Prairie Man: My Little House Life & Beyond

Actor Butler fondly reminisces about the years he played one of television’s best-known husbands, Almanzo Wilder. Little House on the Prairie gave Butler a specific challenge: play opposite then 15-year-old Melissa Gilbert and convince audiences Almanzo was worthy of “Half-Pint” Laura’s love. Listeners will learn about the Little House family’s ups and downs through the show’s 10-season run starting in 1974 (though Butler only joined the cast halfway through) and how these experiences led him to become a documentary TV filmmaker and director. Butler’s narration of his memoir is contemplative, kind, and genuinely funny, and listeners will have no trouble connecting him with his onscreen portrayal of Almanzo. As Butler relates memorable interactions with the Little House cast, including Michael Landon, Melissa Gilbert, and Alison Arngrim, his tone is unfailingly sincere and never descends into gossipiness. While the bulk of the book centers on the Little House years, Butler also touches on his more recent work, including documentaries, Broadway shows, and television series, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The New Gidget.