Lessons from the Mountain: What I Learned from Erin Walton

Lessons from the Mountain: What I Learned from Erin Walton

A fascinating look at what it's like to grow up in front of and beyond the cameras. --Eve Plumb<br><br>For nine seasons, Mary McDonough was part of one of the most beloved families in television history. Just ten years-old when she was cast as the pretty, wholesome middle child Erin, Mary grew up on the set of <i>The Waltons,</i> alternately embracing and rebelling against her good-girl onscreen persona. Now, as the first cast member to write about her experiences on the classic series, she candidly recounts the joys and challenges of growing up Walton--from her overnight transformation from a normal kid in a working class, Irish Catholic family, to a Hollywood child star, to the personal challenges that led her to take on a new role as an activist for women's body image issues. <br><br>Touching, funny, sometimes heartbreaking, and always illuminating, <i>Lessons from the Mountain </i> is the story of everything Mary McDonough learned on her journey over--and beyond--that famous mountain. <br><br>"For someone who started out as a sweet little girl afraid to speak up, it certainly is a pleasure to hear her shout from the top of the mountain now! --Alison Arngrim, <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author of <i>Confessions of a Prairie Bitch</i><br><br>"She's a radiant woman whose truth comes from within. . .if I had to pick one word that described Mary Beth, it would be resilience." --Earl Hamner, Creator of <i>The Waltons</i><br><br>"Mary is a whole lot more than Erin on The Waltons. This book shows how she's handled all the highs and lows with grace." –George Clooney<br><br><b> Includes Never Before Published Bonus Chapter!</b>