A Warm and Insightful Memoir, December 18, 2007
By Larry Gevirtz (Bronx NY)


Jon Provost's memories of life as Lassie's youngest master (co-authored by his wife, Laurie Jacobson) makes for a wonderful, humorous, and insightful read. This is the story of a gifted young star, guided by a mother who was not quite the typical stage mother, who tasted fame and adulation as a child, shunned the limelight as an adolescent, and came to terms with his past as an adult. The fact that he survived and persevered rather than crashed makes this an uplifting tale--but it doesn't avoid the seamier moments of show biz life. The scenes of a teenaged Jon shedding his apple-pie purity during the hippie era are especially fascinating, and his encounter with a sinister Sal Mineo is harrowing. The first-person comments by a variety of associates, from fellow child stars to starry-eyed fans, adds a great deal of perspective to the story. The photos are small but plentiful, and the knowledgeable tone of the writing makes this a book that's hard to put down. The reader comes away with a full understanding of the glories and privations of the child star experience, and an appreciation of Jon Provost as one who rose triumphantly above the turmoil. Highly recommended!