Karen Grassle, the beloved actress who played Ma on Little House on the Prairie , grew up at the edge of the Pacific Ocean in a family where love was plentiful but alcohol wreaked havoc. In this candid memoir, Grassle reveals her journey to succeed as an actress even as she struggles to overcome depression, combat her own dependence on alcohol, and find true love. With humor and hard-won wisdom, Grassle takes readers on an inspiring journey through the political turmoil on ’60s campuses, on to studies with some of the most celebrated artists at the famed London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, and ultimately behind the curtains of Broadway stages and storied Hollywood sets. In these pages, readers meet actors and directors who have captivated us on screen and stage as they fall in love, betray and befriend, and don costumes only to reveal themselves. We know Karen Grassle best as the proud prairie woman Caroline Ingalls, with her quiet strength and devotion to family, but this memoir introduces readers to the complex, funny, rebellious, and soulful woman who, in addition to being the force behind those many strong women she played, fought passionately—as a writer, producer, and activist—on behalf of equal rights for women. Raw, emotional, and tender, Bright Lights celebrates and honors womanhood, in all its complexity. 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Winner in Women’s Literature (Non-Fiction) “So uplifting! So full of hope! The perfect read on life’s reflections.” —Kristin Chenoweth, Tony and Emmy Award–winning actress “In Bright Lights, Prairie Dust , Karen Grassle emerges as a skilled memoirist, writing with candor, grace, and style. Keenly introspective, she chronicles her evolution as an actor during some of America’s most turbulent times. This book is a powerful read by a vibrant woman of conviction.” —William Anderson, author of Laura Ingalls Wilder: A Biography “I loved reading about Karen’s fascinating life in Bright Lights, Prairie Dust . I admire her courage and perspective. She is so much more than Ma Ingalls. I read this book in two days—very hard to put down! Don’t miss it.” —Rosie O'Donnell, comedian, producer, actress, and author “Karen Grassle’s new memoir is breathtaking. Here is an authentic and unvarnished account of the life of an actor—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Karen encapsulates both the joys found and the sacrifices made in the name of our beloved craft. I will happily recommend the book to all the women I care about.” —Betty Buckley, actress and singer “I’ve always loved Karen Grassle. My respect and admiration for her are even better informed now, thanks to her excellent new book. Karen shares a joyous, searching, and sometimes devastating personal and artistic life driven by her commitment to artistic excellence. As we all witnessed for ourselves on TV, Karen’s craft transformed her turmoil into touchstones of serenity and strength that audiences have always adored.” —Dean Butler, actor and producer “Bravo to my fellow TV mom! What a fascinating journey. The book is so well written . . . I couldn’t put it down.” —Marion Ross, actor “Karen weaves a fascinating story of her life and of her experiences, first as a developing artist in the theatre and later as a star in in Hollywood. This book strikes me as a work of courage and hard- earned wisdom as she artfully bares her soul with eyes wide open.” —Dirk Blocker, actor “In this unique portrait of an artist, Karen Grassle details the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of her life in theatre, television, and film. From a scrappy beginning in the theatre in ’60s New York to the not-so-pretty behind-the-scenes of a favorite American show, Karen shares her experience, strength, and hope with us in her battle with alcoholism and showbiz with courageous honesty.” —Jean Louisa Kelly, actress ( Uncle Buck, Mr. Holland’s Opus, Top Gun 2 ) “A touching, honest, and powerful memoir. By the end, we feel great affection and respect for Karen Grassle, the person—a role she struggled with through much of her life but eventually fulfilled in fine style. She found acting and feminism at Berkeley in the ‘60s, and they never let her down.” —Peter Glazer, playwright, director, associate professor, TDPS, UC Berkeley “I started to read this book as a favor to my friend Karen, and soon realized that the favor came from her to me! This is a story about a woman who has shared her heart, soul, and humor. It is a beautiful story from childhood to stardom. I couldn’t put it down.” —Michael Learned, Emmy Award–winning actress ( The Waltons ) “Behind the ‘Ma’ we adored on our screens lies a gritty story of perseverance and heartache—both on and off the prairie. Karen’s book will surprise the Little House  fan in all of us.” —Wendi Lou Lee, author and actress on Little House on the Prairie “If you think you know Karen Grassle, you don’t. If you think she’s simply ‘Ma,’ she isn’t. I was fascinated an