Honestly, I think the Companion is a little bit embarrassing. There are also times when I disagree with Whalen's interpretation of events (within the text, that is)--which is fine, we know from group reads that we all read the text differently at times--but Whalen puts it forward as the only way to read it.

Back when the Companion was only a rumored future-project we were all excited, and it was exciting to find out some "what really happened" stuff when it first came out, but now I realize how much more interesting it is just to read the books, as-is. The editing is REALLY bad, and I found that once I got over the feeling of "it's so interesting to know what happened to people!", there wasn't much left of interest. There's an inordinate amount of text on things I couldn't care less about (not that I remember any examples, really... the houses of minor characters, stuff like that) and some interesting things that go unexplored. I would be more interested in a thoughtful analysis of the books, with SOME "what's real/what's not", than what's practically a laundry list of "really were" and "really did".

A fascinating insight to one of my favorite authors!

Published in the mid-90s, The Besty-Tacy Companion might best be described as a self-published love letter to the series. Clocking in at around 500 pages, it’s definitely not for those only slightly interested in the series.

Ms. Whalen did her research, and the book is full of interesting facts and details about the real-life counterparts of Deep Valley and its denizens. The lack of an editor, however, is apparent in the writing and organization. For example, the level of detail is overkill in some sections, and there’s not nearly enough about the larger cultural events of early 20th-century America.

The Companion a fun read, but it’s also a good reminder of why formal education and training in reading, writing, and researching history matter. Generally speaking, a historian would have a better idea of the questions to ask, the pertinent details to include, and the larger analysis. While reading, my thoughts continually drifted to Pioneer Girl, the recent book about Laura Ingalls Wilder, which did a better job of combining different levels of details to give readers a more comprehensive picture of Laura’s world.

The Betsy-Tacy Companion does fill a needed niche, and Ms. Whalen did some excellent research and secured some top-notch primary sources. For a historian or non-fiction author looking to make his or her mark, a second non-fiction book about Betsy-Tacy would be a welcome addition. Quasi-recommended.

This book is a great resource in exploring the lives of Maud's friends and family in Mankato.

Astoundingly thorough biography of Maud Hart Lovelace, author of the Betsy-Tacy series. Huge collection of photos of the real-life people who appeared as characters in the novels, their homes, landmarks fans of the book will recognize, and maps of Mankato (aka Deep Valley). There is a chapter about each of the books in the series, with comparisons to Maud’s life through her writing and the recollections of others. Clearly written by someone who is a huge fan. Lots of fun to read, although overwhelming to keep the real-life names straight, especially where a character was a composite of more than one person.

I have loved all of Maud Hart Lovelace's books since I was a child. This book compared the fictional characters with the real life characters. It's an obsession.

I’ve been a Betsy-Tacy fan for almost as long as I’ve been reading. My mom read the books as a girl and introduced them to me; I in turn introduced them to my daughter.

I had high hopes for the Companion but overall was disappointed. The details and parallels are interesting, and I definitely enjoyed all the photographs. However, this companion reads more like a catalog and I only finished because of how much I love reading Lovelace’s books. I’m gladly returning this to the library and I may need to reread my dog eared Betsy-Tacy collection soon.

Insightful, comprehensive, lighthearted, and well worth the time! I borrowed this from the library but now need to make sure I track down a copy of my own to complete my Betsy-Tacy materials.

Just didn't get this book. I did enjoy the descriptions of the houses and the towns, I love architechture, but for the most part, I cant plow through another 300+ pages of a BT/Maud Hart Lovelace comparison/contrast. Will return this to the library for a true blue BT fan.

For anyone who likes the Betsy-Tacy books, this meticulously researched biography of Maud Hart Lovelace is fantastic! I was intrigued to learn how closely the events in the Betsy-Tacy books (including a lot of the dialogue) are modeled on real events in the author's life. The book is very fact-heavy--lots of information about side characters and their families, street names, exact house locations, quotes from letters--but it isn't too dull.

So I’ve read this more than once and it was still interesting again. Definitely for the diehard Betsy fan. We just visited Mankato to see Betsy’s house and now I want to read the whole series again!

When all is said and done, this book attests to the staying power of the friendship between Betsy and Tacy in the guise of their real life selves of Maud and Bick. They didn't quite start as friends at birth but they met and made a connection a few years later, a connection that lasted all the way to earth when Maud died.

The book tells the story of the years in between. It also recaps all the books in the series. It explains why the last book Betsy's Wedding leaves several unanswered questions. This book took many forms.
It's a combination of biography, fan letter, term paper(complete with endless footnotes), definitive work about the author and a master work thesis.

It matches up every real life person with their fictional character in excruciating detail. Thoroughly researched. Don't let the 500+ page length deter you, It's at least one-third footnotes and photos.