A really interesting biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder. I would have liked to know more in places, particularly about Mary, and at times I felt it could have been better edited to clarify in some places and reduce repetition in others. Overall this was fascinating reading, though, about a life that spanned almost unimaginable change.

As a LIW fangirl for life, I enjoyed this biography, although it was very much focused on Rose in the latter half (as it had to be). Looking forward to continuing my quest of reading all books about Laura.

Having grown up with the "Little House" books and loving them immensely, I was very happy to find such a great biographical work on her life. I learned so much about the real Laura, and about Rose and Almonzo, too.

Growing up, I had no idea that parts of the novels were embellished or otherwise changed to make them more palatable to readers (hence making them fiction). I also never had any idea that Rose (Laura and Almonzo's only child) helped write the beloved series of novels; by prodding Laura to follow through with them, editing, polishing drafts, etc.

The author also included a wealth of factual information about the towns and surrounding areas where Laura lived, which helped make the picture of the real Laura more colorful and enjoyable to read.

Great read!

Interesting. Sometimes repetitive. Sprinkled with speculations and assumptions not supported with evidence (wish specific letters, articles, journal entries, etc. were quoted or paraphrased in these instances). Fun to see overarching historical backdrop of time during which series is set. My favorite parts were the anecdotes, I liked hearing about Almanzo. I grew up reading/loving this series and plan to reread them now :)

I have always loved Laura's books for children and have read many other books about her adult life, so naturally I loved this one. I am amazed at how the world changed from the time Laura was a young girl to the time of her passing. I definately enjoyed this biography.

Having read a number of other biographies of Laura Ingalls Wilder, I consider this one to be fairly good though not extraordinary--though to someone who is first finding out about the facts of Laura Ingalls Wilder's life, this book could be shocking or even disturbing. Miller did considerable research as he sets up extensive historical context around Wilder's life, especially her time in South Dakota and Missouri (I should note this book is part of a Missouri Biography series from University of Missouri Press). He draws a lot of newspaper and other cultural documents of the time. There are moments when that feels like padding because there is otherwise insufficient material on Wilder. He delves into the important, even controversial, subject of Rose Wilder Lane's role in her mother's Little House books as well.

I should note that this book was published in 1998. For a more current, more extensive biography of Wilder, I advise reading Prairie Fires by Caroline Fraser.

I really enjoyed this book. It is very well organized and reads like descriptive fiction. However, the author gave equal attention to every part of Laura's life which was at times tedious.

Intersting and well researched. Learned a lot about the legend and fact of her life.

The thing about a Laura Ingalls Wilder biography is that the most interesting parts of her life she wrote about herself in the Little House series. The rest has to be gleaned from her daughter Rose's letters and journals, and is far less interesting. I enjoyed knowing what happened to Laura, Almanzo, Rose, and the rest of the Ingalls family, but for the most part they just went on with their lives.

It took me three tries over 8 years to read this book and I'm glad it finally stuck. But it's not one of my favorites.

Recommended reading only for someone interested in the life of Wilder. I already knew a lot about her but discovered more in-depth information in this book.

i finally finished this, it took me forever to read it. i enjoyed parts of it but it reads like a textbook and there is a lot of details to get through. It wasn't just about Laura, it was about the world around her and what helped shape her. Way too scholarly for my taste but i did enjoy it.

This was an adequate biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder, with an emphasis on her years in Missouri. I think the author's wish to provide a detailed portrait of Laura's life got away from him, as the book became bogged down in details. Miller's writing style also leaves a lot to be desired.