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.

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2021

Reviews

[Mrs Mary Flood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everlasting love

I loved every page of this story because of the sheer honesty and integrity of the details revealed. It conveyed the true love that existed between Elvis and Anita and her faithfulness to his memory. It exudes strength of character in how Anita stayed loyal to Elvis until the end. What might have been will forever remain unanswered.

[Rcavictory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don' t know how to review this book, I love it! I'm actually at a loss for words! I have to say that I admire Anita for going into her heart and soul to tell her story about the love she had with Elvis Presley! BRAVO! A MUST READ!

[Sarah O]

in progress.

[Sharon Holinstat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was a very good & interesting book & gave me insight to his early encounter with a genuine & girlfriend who kept his secrets & loved him till the end