorgeous Michael Landon. To this day, when I watch Little House in syndication, I hope it's an episode in which he takes his shirt off. But I digress... Arngrim does reveal some interesting tidbits about her fellow cast-mates. Like, who would have thought that the beautiful, angelic Melissa Sue Anderson was so stuck-up? SHE was the actual prairie bitch! Or that Katherine McGregor, who played Mrs. Oleson, was a prima donna (okay, not much of a stretch there, I guess.) Or Michael Landon routinely wore no underwear. More fodder for my fantasies. I digress again... Arngrim's account of the abuse she endured at the hands of her demented brother is heart-wrenching, but she doesn't dwell on it. These traumatic experiences could have easily caused her to fall into the abyss that has afflicted so many child stars, but Arngrim is a survivor and it seems she has risen above these horrible indignities. In fact, her experiences inspired her to reach out to other abuse victims and become an activist. For that she should be commended.

I don't usually read "story of my life" but i loved this book. Alison lived her life and survived and became a better person. I am not an abuse survivor but we all carry parts of our life that make us angry. Turn that anger outside and live.

Alison Arngrim's story is a captivating one that I recall often. She was such an excellent actor that she brought depth to the Nellie Oleson character that even the producers had not envisaged. Alison made strangers hate her. She delivered an edge to her part that many could not or would not have attempted. Her own personal story was frequently unhappy, with abusers and drug addicts in her life. Arngrim had only a brief career as an adult comedian and so is most famous for her TV role on "Little House on the Prairie." The book delivers more information about the show than some other books by cast members.

I didn't think I would enjoy the autobiography of Nellie Oleson very much, but I was mistaken. I enjoyed hearing all about Nellie and so much more. Consider reading Melissa Gilbert's tome as a companion if you haven't, but know, at enjoyable as Gilbert's is, Arngrim's is better. A remarkable story about an interesting and genuinely good person.

Honest, open and sane, I never knew Nellie Olson would one day be my hero. Not a shallow "I was a child actor" story, but a full life of zany family members and ones too terrible to push under the rug. Frank and compelling. This is a great book!

...and I am one of those crazies who, before reading this great book, would have had a very negative gut reaction if I saw Alison Arngrim in person. I was immediately drawn into this book - surprises everyone and some sadness, too. What I was most impressed by was that, in part of the book, she tells a seriously dark story but doesn't play up the melodrama or victimization which would have been understandable. Instead, she speak her truth, explains how she rose above it and how she helps others without playing the martyr card - rare! Would love to meet this remarkable woman! I would no longer run in fear!

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. Allison is very candid, and went into detail about her relationships with her family, her costars, and her time on "Little House." I really couldn't find a fault with this book, unlike her costars' recent books (which I enjoyed as well). She basically answers everything you'd ever want to ask her about "Little House," including the main question I've always wondered, which is: Did her castmates know or suspect at the time that the actor playing Percival was gay? The answer is... well, funny and surprising. But Allison also delves into her abusive childhood, and the story of how she found the strength to confront and "out" her abuser is quite inspirational. I highly recommend the book.

I don't even know how I ended up buying this book, but I am SO HAPPY THAT I DID! Alison Arngrim is hilarious and a wonderful story teller. While some of her story is heartbreaking, overall it's uplifting and funny and by the end all I wanted to do was be her new best friend. I highly, highly recommend this book. You'll look at Nellie and Alison in a whole new light and with massive respect.

GREAT book! I urge anyone whho is a "LHOTP" fan to read it and you will fall in love with AA! She is witty, charming, shocking, bold, and has an exrtemely advanced sense of wry humor which I am sure saved her very sanity during certain periods of her life. A very unsung heroine in the fields of saving children - she made new laws actually happen to protect abused children and I never even knew about it! Read this book now! Also, if you ever read this AA - all I have to say is that I would not have been as charitable with that certain female actress that was always so rude to you - I would have had handfuls of her hair ripped out (too bad that the producers cut the scene where you two were going to scrap! LOL!).... ;-)

I loved this book! Allison seems like one of the nicest people and just the type of person that I would love to do lunch with. She definitely had a very rough childhood, but she is a shining example of someone that made "lemonade from lemons". I really enjoyed reading about Allison's life story, her great friendship with Melissa Gilbert and most of all the "behind the scenes" stories of one the great family shows that my kids grew up with.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I enjoyed reading about Allison's day at work, her friendship with Melissa Gilbert off of work, and the many adventures of the two of them when they were together. I was also impressed when Allison spoke out against the tape she experienced with her brother.

Alison Arngrim is a real firecracker! I remember watching reruns of "Little House" and having a love/hate relationship with Nellie Oleson. I always like the "bad guys" and Alison played her part to perfection. This was a great book that told some pretty funny tales. Like the times fans would "get back at her" for being so nasty to Melissa Gilbert....little did the fans know that the girls were actually good friends off-screen. I love behind-the-scenes stories and this book doesn't disappoint.

I couldn't put the book down! Besides 'Little House', she also talked about other factual things that peeked my interest. I would love for her to be my best friend!! She was so complete about everything she talked about or experienced. With other books I have read the writer would halfway get through a thought and go to the next paragraph and leave you wondering "and then what?". Her book was wonderful!

I really enjoyed this book because of all of the behind the scenes information that shed light on some of the scenes from Little House and also from Alison's life. Well done. You really feel like you know and understand Alison/Nellie on a more personal level. Reading it takes you on a journey through time and emotions.

Very interesting especially for Little House fan because she gives a lot of backstage commentary. Funny as well she has a great sense of humor and I even found myself laughing out loud. She is very likeable and seem like a great person. I want to meet her now.

I enjoyed reading this book and seeing what life was like for Alison growing up, both on the movie set and at home. Alison is a good writer and was easy to read. I didn't get bored reading it and was pleased to see a bit of her life shared with us who grew up watching Little House on The Prairie.

I absolutely LOVED this book, despite Nellie not being my favorite character. I love how she gives insight on different episodes, her co-stars, as well as letting us see into her emotional and crazy childhood. I enjoyed every chapter of this book and was sad when it ended. Also, I ended buying used, and got an autographed copy! It was made out to "Donna" but I don't care, I still think that was pretty cool!

Alison gives a look into her world, growing up, and playing the part of Nellie Olson on "Little House on the Prarie." Although the reader thought the work to be one of a "tell all," (which it wasn"t), she still did not dissappoint. Although watching her as Nellie, she revealed a world that no one else saw or imagined her being a part of, and to hear her tell of all the happenings in her life on and off the set, it was a glimpse of something sometimes wonderful and strange. It was sad to learn of her "family secret," and all that she endured; but from that, she was able to let Nellie become her "muse" and help her to cope with most of the horror that her older sibling had put her through. But it was a laugh riot to read of her antics off and on the set with her nemesis, Laura Ingalls (played by Mellisa Sue Gilbert); particularly the time she and Mellisa were at a grocery store, separated, making the patrons warn Mellissa that "Nellie" was close by. Alison's book is her canvas, and she paints a beautiful, although sometimes tragic tale, of her life's story. This is a definite must read for anybody who was a fan of the show, or for anybody who is just curious about the life of a former child star. As stated before, Alison's story will not dissappoint. (On a personal note, and after reading her story, she is not the "b!@#$" everyone may make her out to be- read and find out)!

I love that this book not only gives us LHOTP fans insight, but it also speaks about went on behind the scenes. We get to see into her home life and beyond. Also, the situation with her brother, it was very brave of Alison to write into the book. I definitely recommend this book. It's worth it!

As a huge “Little House” fan, I devoured this book in two days. Allison’s account of her life pre, during, and post her role as Nellie Olson is poignant, funny, heartbreaking, and revealing. It’s been so fun watching “Little House” episodes again knowing the little details she gave away. She’s definitely a celebrity with heart and one who found sincere and worthy causes to take up and use her celebrity for good after her acting days. This is a great autobiography; I highly recommend it for anyone, “Little House” fan or not.

I read Melissa Gilbert's book first. I liked it, although it didn't go too much into the Little House days. Then I read this book and was FLOORED! Ms. Arngrim divulged equal parts personal life along with behind the scenes morsels from Little House. She smacks you, right off the bat, with some pretty horrifying personal information. Although she got somewhat hosed from Little House, she doesn't come off as bitter and has tons to say about "back in the day". I really, really enjoyed it. I also decided to google her brother after reading this book. Yuck. Just yuck.

When I heard about this I thought it sounded hilarious there’s so much more to the person that played Nellie... I adore her! (This is actually Joe’s wife Heidi 🙂)

I really like this book so much that I couldn't put it down. I had a read Melissa Sue Anderson's book and I skipped over a lot if it. It was not an interesting book. This book is so good. Alison goes into detail about each episode behind the Little House on the Prairie scenes, and what each actor was like when they weren't acting and a description of her personal life. She didn't let her past control her. She did something about it. Good book!! I recommend reading it.

I love Little House In The Prairie and continue to watch it in reruns today....(I'm watching the 11am COZI TV episode RIGHT now where Charles and Isaiah and their families go on s gold rush because its been raining in Walnut Grove for months). I love Alison's book....couldn't put it down. Such a great read. I felt like she was sitting and telling me the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I found it quite interesting particularly when the author provides a real behind-the-scenes, look into the filming of Little House on the Prairie. I enjoy watching the Little House series now even more. Also, this book provides the reader with insights into the authors' challenges in her personal life as well.

What a wonderful treat for any Little House fan! Arngrim not only takes us through the process of the show, she lets us into her private world, complete with horrible memories of abuse. Yet, unlike many bios, this isn't a 'cry for help' or some kind of therapy session. Alison is pragmatic and forthright about what happened and able to not let it define her. I loved every story in this book, from Liberace to party crashing and the vibe of Hollywood in the '70's. Very well written and humorous. I had seen Alison at our local historical village in Mumford, NY with my brother and we both knew we had to read her story. I'm so glad we did!

This is by far one of the most interesting memoirs I have ever read. Candid recollections are presented in a down-to-earth, informative, and amusing manner. I could scarcely stand to put this down - a definite page-turner for me. The differences between her real life and the one she portrayed on the series are many. Remembrances of her friendship with Melissa Gilbert are quite enjoyable. Especially funny is her anecdote about the two of them buying BabaRums, a special kind of snack available at the time. Her mother was involved in voice acting, and it is fun to learn which voices she performed. I always love to see how people, places, and things are connected in ways that you would never expect. She and her family moved around a lot. It is fascinating to learn about the various places and people she met along the way, such as the times they spent living at the Chateau Marmont, and her friendship with Christine Jorgensen. Her stories of working with Michael Landon are insightful and provide perspective as to what it was really like. As with anyone, there are good aspects, as well as trying ones. She talks about the difficulties she encountered during her attempts to be friendly with Melissa Sue Anderson. While she expresses some frustration, it seems justified and does not feel unfairly critical. She notes that she will gladly sponsor the "first pitcher of margaritas" if Melissa Sue Anderson ever decides she wants to be friends. Recollections of her friendship with Steve Tracy, her television husband from the series, are touching. Her activism in promoting needed law changes for child abuse victims, as well as AIDS awareness, is commendable. There is much more that could be said about her memoir, but your time is better spent actually reading her account. I whole-heartedly recommend this book. It does not disappoint. The experience feels like a long, enjoyable conversation with a friend.

Several months ago I read and reviewed Melissa Gilbert's book,

Not my usual read but was curious about Alison (Nelly on Little House). Never a dull moment in her story, she tells it well with her head held high. As usual life is never quite as it seems and I love to read how so many children have been so resourceful and overcame great difficulties. Alison is delightful, intelligent and an inspiration to others. I hardly put the book down and read long into the night. We always hear the horror stories of child actors on the set or their bad choices in their life, but Miss Arngrim's horror was at home. What a strong example for everyone that feels a little powerless at time, what a good example of a strong women.

Alison A. plain and simple brought it. If this book was twice as long as it was, I still wouldn't have been able to put it down. She just brings you into her world so effortlessly, well at least for me she did. Her book was just a joy for me to read and I'm usually in science genre. I would guess that most people think that actors have a good and privileged life, but Alison quickly dispels that notion about her own. After learning about what she had to endure with her own brother, I was glad to hear that her character "Nelie" helped her out in the long run as I don't think most kids her age would have come out of that situation as well as she did. To me, there was more than just LHOTP stuff which I thoroughly enjoyed as well, but underlining messages for perseverance, caring and being passionate of what you believe in is also in her book.

This is one of the most entertaining and enjoyable memoirs I have read in a long time. Alison tells her story with spunk and humor and not a bit of whining - though reading her book, behind the laughs, she shares some very heartbreaking events. Her love for her parents in spite of their shortcomings is amazing and obvious. Her ability to "roll with the punches" and make lemonade from lemons is nothing short of inspiring. I enjoyed her stories from the set of Little House. I admire the strong woman she has become. You can hate Nellie Oleson all you want; Alison Arngrim is someone you'd want for your best friend. Thank you Alison for sharing your life with us - your spunk and your spirit is unmatched.

I loved Nellie Olsen as a child and really enjoyed reading this books. Addressed difficult topics in an entertaining way, such a strong woman who not only survived tragic circumstances but has been able to give back and help others. Very inspirational.

Entertaining book a must read for Little House on the Prairie fans

I’ve read books by three different cast members from Little House on the Prairie and this was BY FAR my favorite! Very funny and entertaining!

Ms. Arngrim writes about the good, the bad and the just plain ugly. It is a look at her life both preLHOTP and post. She approaches this in a humorous way and makes the reader feel like a ride-along confidant. I am a very slow reader and finished the book fairly quickly. This is not a sugar coated account of life growing up on tv. I would not recommend it for the immature. I enjoyed this book much more than Melissa Gilbert's book, Prairie Tale, which is a name-drop fest, much slower read, and not as well written, Spoilers: contains stories of incest sexual abuse and drugs

I bought this book based on the reviews and they are right. It's hilarious and informative about the series. I hated Nellie Olsen so I wasn't sure that I could actually bridge my bias but it was no problem. I caught an episode of LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE and laughed my butt off. Seeing it from a new perspective actually made me want to watch the series again. Also, she talks about her abuse from her brother without making her seem like a complete victim - though she was but clearly has developed into a sound person. This book is a quick read and I was happy to sit down with it even when I only had a few minutes. Recommended to anyone who loved the series (and the books) as much as I did

I don't know why I bought this book. I am one of the rare ones who has never seen Little House. I loved the books and the TV show was too much of a departure. But this book was great. I couldn't put it down. I am now a big fan of Alison the person, even without meeting her alter ego TV Nellie.

Well written, entertaining, sad and uplifting at the same time. She gives you enough of a peek into her life to understand, but far from boring. Enjoyed reading, also the auto version ( in her own voice) is added enjoyment!!! Loved it...bravo Alison!!

Having watched every episode of Little House on the Prairie, heartily disliked the character of Nellie the author played, and wondered how she did once the show finished, i was interested to read her book and actually enjoyed it, although I wish it was longer.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. You would almost have to be a fan of Little House on the Prairie to get the full enjoyment. She pulls no punches in describing her cast mates and her family.

Yes, lots of curse words and descriptive abuse but it was contextual to the storyline. I am an avid reader of the book series and loved the TV series until the producers stopped following the books. The story behind the story regarding this is also covered in the book. Highly recommend for all LH fans.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!! I was a fan of Little House on the Prairie in my younger years and also have read and re-read Laura Ingall Wilder's books numerous times. I never expected to like this book as much as I did but it was amazing! I appreciated all of the author's anecdotes from her time on Little House, (I have a completely different view of Michael Landon now, not bad, just different!)... but what threw me for a loop was how well she related and has dealt with the horrible abuse that she suffered as a child. I applaud her for being able to get through that trauma and also actively campaign for protection for other victimized children. I also want to add that much of this book was laugh out loud funny! A really good read and one that will be hard to top.

This is actually the book I christened my new Kindle with. I am so glad I did. As an avid Little House fan, I was expecting a little behind the scenes information and anything else would be a bonus. What I was not expecting was to feel like I was sitting at a cozy table with Alison and her infectious personality being made to feel like her BFF. That is exactly how this book reads. With many autobiographies, you're usually left feeling like you have some vague sense of who the person was and what they accomplished. But Alison Arngrim spills herself into this book and makes the reader feel like she could easily be your neighbor or best gal pal. If you're looking for a good book to read filled with drama, laughter, and tears, whether you're a Little House fan or not, this is worth the read!

Oh my goodness! This was a fantastic memoir. Alison didn't have a happy childhood (understatement here) but the stories of being a child actor on Little House of the Prairie will keep you laughing out loud and her life after the show is one to be admired. Well written and enjoyable to read. Good job, Alison!

The author did a good job telling her story, so far. Quite a bit of behind the scenes info. I learned a lot. Especially that I don't like Melissa Sue Anderson as much as I thought I did.

Received this book two hours ago and haven't put it down since. Quite a page turner for me. Alison's writing style is quite engaging, plus I find the subject matter entertaining and I grew up watching Little House on the Prairie.

I appreciate Ms. Arngrim's raw honesty about her experiences as a child actress and abuse victim. The stories about her relationships with the cast and crew were informative as well.

There's actual substance here. Besides being full of amusing and sometimes hysterical behind-the-scenes revelations, there is a more profound and important message conveyed by Alison about the horrors of child abuse and our government's willingness to look the other way when it suits them. There are plenty of little revelations about the show's actors and the characters they portrayed, but none so much as the pain that Alison hid. An entertaining, yet honest, forthright and revealing look at a very sensitive subject.

Who would have thought that Arngrim suffered through such a childhood? But she’s a helluva resilient woman, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Kudos to her for her work with PROTECT, and for getting that abominable law repealed in CA.

Loved how Alison talked about her personal life and how she got through the tough spots. Very inspiring! I had just finished reading Melissa Gilbert’s book and this was a nice follow on. I was hoping to get the same level of personal insight about the show from Melissa Sue Anderson but the reviews say I’ll be disappointed. I guess it won’t be a trilogy! New Alison fan!! Thanks, Alison, I’m glad you’re not like Nellie!

I am not a huge Little House fan, but am now a huge Nellie Oleson (Alison Arngrim). What an amazing life she has led and she seems like such a great person as well. It was very interesting to read about a child star who has really done something very good with her life. I love that she is involved in so many charities and volunteer organizations. This book was a fun read, and providing insight into the life of someone who was abused sexually as a child and learned to move on with her life in a positive manner. With all the stuff that happened to her during her childhood it is amazing she turned out as well as she did. Definitely a worthwhile read even if not a big Little House fan!

I loved this show growing up and loved reading Alison's story. What a wonderful person she is and a great read for a book.

I'd read the book. But there's nothing like hearing the story in Alison's own distinct voice. I caught so many different stories that I somehow missed on my first read. Perfect for when you're sitting in your car dealing with traffic.

I enjoyed reading her life’s story. She was personable and funny and even tender. I’ve read quite a few memoirs recently and found this to be the most humorous and down to Earth. If you want to learn what it was like to be Nellie in Little House on the Prairie this is the book for you. Also if you want to read an entertaining memoir this is one of the better ones!

I had heard about Alison's stand-up comedy acts, as well as knowing her commentary's on 'Little House on the Prarie' DVDs. I wasn't sure about what kind of author she would be. To my surprise, I was easily captivated in her story and it took me thru her years of growing up and life on the 'Little House on the Prarie' set. As you read you can hear Alison's voice in the pages and her opinion of things growing up. I was so amazed at what all she went thru as a child actress, I did not know much of her past but it was truely amazing. I would definatley reccomend this to any "Little House on the Prarie' fan!

Huge Little House on the Prairie fan here, so I had high hopes when I got this book. Boy, did it deliver! Alison Arngrim has a fantastic voice, she's a natural born story teller with just the right about of snark and wry wit. She blends hilarious behind the scene stories from her years on LHOTP with her true-life struggles with incest, unemployment, and typecasting. From actress to activist, Arngrim handles each topic with honesty and humor. This book is truly an inspiration.

I have read a bunch of celebrity autobiographies lately and been disappointed. Not this one. The voice is snarky, the facts are there, and I enjoyed it. I even ended up liking Nellie after reading this.

Alison Arngrim provides a well written and honest biography of her life. I really enjoyed this book. Much more than Melissa Gilbert's book "Prairie Tale", or Melissa Anderson's Book "The Way I See It". Alison's humor helps to balance the underlying, somewhat tragic story of her childhood. I will read this again in the future.

I love this book! Alison, you are such a strong and beautiful woman. You took all the bad life gave you and rose above it! You took the good and embraced it. Thank you for sharing your incredible story. I truly now love Nellie Olson!

I enjoyed the authors sense of humor ( which can be similar to my own) and her no barred, bare all style, not sugar coating anything. Lol. Nothing less I expect from Nelkie Oleson. :)

I'm not a book reviewer, I'm just a reader. I enjoyed Alison' s book very much. She is open, honest and while reading you feel like you are talking to a friend. I am one that couldn't stand Nellie, but loved to see what she was up This book is a testament to what a great actress Alison was. I really enjoyed reading what life was like on her prairie and would recommend it to anyone who enjoyed and grew up with the show. I'm proud of her for all that she has accomplished and would be proud to call her a friend.

I really enjoyed Alison Arngrim's unique and unconventional witty responses to critics of her most famous character Nelly Olson. I recommend this book to anyone who wasn't a fan of Nelly... That is pretty much everyone! Good, hearty laughs ahead!

I can't say anything wonderful about this book that hasn't already been said. I couldn't put it down, it was fresh and honest and funny. The horrible things that happened to this poor woman as a child was told in a sad but matter-of-fact way. She has clearly been through enough therapy to be able to share this part of her life without sounding completely broken by it. She is far more charitable to her parents than I would have been, and even expresses love for them. (That they actually stayed together is even more amazing, but this is not their story.) Mentally and emotionally, Alison is made of steel. She has apparently gone through her life without ever falling afoul of all the evils most troubled child stars do. She was even offered the opportunity to get hooked on a drug -- by a legitimate physician -- and TURNED IT DOWN. She started her therapy knowing EXACTLY why she was there without a lot of trying to "figure it out." I have to admit the biggest shock to be me was Melissa Anderson's immediate and open dislike for Alison that defies explanation. I mean, in a scene where their 2 respective characters were supposed to come to blows, she actually tells Alison, "I'm really going to hit you, you know." The director quickly decided to revise that scene because crew members overheard the exchange between to the 2 girls. Just where does that kind of deliberate, unprovoked hatefulness come from? If there is any inciting incident between the two girls that lead to this animosity, Alison doesn't share it here, nor do Missy Anderson nor Melissa Gilbert share it in their books. And Alison is apparently not the only person Missy just decided to dislike without reason. It's a little embarrassing to me to admit that, in a story of one earth-shattering revelation after another in Alison's life, the "Missy Anderson Attitude Conundrum" should stick with me as being the most baffling. Thank goodness Alison and Melissa Gilbert became such good friends; that must have helped quite a lot. To be honest, I learned more about the 2 Melissas in this book than I did in either of their own stories. My opinion of Melissa Gilbert improved upon reading Allison's accounts of their rollicking good times. And they did rollick. Whew! I can't imagine trying to keep up with them! Melissa Gilbert was a leader and she took nuthin' from nobody. Of course, her book shares more in depth of her home life, but still, I really liked her as she is portrayed from Allison's point of view. That said, it's a fantastic and heart-wrenching read, with just the right balance of behind-the-scenes anecdotes and real-life adventures. Melissa Sue Anderson, that you could have called this woman a friend yet tossed her aside is truly brainless. The loss is yours, Ms. Anderson.

The LHOP fan in me ate this up! Great read!!! Even better than Melissa Gilbert's autobiography.

I enjoyed this book, the language was a little rough but it told the story of her life. She is a good person who went through so much, good and bad, yet isn’t bitter.

I found this book absolutely fascinating. Alison had a terrible home life and a wonderful film life. She used every bit of it to help others. The most hated brat on TV is my hero!

I am late to the show in buying this book in 2020 but the reviews are right...this is quite the amazing book. Allison's life is so interesting. She is funny, extremely talented, and a survivor. Its an easy read and I enjoyed every page while reading it on vacation.

Loved the book! First because of the show”Little House On The Prairie “ and because she was my favorite on the show! Didn’t realize that she was an incest survivor until I got into the book! As a survivor of incest, I was happy that she found a way to use her fame as Nellie to save thousands of children by getting the laws changed! Thanks so much for the opportunity to learn about her bravery!!

I found this book very interesting and would recommend it to anyone that ever watched Little House on the Prairie. Alison did a very good job with her book and I learned so much more about her and all of the good things that she has done in her life to help out others.

I've always wondered what kind of person it took to play such a spiteful character and do it so well. Allison has quite an interesting story to tell about the troubles she faced in her personal life as well as glimpses into the lives of some of the other characters. And she tells her story in a very easy-to-read, conversational tone - as if she was talking to you as a friend. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loved "Little House on the Prairie." But I will caution, you'll never be able to watch the re-runs quite the same way again.

If you love Nellie Oleson as I do, you'll love this book. Alison Arngrim tells a great story, which goes way beyond her appearance on Little House.

An absolutely good book and so well written and also very hilarious! Once you start reading you won't be able to put it down. I immediately started searching for other books by Alison Arngrim (that's how much I enjoyed reading it). Now I am watching Little House on the Prairie through different eyes like I am actually on location. And after all these years of 'despising that girl with the blonde drop curls' I am finally beginning to like Nellie :-). Thanks Alison for taking us on the inside.

Amazingly fabulous! Read it in 1 night. Thanks for your bold words and sharing so much! Enlightening

I bought Confessions of a Prairie Bitch after seeing Alison Arngrim's interview on the Today Show. I admit I was put off by the title and the fact that I really never liked Nellie Oleson, but decided to take advantage of the Kindle's sample option. After just a few pages, I was hooked and purchased. Not only did I enjoy an insider's view of behind the scenes of Little House, but I found that I really like Alison Arngrim. She writes without hyperbole or drama, but shares her life story with a survior's matter of factness and a great sense of humor. The book includes great stories about her Little House years, but she also talks about the relationships that made her into a secure, happy adult who uses Nellie as the door opener to help others. She has used her gifts as a means of coping and caring. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and based on what I've learned about Alison Arngrim from it, I admire how she has turned 'bad' into good.

I'm not going to write a long, drawn-out, flowery review. I am going to write this review in very simple, plain, English. I loved this book It had all of the elements; I laughed, I cried, and I was even angered at times (for Allison of course). I finished this book with the feeling that Allison is a very intelligent, articulate, funny, down-to-earth, and caring person. I don't know Allison personally, but it was clear to me that she is an incredibly good friend. Despite the horrible things she was forced to endure in her childhood, I'd say that she emerged a more well-adjusted person than many people I know who did not go through the horrors that she did. Good for you Allison! Her comedy routine sounds like something that I would enjoy. I will be looking for her to appear locally.

I never would have known what a heroine and wonderful woman Alison Angrim is. She is in no way like the character she played, on Little House. But her performance as Nellie Oleson however, turned her into the woman she is today. I was so surprised to learn her impact not only on the State of California but the world. The good she has done for so many causes is amazing. The is a must read whether you are a Little House fan or not. You will laugh, cry, get mad, you will fell like you are right there with her. Highly recommend, enjoy a wonderful, enriching book.

I loved this book. I loved "Little House on the Prairie" and certainly hated Nellie wholeheartedly. But now I love her. All the behind the scenes things were so interesting. I'm glad she wrote this book.

Being a good friend of Alison Arngrim's for several years, maybe I'm a little biased when I rave about how much I love her book, but just take a look at all the amazing reviews from other readers about it, and know what a chord it seems to have struck with everyone! I first read this book in Alison's home when I was visiting her on holiday in April of this year (she signed the first ever copy to myself and my partner!), and what a surreal experience it was, reading the words she wrote in her own home, hearing her voice in real life (talking to her husband, or to someone on the phone!) in the background, while I was hearing her voice in my head while turning the pages! For me, I couldn't put the book down and have re-read it three times since then, and can't express how much I love it. She is a natural comedienne, of course, and at times the book is laugh out loud hilarious (I defy anyone not to break into laughter at least twenty times like I did! My sides ached when she recounted how her sweet, gentle Auntie Marion dealt with a burgular trying to break into her home!!!!), and while Alison has generally lived a charmed life, she also has had some terrible things happen, like all of us - and she writes this without any kind of "Ooh, boo hoo - poor me!". She tells the facts as they happened, and how she managed to overcome them later in life, and how she went on to help so many others who went through similar situations she knew all too well. Fans of Little House On The Prairie will be thrilled with the anecdotes and stories Alison has provided from her days on the set, and Alison's style of writing is just superb. I was enthralled to read how a shy tomboy who wouldn't say boo to a goose, had to swap her jeans and sneakers for petticoats and fancy dresses to become Nellie Oleson, the most unforgettable television bitch of all time! Tales of what went on behind the scenes, memories of classic episodes and especially her fellow Prairie cast members are enthralling - many fans will be shocked to realise that in spite of portraying enemies onscreen, Alison and Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls) were, in reality, joined-at-the-hip best friends from the moment they met, while Melissa Sue Anderson (Mary Ingalls) was infact cold, aloof and the most "Nellie"-esque person on the show! Alison also pays great respect to the two men on Little House, who left us too early, both of whom will forever be important and beloved to her for all time - the legendary Michael Landon, and her TV husband and dear friend Steve Tracy, who sadly died of AIDS at 32 in 1986, which led to Alison doing all she could to raise awareness for the disease, not an easy task in the mid '80s. There is not a false note in the entire book, and you will be drawn into Alison's world and feel as if you're there watching the whole thing happening as you read every chapter. Alison's accounts about her less than conventional childhood in a show biz family are also outstanding. I'm praying Alison writes a sequel, because God knows this book could have been as huge as a Yellow Pages with many more chapters. By and far one of the best memoirs you are ever likely to read - again, again and again! If only other actors writing their memoirs possessed the same kind of extraordinary humour and intelligence as Alison Arngrim does. Five stars isn't nearly enough for this one!

I grew up watching the Little House show and have continued to watch over the years through re-runs. Nellie was one of my favorite characters to watch. So from that perspective, this book was such a delight -- to learn more about what went on behind the scenes and about her take on some of the actors and crew. It was fun when Allison would talk about a particular episode, dress, or line from the show and I knew exactly what she was talking about. It brought me totally back there. Initially I bought the book just to read about Little House and skipped right to those chapters. However, after reading those chapters, I was intrigued and read through all the other parts about Allison's personal life. Had previously recalled that Allison was an abuse survivor, but sad to find out that the perp was her sociopathic brother and the abuse was severe. Still, she was such a feisty, strong gal that she not only overcame it but went on to help others who had had similar fates. Somehow all of this works together in the book and makes for a cohesive story. I'm very impressed with Allison -- both her acting and humor talent and her personal strength. She sure brought the Nellie Oleson character to life on the show, and the evolution of that ability comes through in the book to an extent, as well. I think any of the show fans would enjoy this book. Those who only read the original Little House books but didn't watch the show should understand that the show was quite different than the books -- and Allison's book reflects that. Also if you are the type who doesn't want to know some of the "dirt" on the actors or crew, you may not like it as much. Everyone else -- I think will love it like I did.

I'm a slow reader, but I couldn't put this book down and finished it in just a few days. You don't have to have been a huge fan of LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE to enjoy this wonderfully entertaining memoir of co-starring on one of the most popular TV shows of the 1970s and 80s. Alison Arngrim has a great writing voice. She's adept at relating her experiences from both micro and macro aspect--she understands that people will be interested in just how she auditioned for the part of Nellie Oleson, got the part and what it was like working with the actors and crew; but she also brings us closer to understand the hard work and conflicting personalities that went into making the show a hit. Her chapter "A Change in Relationship"--detailing her blooming as an AIDS activist when her co-star, best buddy and onscreen husband Steve Tracy was diagnosed with the disease in 1986--is a real tear-jerker. Once she was thrust in the public's eye as she stood with Tracy, she became determined to educate herself and become a real spokesperson to educate the public; a public who would listen to Nellie Oleson over an AIDS doctor. A survivor of sexual abuse that began when she was six, Arngrim has a compelling story to tell and she tells it superbly.You won't want to miss this book! I just wish the publisher would get Angrim into the recording studio to record an audiobook of CONFESSION OF A PRAIRIE BITCH.

Loved The Little House on the Prairie books and shows. I saw an interview on TV and wanted to read her side of the story.

Alison Arngrim is amazing. She tells her fascinating tale in such an engaging manner, you will feel as though she is someone you know by the end of the book.

She's got plenty to tell beyond her days as Nellie Olsen, and this book rounds Arngrim out as the person behind the 'bitch." She's embraced the role that made her an icon, though her life doesn't end there by any means. The book ends up being so much more, letting us into the ugly parts of her personal life, and telling us about the work she's been doing since her acting career mostly ended. It's a very fun book to read even if the subject matter isn't always easy. I ended up with a lot of respect for Arngrim as a person.

I have seen Alison Arngrim on different talk shows throughout the years and have found her to be an interesting person. She has overcome some horrific events in her life and has become a wonderful role model for victims of abuse. I jumped at the chance to read her book when I saw the price tag of $1.99. Most of the book focuses on her time on Little House on the Prairie. I've only ever seen a few episodes but that didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying all of her behind the scenes stories. A must read if you enjoy reading celebrity biographies.

I just finished "Confessions of a Prairie Bitch" by Alison Angrim. First of all, I was and still am a true fan of Little House on the Prairie the earlier seasons. It is so bizarre how you have a preconceived idea of how a person is based on a character they play. I admit that I thought that Allison had to be similar to Nellie's character, but was I ever wrong. While reading the book, I was so endeared to Alison and kept thinking "I would love to hang out with her". The book is well written with a nice mixture of seriousness and comedic flare. I didn't want the book to end. I felt like I had made a friend. Great laughs, great insight into the behind the scenes of a set....and solving the mystery whether Michael did or didn't wear undergarments.

I absolutely loved this book! I was not a huge Little House on the Prairie fan, but when I saw the title of the book I just had to read it. Alison is a wonderful author. This book made me laugh out loud, share parts with friends, gave me insight into unjust laws, and brought me to tears. I truly enjoyed her sense of humor and her honesty. It wasn't a book just filled with Hollywood dirt dishing or just a memoir of a child actor. It was so much more than that. Even if you're not a fan of the show, this book is a very worthwhile read.

I had already read Melissa Gilbert's book and really liked it. I had heard too many negative reviews of Melissa Sue Anderson's books to take a chance. I must admit, I was hesitant to order Arngrim's book because she was SUCH a distastefull character and I didn't know what she would have to add to the story. Boy was I surprised! This book was very interesting, funny and sad all at once. She has changed my mind about her. I felt sorry for her childhood that was lost (outside of LHOTP). I wanted to go back and hug that little girl and tell her she WAS loveable. She grew into somone I would have liked to call my friend. This book is written in a logical order starting with the strange history of her parents. It moves on to her tortured life with her brother. It goes past all of that with wonderful stories of her life and friendships on LHOTP. It continues with her adult life through to the present. It felt almost as if she were an old friend catching me up with her life. Allison writes with simple NORMAL language that is brutally honest. I would LOVE to hear her comedy act now. If you watched Little House, you need to read this book!

I really enjoyed this easy to read book. There was just enough about her personal journey, with a lot of tidbits from her time on Little House. She has an engaging writing style and I found I finished the book quickly because I wanted to keep reading. I also really enjoyed her observations of her family, she has a good sense of humor and I found myself smiling at some of her recollections, especially her dad's reaction to Larry King-priceless! I was lucky enough to purchase this book on a Kindle deal, but it is worth more than what I paid for it!

Allison Arngrim knows how to write. She writes a captivating book of truths about her life experiences with much focus on the set of Little House on the Prairie. Allison tells her life story with humor and is able to maintain a life affirming stance even when retelling tragic events and family dysfunction. Allison's book invites you into her life. When you finish the book, you feel like a personal friend. A very interesting and entertaining read!

If it weren't for the Amazon reviews I don't know if I would have read this book. THANK YOU! I loved this book so much. Alison knows how to tell a story. I can't stop laughing at her funny tales and crying for her sorrows. She has such courage and strength. I admire her and she has become my new favorite person. I had been reading books I thought would be great from the back covers and they have all been disappointing. I thought it was just me, that maybe I had been going through my own blah phase, but then I read Alison's book and I knew it wasn't me. Thank you for the courage it took to tell your story and I love your sense of humor, Alison.