Laura's Saga

Growing up a TV junkie I had no reason to read "great novels" that were not assigned as a school assignment. With blockbuster movies based on Jane Austin's novels, there really was no point. But when David came home after an estate sale with a 'Little House on the Prairie' box set from 1971 I felt it was time to change old habits.

A huge fan of the 70s hit show that ran for almost a decade, I giggled with excitement at the opportunity to read the story from the beginning. Now almost finished I find myself reluctant to say goodbye to half-pint and her family.

Since the publication of the first book in the series ("Little House in the Big Woods") in 1932, readers from all walks of life were drawn to this childhood tale. Written from Laura's perspective, life was not always pleasant for the Ingalls clan. From a grasshopper plague to Mary's unexpected blindness, Laura's story is a page turner. I have gained a greater appreciation for modern advances. The fact that hand washing clothes to me is a choice and not a chore seems quite remarkable after reading this series. Despite these advances, Laura's story helped me appreciate how much we have lost. Wide open spaces. Prairies without highways or better yet, tract homes. Organic produce growing in your own backyard.

So here I remain - a city girl snuggled on my couch enjoying the adventures of Miss Laura Ingalls without the television on.