William T. Anderson (1) (1952–)

From "Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens" to "Doe, a deer, a female deer," many people have grown up humming the tunes or singing the lyrics to the songs from the beloved movie "The Sound of Music". But what is the real story behind the brave von Trapp family? "V is for von Trapp: A Musical Family Alphabet" gives a behind-the-headlines look at this real-life singing family made famous in the classic movie. Starting with their idyllic early life in Austria where their love of music and performing began, author William Anderson takes readers along on the family's courageous mountaintop escape from Nazi authorities to their new life in America and the famous von Trapp family lodge in the Vermont hills. Meet determined Maria, the dashing Captain, and their talented children; the famous von Trapps whose life story captivated thousands and continues to inspire with its legacy of hope and achievement.… (mer)

If you’ve read and loved the Little House books, you’ll want to read this book full of photos and illustrations related to the life and stories of Laura Ingalls Wilder. The oversize paperback includes historic photos of Laura’s family including aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents; the different sites where she lived with her family; the interior of various homes as well as the furniture and other memorabilia including Pa’s fiddle and Ma’s china shepherdess.

Reading this book is especially rewarding for those who aren’t able to visit the museums and other sites in the various Midwest United States. I loved the origin story of this book: Japanese translator Yumiko Taniguchi introduced the Little House books to Japanese readers through her translated books. In 1987 she wrote to the author, William Anderson, a specialist in the subject of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her times, asking him to describe the land and places depicted in the series, so that Japanese fans could know about the rural beauty of the wide prairies and dense forests. He connected with a photographer and together they “gathered and described the most important aspects of what remains from Laura’s past and what is preserved for the future.” The result is this book.

I was surprised to see that this is published by Harper Perennial, a division of HarperCollins Publishers, because the look and layout of the book is quite unprofessional. The captions don’t always line up with the photos they are next to, and the photos and illustrations are arranged as if by an amateur desktop publisher (a do-it-yourself job).

Despite the nonprofessional look of the book, reading it will surely bring the Little House books to life, and would be a welcome addition to anyone wanting to revisit the pioneer life and times of Laura Ingalls Wilder. It would also make a nice gift for any Little House fan, both young or young at heart.… (mer)

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.… (mer)