Kind of disappointing, because the letters aren't allowed to stand on their own. Almost every one is introduced with context, often unnecessary; and worse, each one has a cutesy 'title' in italics which is a phrase excerpted from the letter. I trained myself quickly to ignore these titles. I've always found it annoying to read something in a pull-out, and then read the exact same words again.

The letters span her adult life and are chronological. It is sad to thus 'watch' her grow old.

No new revelations here for any serious fan. ( )

Letters of beloved Little House on the Prairie author, Laura Ingalls Wilder.

I have a confession: I didn't read the Little House books as a child. I did, however, watch reruns of the television series Little House on the Prairie starring Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert. I fell in love with the characters of the series, especially Laura. I couldn't stand the insufferable Nellie. I loved watching the family through their good times and bad. It wasn't until I was a little older that I realized the television series was based on books. It wasn't until I had children of my own that I finally read Little House in the Big Woods.

I wanted to kick myself for not reading these books sooner. Not only are they wildly entertaining, they are also autobiographical. First published in 1932, the Little House books became an instant success among children across the world. Laura's childhood growing up in a pioneer family has entertained kids for decades.

The Selected Letters of Laura Ingalls Wilder edited by William Anderson came out in March of 2016 and I couldn't wait to read it. For me, this wasn't a book to devour in one sitting. Instead, it was a book that I read a little at a time. Savoring it like a glass of wine. And I'm glad I did.

The letters in this book start in 1894 and span until 1956. They are addressed to her husband, daughter, publisher, and fans. Some letters tell day-to-day activities while others refer to the creating of Wilder's beloved series. A few of my favorite letters to read were written as Laura and her daughter traveled across the United States when the highways of America were still being built. It's hard for me to imagine that because in my lifetime they've always existed.

This is a book I highly recommend for fans of Little House, book or television series. It gives you a behind the scenes look at the publishing of her books and a glimpse inside the personal life of a literary icon. Not to mention, a fantastic glimpse into history. Do yourself a favor and read this book.

Read more at http://www.toreadornottoread.net/2016/08/review-selected-letters-of-laura.html#R... ( )

The Selected Letters of Laura Ingalls Wilder is a must read for all who love the Little House on the Prairie books! It was such a pleasure to get to know Laura by her own words and I found the adult Laura to be just as charming, intelligent and witty as she described herself as she was portrayed as the little girl in the LHP books.

William Anderson has done a fantastic job of compiling the letters for this book and the necessary notes needed to help the reader understand a specific letter are short and to the point. I found they really help to enhance the reading experience and it in no way hinders it.

The book is divided into six different periods of Laura's life ~ The Farmer's Wife, The Emerging Writer, A New Enterprise, Star of the Children's Department, The Last Golden Years and The Author of Classics. The end result? A wonderful view into the person Laura Ingalls Wilder was as an adult and written by her own hand! I also gained a much better understanding of all that went into the process of Laura (and Rose's) creation of the LHP books.

I highly recommend this book and I give it a 5 STAR rating!

Thank You to Harper Publishing and Edelweiss for the gift of this book in exchange for an honest review. ( )

This is a wonderful collection of personal, business and fan letters written by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Each letter is prefaced by a short, insightful editorial with some background information. I’ve read everything written by Ms. Wilder and felt I knew much about her, but this book gave me an even better understanding of her life.

Included are letters to her husband, Almanzo, telling him of her travels, letters to her editors including her business dealings with them, heartfelt letters to fans and what I found to be the most interesting, letters to her daughter Rose as they collaborate on the writing of the Little House books. Some of the letters include stories that aren’t included in the Little House series that Laura sent to her daughter for possible use in Rose’s fictional novels. I found it fascinating to read of Laura’s thoughts on what to include and how to edit the portions of the books she had sent to Rose for review. There are even letters from Almanzo to Rose telling her some of his own stories and letters from Rose to Laura.

I hadn’t realized that the Little House series was the first multi-volume novel for children ever written. It has been a much loved series over the years and has entertained many children and adults. I read the whole series to my own daughter and now she’s reading them to her son.

This is a comprehensive collection of letters and is very well edited. It was a pleasure to spend time with Ms. Wilder and her family once again. Highly recommended for those who love Ms. Wilder’s work and for any history buff.

This book was given to me by the publisher through Edelweiss in return for an honest review. ( )