In this strikingly honest book, McDonough shares the story of her overnight transformation from a normal kid in a working class, Irish Catholic family, to a Hollywood child star. She reveals intimate memories of life in and around that idyllic Virginia farmhouse (really a Warner Brothers back lot in Burbank) - sneaking off to steal candy from Ike Godsey's store; developing crushes on guest stars; trying to crack up cast members during takes; and, most of all, forming a tight-knit second family who played, worked, hugged, and squabbled together. But in the years that followed the show's long run, as McDonough tried to reinvent herself, she found herself battling depression and personal insecurities amplified by her celebrity. Gradually she gained the courage to stand up not just for herself, but - in true Waltons tradition - for others, taking on a new role as an activist for women's body image issues.
Lessons from the Mountain
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"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
"A fascinating look at what it's like to grow up in front of and beyond the cameras." ----Eve Plumb
"Somewhere inside that frightened, shy, freckle-faced little girl, who just wanted to please everyone, to just be "good enough," seethed the heart of brave activist, willing to take on all comers in her fight to save women's lives. Mary starts out writing a heartfelt "love letter" to her Waltons co-stars and fans, (no whining here, there s not an ungrateful bone in her body!) But no sooner has she finished happily regaling us with her behind the scenes Waltons tales, and the moral lessons she took to heart along the way, she reveals the terrifying challenges that forced her to become more "Erin Brockovich" than "Erin Walton"! 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, New York Times Best Selling Author of "Confessions of A Prairie Bitch"
"A fascinating look at what it's like to grow up in front of and beyond the cameras." ----Eve Plumb
"Somewhere inside that frightened, shy, freckle-faced little girl, who just wanted to please everyone, to just be "good enough," seethed the heart of brave activist, willing to take on all comers in her fight to save women's lives. Mary starts out writing a heartfelt "love letter" to her Waltons co-stars and fans, (no whining here, there s not an ungrateful bone in her body!) But no sooner has she finished happily regaling us with her behind the scenes Waltons tales, and the moral lessons she took to heart along the way, she reveals the terrifying challenges that forced her to become more "Erin Brockovich" than "Erin Walton"! 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, New York Times Best Selling Author of "Confessions of A Prairie Bitch"
"A fascinating look at what it's like to grow up in front of and beyond the cameras." ----Eve Plumb
"Somewhere inside that frightened, shy, freckle-faced little girl, who just wanted to please everyone, to just be "good enough," seethed the heart of brave activist, willing to take on all comers in her fight to save women's lives. Mary starts out writing a heartfelt "love letter" to her Waltons co-stars and fans, (no whining here, there s not an ungrateful bone in her body!) But no sooner has she finished happily regaling us with her behind the scenes Waltons tales, and the moral lessons she took to heart along the way, she reveals the terrifying challenges that forced her to become more "Erin Brockovich" than "Erin Walton"! 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, New York Times Best Selling Author of "Confessions of A Prairie Bitch"
"A fascinating look at what it's like to grow up in front of and beyond the cameras." ----Eve Plumb
"Somewhere inside that frightened, shy, freckle-faced little girl, who just wanted to please everyone, to just be "good enough," seethed the heart of brave activist, willing to take on all comers in her fight to save women's lives. Mary starts out writing a heartfelt "love letter" to her Waltons co-stars and fans, (no whining here, there s not an ungrateful bone in her body!) But no sooner has she finished happily regaling us with her behind the scenes Waltons tales, and the moral lessons she took to heart along the way, she reveals the terrifying challenges that forced her to become more "Erin Brockovich" than "Erin Walton"! 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, New York Times Best Selling Author of "Confessions of A Prairie Bitch"
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
36 of 37 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Lessons From the Mountain recounts the childhood of Mary McDonough and her experiences of growing up on the Mountain as one of the beloved children in The Waltons.
Her accounts stirred my heart, bringing to life the young acress' experiences, both delightful and heartbreaking. Through dispelling myths, sharing insecurities and recounting all the good times and gags (mostly by John Boy--my favorite was the foaming mouth scene in the middle of church) from the Walton's set, McDonough's memoirs are touching in true-to-life fashion. She offers the reader a real treat, an inside look into these fond memories, leaving us understanding a little more about the characters and crew that made up The Waltons.
As her endearing innocence faded into insecurities and struggles with self-worth, Mary searched to find herself. Her days were filled with sets and wardrobes, stylists and media scrutiny, bullies and blunders. Lost in an imaginary world where time stood still, she was always seen as the cute kid with freckles through the world's television screen and though the show must always go on, she secretly struggled behind her character's persona. This book shines a bright light on the realities that Mary faced as a child actor and surprisingly, her experiences were often times heartbreaking.
As those around her helped her carve out a new and victorious path, she began to find herself among the not-so glitz and glam of the Hollywood she knew. Yet even as an adult, Mary's struggle with fitting in haunted her and a decision to improve her appearance nearly cost the actress her life.... Read more ›
Her accounts stirred my heart, bringing to life the young acress' experiences, both delightful and heartbreaking. Through dispelling myths, sharing insecurities and recounting all the good times and gags (mostly by John Boy--my favorite was the foaming mouth scene in the middle of church) from the Walton's set, McDonough's memoirs are touching in true-to-life fashion. She offers the reader a real treat, an inside look into these fond memories, leaving us understanding a little more about the characters and crew that made up The Waltons.
As her endearing innocence faded into insecurities and struggles with self-worth, Mary searched to find herself. Her days were filled with sets and wardrobes, stylists and media scrutiny, bullies and blunders. Lost in an imaginary world where time stood still, she was always seen as the cute kid with freckles through the world's television screen and though the show must always go on, she secretly struggled behind her character's persona. This book shines a bright light on the realities that Mary faced as a child actor and surprisingly, her experiences were often times heartbreaking.
As those around her helped her carve out a new and victorious path, she began to find herself among the not-so glitz and glam of the Hollywood she knew. Yet even as an adult, Mary's struggle with fitting in haunted her and a decision to improve her appearance nearly cost the actress her life.... Read more ›
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I've met Mary McDonough several times and she is a storyteller, no doubt. But when I was reading her book "Lessons from the Mountain," I found it difficult to juxtapose that affable redheaded Irishwoman with the difficult life she has led. Not that she didn't have any fun--she had plenty, especially with Grandpa Walton (Will Geer) and crew and many other recognizable figures in Hollywood. But from her overly-strict Catholic upbringing, to her role as a child actor, for which she was wholly unprepared, she was almost set up to experience the self-doubt, perfectionism, and body image issues which plagued her through so much of her young life. Add to that the tragic circumstances surrounding her breast implants, which eventually ruptured, and her resulting ten-year illness before she discovered the cause and had the implants removed, and it feels like enough to break anyone. Yet Mary has an incredible spirit that just won't let her give up. She went on to act again, direct, advocate for women, testify before the FDA, and pen her first book.
Minus the scandals so de rigueur in celebrity memoirs these days, there is still plenty in "Lessons" to entertain, surprise, and inspire you from start to finish. For all that she's tried to shake that "girl next door" image at times, in fact, Mary kind of IS the girl next door. The sweet one, who's much tougher than she looks. Her book is well worth the read.
Minus the scandals so de rigueur in celebrity memoirs these days, there is still plenty in "Lessons" to entertain, surprise, and inspire you from start to finish. For all that she's tried to shake that "girl next door" image at times, in fact, Mary kind of IS the girl next door. The sweet one, who's much tougher than she looks. Her book is well worth the read.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
When she was ten years old, Mary McDonough won the role of Erin Walton in the television movie THE HOMECOMING, which later was picked up as the television series THE WALTONS. McDonough played Erin for ten years (and then in six subsequent television movies) and had an almost universal positive relationship with her television co-stars.
Unfortunately behind "Erin's" sweet public smile there lay an actual person who was beset by doubts, from childish fears to troubling teenage worries about her body and appearance. As an adult, she opted for breast implants to help her have a more positive body image and boost her career. Instead, it was just the beginning of massive health problems that endangered her life and her care of her daughter.
McDonough writes in a stream-of-consciousness style that may bother people who prefer more traditional narratives. As a WALTONS fan I enjoyed her memories of the series, and I was dismayed at the negative effect the implants had on her later life. I personally believe breast implants for cosmetic reasons are ridiculous and unnecessary, and felt bad that McDonough so disliked herself that she would opt for this "solution" to her image problems. It is yet another sign of the unrealistic ideas we have given to young women for years, that somehow having big breasts will make them feel "more womanly" and solve their problems. I wish her a brighter and healthier future.
Please note that this is not simply a memoir of McDonough's time on THE WALTONS. Several reviewers seemed disappointed that this was not the book's only focus. McDonough uses the word "mountain" to not only refer to the series' setting, but to the "mountains" she faced in growing up and with her illness.
Unfortunately behind "Erin's" sweet public smile there lay an actual person who was beset by doubts, from childish fears to troubling teenage worries about her body and appearance. As an adult, she opted for breast implants to help her have a more positive body image and boost her career. Instead, it was just the beginning of massive health problems that endangered her life and her care of her daughter.
McDonough writes in a stream-of-consciousness style that may bother people who prefer more traditional narratives. As a WALTONS fan I enjoyed her memories of the series, and I was dismayed at the negative effect the implants had on her later life. I personally believe breast implants for cosmetic reasons are ridiculous and unnecessary, and felt bad that McDonough so disliked herself that she would opt for this "solution" to her image problems. It is yet another sign of the unrealistic ideas we have given to young women for years, that somehow having big breasts will make them feel "more womanly" and solve their problems. I wish her a brighter and healthier future.
Please note that this is not simply a memoir of McDonough's time on THE WALTONS. Several reviewers seemed disappointed that this was not the book's only focus. McDonough uses the word "mountain" to not only refer to the series' setting, but to the "mountains" she faced in growing up and with her illness.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Jess
Format:Hardcover
You know what I enjoyed about this book? Well, many things, but first and foremost, what it shared about Mary's days on the set as Erin Walton WITHOUT bashing her costars. Do you know how rare it is to read a celebrity autobiography without finding boatloads of vitriol or dirty secret sharing? Those parts of the book were wholesome and just plain fun. If you enjoyed the Waltons TV series, you'll enjoy the book.
Another reason it's worth reading is for Mary's own story. She's been through a lot in her life, but she handles it with grace. I get easily disgusted by whiny writing, and the fact that I read (devoured!) this book speaks to the fact that I didn't consider this whiny at all. She shares personal details, yes, but she does so matter-of-factly with the hope of informing.
I recommend the book highly. Perhaps you like fun tales about famous TV stars and shows, or perhaps you enjoy stories of personal triumph over hard times. Either way, you'll enjoy Lessons From the Mountain. Whatever your reasons for picking it up, you can only come out better for having read it.
Oh, and if you get a chance, come on over to Facebook and follow Mary. Anyone who has ever wondered "What's she REALLY like?" will get a great sense of her warm and caring self once they've read a few of her posts.
Trivia: She also has a great singing voice! I bought the CD "Together Again: A Walton Christmas" from Amazon and have just about worn it out playing it over and over. Can't recommend it enough. The cast (except Grandma and Grandpa) are all together again creating wonderful Christmas music and memories. You'll love it. Promise. :o)
Another reason it's worth reading is for Mary's own story. She's been through a lot in her life, but she handles it with grace. I get easily disgusted by whiny writing, and the fact that I read (devoured!) this book speaks to the fact that I didn't consider this whiny at all. She shares personal details, yes, but she does so matter-of-factly with the hope of informing.
I recommend the book highly. Perhaps you like fun tales about famous TV stars and shows, or perhaps you enjoy stories of personal triumph over hard times. Either way, you'll enjoy Lessons From the Mountain. Whatever your reasons for picking it up, you can only come out better for having read it.
Oh, and if you get a chance, come on over to Facebook and follow Mary. Anyone who has ever wondered "What's she REALLY like?" will get a great sense of her warm and caring self once they've read a few of her posts.
Trivia: She also has a great singing voice! I bought the CD "Together Again: A Walton Christmas" from Amazon and have just about worn it out playing it over and over. Can't recommend it enough. The cast (except Grandma and Grandpa) are all together again creating wonderful Christmas music and memories. You'll love it. Promise. :o)
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
I Bought This Book To Surprise My Wife.....
My wife and her folks are the biggest fans of 'The Walton's.' When I saw that Mary had written a book about the show, I just had to purchase it for her. Read more
Published 1 day ago by Sherwood B. Kressley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent read!
Mary did an excellent job writing this book. She takes you through her childhood, her days on the Walton's, and through her struggles with her illness after breast implants. Read more
Published 4 days ago by VICKIE L DUKE
5.0 out of 5 stars
A * Must Read * for every Walton fan!
If you love the Walton's, you will LOVE Mary's book. I thoroughly enjoyed her story, so much so - I couldn't put it down. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Sandra Walterhouse
5.0 out of 5 stars
MAry
How can you NOT like this book. I grew up in the "Walton's" era. The stories about the show and her were wonderful. Not your typical memoir. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Bonni Sweet
5.0 out of 5 stars
A MUST READ!!!- LESSONS FROM THE MOUNTAIN
Lessons from the Mountain A well written account of the actress behind Erin Walton, Mary McDonough. I could not put the book down! Read more
Published 3 months ago by Deb S
4.0 out of 5 stars
Heartwarming Story of a Child Star's Journey to Happiness
In the seventies and eighties, the Waltons was one of my favorite programs. I loved heartwarming family shows. The Waltons was sure to touch me and give me a good cry. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Donna Hill
1.0 out of 5 stars
Very, very disappointed
I looked forward to reading this book. As I got about 25% in, it started to sound like she is a "pity me" author! Read more
Published 3 months ago by ThrifyShopper
5.0 out of 5 stars
An engageing read
A very enjoyable read. This book is also an enlightening eye opener of the difficulties faced by child actors thrust into the spotlight of worldwide fame and the pressures it... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Joseph E. Miller
5.0 out of 5 stars
wonderful read
Well written ,this is a wonderful book.It is written from the heart,and makes women aware of a serious health risk.
It is an easy read,and enjoyable
It is an easy read,and enjoyable
Published 4 months ago by charles donahue
4.0 out of 5 stars
Lessons From the Mountain
This was a very good book about the Life of Mary McDonough,who played Erin on The Waltons. She writes about her struggles along the way, including health problems directly related... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Sunnie1959
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