Bright Lights, Prairie Dust

Reflections on Life, Loss, and Love from Little House's Ma

De: Karen Grassle

Narrado por: Karen Grassle

Karen Grassle, the beloved actress who played Ma on Little House on the Prairie, grew up at the edge of the Pacific Ocean in a family where love was plentiful but alcohol wreaked havoc.

In this candid memoir, Grassle reveals her journey to succeed as an actress even as she struggles to overcome depression, combat her own dependence on alcohol, and find true love. With humor and hard-won wisdom, Grassle takes listeners on an inspiring journey through the political turmoil on '60s campuses, on to studies with some of the most celebrated artists at the famed London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, and ultimately behind the curtains of Broadway stages and storied Hollywood sets. In these chapters, listeners meet actors and directors who have captivated us on screen and stage as they fall in love, betray and befriend, and don costumes only to reveal themselves.

We know Karen Grassle best as the proud prairie woman Caroline Ingalls, with her quiet strength and devotion to family, but this memoir introduces listeners to the complex, funny, rebellious, and soulful woman who, in addition to being the force behind those many strong women she played, fought passionately - as a writer, producer, and activist - on behalf of equal rights for women. Raw, emotional, and tender, Bright Lights celebrates and honors womanhood, in all its complexity.

©2021 Karen Grassle (P)2021 Tantor

More of a life story

Enjoyed the audio book but was at times a chore to get through it. The first part is not at all LHOTP related which is fine. I feel the LHOTP stuff was overall not interesting. Lots of complaining about salary/ time in scenes. Allison (Nellie's book) is far superior for LHOTP behind the scenes imo. MA aka Karen basically sounded like she drank a lot and was kind of dynsfuctional.
She never admits taking addictions to the set of LHOTP. Perhaps there's another side to why Michael Landon did what he did with the money situation. One thing I will say is it does look like Landon overall kept a safe set for the many child actors on the show and must are sober adults. So I don't buy he's a bad guy. It was the 70s and things were different. Still a nice story. But if you're looking for charming stories and lots of LHOTP again go to Allisons book. Talks of hippy sounding politics, various abortions, and a touch of paranoia. No offense to the actress and her life. She was lovely as C.I. and glad she seems to have moved on with her life choices with drinking.

great story

I really enjoy hearing the stories from people who portrayed my favorite characters on shows I've watched over and over again for years.

Karen vs Caroline : A Dichotomy

Fantastic job of the actress herself narrating the life she lived which was the antithesis of that of Caroline Ingalls

The life of a TV star...

I loved the whole book. Definitely worth reading. I will read this again. I was especially fascinated not only by Karen's work about domestic violence but also to learn how a television show is made.

Karen's invisible struggles were very enlightening

I loved her raw honesty and inner beauty on and off the show, I had no idea of the professional struggles and battles a star must undergo to find success and eventual peace, well done Karen.

The making of an actress

Many mixed feeling about this book. I grew up loving Little House so it was hard to hear the dark side of the show. I applaud Karen for being brave in telling of her fight with alcohol.

Only a bit is about LHOTP

I made it to the end my the skin of my teeth. Speed set to 1.70. Skipped portions or whole chapters. The Little House part was a small portion. Maybe had the title been different, I would have been prepared.

Karen's Story is a Must-Read

One of the best-written memoirs that I have read in a very long time. Karen is such a force and her perspective is incredibly important as a testament to what women in Hollywood faced as they portrayed legendary roles in a way that would transcend generations. A must-read.

Karen- please write a 2nd memoir -- or another book. You have a gift. The world needs to hear your words.

High Quality Memoir of Ms. Grassle's Life Journey

Karen Grassle gives us a detailed look into her life, not holding back to describe her life experiences both good and bad. She engages the reader with her honesty and openness.

TMI

This book was gifted by one of my kids for Mother’s Day. Yikes. Well-meaning, since they know of my love for Little House. Simply put, it was a tough book to get through, because now I know too much. Karen Grassle obviously went through so much in her life; much, however, was self-induced/bad choices in addition to mental health struggles. Perhaps sometimes it’s better to write everything down and then have a ceremonial burning of the journals. To Karen Grassle’s credit, knowing what she endured, she’s an incredibly talented actress to have pulled off the role of Ma so beautifully.