R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on 12/17/2013 + 1438 more book reviews

As I journeyed through McClure's memories, experiences and research about Laura Ingalls Wilder I felt in the back of my mind that I would have enjoyed this read more if I had read the Little House on the Prairie series again. Or, would I?

Never in my mind did I doubt that the series was fiction even though I knew that it was based on Laura's childhood memories. Yes, she left out some of the family's life experiences, particularly those that would mar the happy I loved that life of long ago. For example, when the family moved onto the Diminished Reserve which was not open for settlers. Some historians believe that he understood exactly what he was doing in the hope that the area would be opened for settling. And, there was there was the time the family left a home in the middle of the night to escape their debt obligations.

I liked the author's reference to the Laura world which she remembered as a child and revisited as an adult. I know that even my daughter became so involved in the Laura world that I made her a long dress and sunbonnet. Having visited some of these areas myself, I think most people enjoy them more as adults because much of what is displayed must be read or viewed rather than touched. There were few interactive events for the younger set.

The read would have been improved had the editors spent time editing but I suppose it is difficult to really edit a colleague's writing. While the hailstorm added to the narrative who cares about an encounter with a group of deeply religious people who believe the world will end soon. Thus, I have rated this one as being ok. However, Laura enthusiasts will no doubt love the author's comments and experiences. Not to mention those of her live-in Chris who became so involved with the trips and read the books.

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