Once Upon a Time: Elvis and Anita

by Jonnita Brewer Barrett

The year was 1957. Elvis Presley was on top of the world. Just twenty-two at the time, he was not just the King of Rock 'n' Roll but a handsome prince who had his choice of all the fair maidens in the land, and yet, like a true fairy tale, he fell in love with Anita Wood, a rising musical talent with the looks of a beauty queen. Anita put her own career aside to be with Elvis, her first love and his steady girlfriend for the next five years. ONCE UPON A ELVIS AND ANITA is a heartfelt memoir of Anita's life with Elvis from 1957 through 1962. Written by Jonnita Brewer Barrett, Anita's daughter, the book takes readers back to a magical time that many believe was among the best years of Elvis' His career was taking off, he had just purchased Graceland (where Anita lived with Elvis for most of their time together), and life seemed incredibly good. Through her daughter, Anita recaptures the joy and excitement of two young people in love. She shares many key moments that bonded her with Elvis' family, including the shocking news that he had been drafted by the Army in 1958, and the devastation he felt later that year by the sudden death of his beloved mother, Gladys. ONCE UPON A TIME traces Anita's own journey in show business which included appearances with such entertainment legends as Jack Paar, Buddy Hackett, Andy Williams and Dick Van Dyke. But it also revisits some of the most painful memories of Anita's life, from the lengths that Elvis' manager took to shield their relationship from the public, to the heartache and betrayal that made her realize that the fairy tale had to end.

248 pages, Hardcover

First published July 28, 2012

Reviews

[Tija Addams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elvis was the king of rock n roll but he was also the king of cheating. Excellent book

[Anna Chalmers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anita Wood is such a beauty.
A beautiful and heartbreaking story 😞

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this because it was the only object in the Graceland gift shops that had my name on it. Anita Wood was Elvis' first "true love" as the author writes. The book is a short simple read, narrated by the subject's daughter and based on stories her mother told her, so keep this in mind when considering factuality. It was a good book from someone who actually knew Elvis and has the Presley family's approval.

[Deena Dietrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

not a long book but a very detailed, honest account of Elvis and Anita's relationship told by her daughter. her father, Anita's husband of 40plus years died 1 year before this book was published, so they purposely waited to release this story so it would not hurt her husband's feelings. it still baffles me why people settle for second best. for me if I can't be with my one true love of my life I'd rather be alone, not just with someone to be with someone - but that's just me.

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another sweet and sad story about Elvis and yet another one of his many loves. Anita seems to have been a really sweet woman.

[Bertina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, looks like Elvis was trying to choose between Anita and Priscilla.

[Cheryl Runsdorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great find! An incredible love story with the King of Rock and Roll.

[Melissa Coffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! One of my favorite Elvis book! Loved it!

[Kerry Mcmillen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good read for an Elvis fan - learned some things I didn't know!

[Kim Visconti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and Anita Woods relationship with Elvis ...

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of stories in here I'd never heard before - very interesting for an Elvis fan!