Books like Looking for Betty MacDonald by Paula Becker

Betty Bard MacDonald (1907‑1958) emerged onto the American literary scene after World War II as the bestselling author of "The Egg and I," a memoir that chronicled her early years running a chicken ranch on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. The book, which sold a million copies in less than a year, was adapted into a 1947 film and launched the enduring Ma and Pa Kettle series. MacDonald’s later works included the beloved Mrs. Piggle‑Wiggle children's books and three additional memoirs: "The Plague and I" about her stay in a tuberculosis sanitarium, "Anybody Can Do Anything" detailing her job‑hunting during the Great Depression, and "Onions in the Stew" recounting life raising daughters on Vashon Island. With full access to her archives, Paula Becker uncovers never‑before‑seen materials, offering a fresh perspective on both the real Betty MacDonald and the vibrant literary figure she created.

First publish date: 2016