Once upon a Time

Elvis and Anita

By: Jonnita Brewer Barrett

Narrated by: Jonnita Brewer Barrett

Length: 6 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

The year was 1957. Elvis Presley was on top of the world. Just 22 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 would be his steady girlfriend for the next five years.

Once upon a Time: 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 listeners back to a magical time that many believe was among the best years of Elvis' life: 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.

©2012 Jonnita Brewer Barrett (P)2021 Jonnita Brewer Barrett

Did not know this book existed!

I am an Elvis Presley Fan and when i found out that Anita Wood Brewer’s daughter had written a Memoir on her behalf I had to purchase it immediately! I was not disappointed. Such a lovely story!

Seems Honest

The book reminds us that there is room for all kinds of love in our lives. Anita passed away last year. I bet Elvis still sees her in Heaven from time to time!

Interesting lady

Excellent! beautiful story ,loved your Moms independence and her talent . Thank you for sharing her story.

Best book ever

This tugged at my heart thank you for telling the love story so many of new was true all these years. Loved the book and Thank you

Young Love

So glad that Anita’s love story was written from her point of view. She was very loyal and in love with Elvis. I admire her strength in how she stood up to him because she realized she deserved more from him. 💖

A lovely story

This was a sweet story of young love. Anita stayed true to herself, even through the heartbreak. I've listened to this story twice, and it touched my heart both times!

Very Good!

Although there are several factual errors contained in the book, nevertheless, the book reveals previously unknown information. I lived and went to college in Memphis and Anita reminds me of many fine Southern belles in her personality, beliefs, and values. Her daughter does her proud.

In my view, Elvis made a major mistake by choosing Priscilla over Anita. Only he knows why he ever became romantically involved with a 14-year-old girl when he was 24 in the first place and why he became obsessed with her to the detriment of his relationship with Anita. He chose poorly and paid dearly.

Sweet Surprise

I loved getting a glimpse into Elvis’s life through the Anita’s story. I couldn’t stop listening and the end has me in tears. Thanks for sharing

SO happy I came across this book!

loved this book and the Narration. EXCELLENT! I learned so much about Anita wood and I also loved hearing the story of her and Elvis!

very emotional you could feel the raw emotions Anita had gone through as read by her daughter.

very tender account of a first love with Elvis raw feelings very emotional. I enjoyed this story.