
This is a great book. It was full of the little insider bits you want about the show but the real meat of the book is about her rise to infamy. She was part of a show business family with a more famous than her brother. I did not know that. She starred in other things before Little House. I did not know that. She is a funny stand up comedienne. I did know that. She fought hard for the rights of the sick when the AIDS crisis was the hottest topic in the world. I did not know that. She fought courageously for the rights of abused children and made real changes to laws around the country. I did not know that. She had a very abusive childhood and the fact that she has not pulled a "Lohan" or Charlie Sheen is remarkable. The stories she tells about her brother are spine chilling. She clearly had enough pain and anger to drawn on for her portrayal of the ultimate villain in one of the most wholesome shows of all time.
I normally do not like biographies (even though I read quite a few of them) because I end up disliking the person a bit. This is one of those rare instances where I grew to admire someone. Arngrim has every right to be a difficult member of society but she chose not to dwell on her past. She moves forward with a calm determination and recognition of the blessings she has received. She seems like the most honest and down to earth celebrity. It makes me wish she had the chance to play a nicer role. Maybe there is time for a renaissance so she can be known for something other than Nellie. But I somehow don't think that legacy bothers her at all.