'Little House on the Prairie' star Karen Grassle returns to Ventura for book signing

Karen Grassle, best known for her role as Ma on the popular '70s television show "Little House on the Prairie," returns to her hometown of Ventura for a book signing event Saturday.

Grassle's book, 10 years in the making, "Bright Lights, Prairie Dust," was published Tuesday. In celebration of her memoir's release, she will be at Ventura's Timbre Books to talk about the book and sign it for fans.

In the Western drama series, Grassle starred as Caroline Ingalls, the beloved motherly figure also known as Ma. From 1974 to 1982, the show aired on NBC but enjoyed greater viewership in syndication and later on major streaming platforms.

Although born in Northern California, Grassle moved at age 5 with her family to Ventura. She recalls hiking in the hills, riding the waves at the beach and always feeling safe – so much so they didn't lock their doors.

Before the actress' rise to stardom, she was part of a local dance academy between ages 6 and 13. Grassle also participated in school plays throughout the years. She graduated from the only high school in town at the time, Ventura High in 1959.

"Ventura was all I knew," Grassle said.

When she was 19, after realizing her dream of acting, she quit college and began to participate at a theater in San Francisco. Over time and through her acting roles, she also learned about herself, the actress said.

In her book, Grassle, now 79, reflects on the growth and transitions in both her personal life and career over the years. Her memoir features themes such as her own battles with alcoholism and depression and those within her family. She also discusses her advocacy for women's rights, pay equity, struggles with domestic violence and more.

"The most important takeaway (from the book) is that change is possible," Grassle said. "My story shows we can do it." 

Timbre Books welcomes fans to meet Grassle, hear her talk about her life and get her autograph in their own copy of her new book.

"I'm so excited," Grassle said.

She said important people from different parts of her life will also be at the event. Her sister is visiting from Arizona, a roomate from her time in college, and one of her "Little House" children will join the writer.

The book signing will be at 4 p.m. Saturday at Timbre Books, 1924 E. Main St., Ventura.

Timbre Books asks attendees to RSVP by email to books@timbrebooks.com.

Cytlalli Salgado is a breaking news reporter for the Ventura County Star. She can be reached by calling 805-437-0257 or emailing cytlalli.salgado@vcstar.com.