Once upon a Time

Elvis and Anita

By: Jonnita Brewer Barrett

Narrated by: Jonnita Brewer Barrett

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

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.

The King’s Little Love: A Timeless Tribute

“Once Upon a Time: Elvis and Anita” by Jonnita Brewer Barrett is a heartfelt and captivating journey through a beautiful chapter of young love between Elvis Presley and Anita Wood. Jonnita’s dedication to bringing her mother’s memories to life is evident in every page and every word she reads. The personal touch of Anita’s own voice at the beginning adds a deeply personal and beautiful element to the story.

This book offers a vivid portrayal of the enduring love and bond between Elvis and Anita, capturing their youthful passion and the significance they held in each other’s lives. The cherished relationship between Anita and Mrs. Gladys Presley is equally touching, adding another layer of warmth to this narrative. It was beautiful knowing how much Anita meant to Mr. Vernon Presley, Elvis’s guys, their wives, and everyone who encountered her during that time.

Reading this book felt like being right there, experiencing every heartfelt moment, from Elvis’s letters to Anita to the personal times they shared. The enduring love that persisted throughout their lives is beautifully illustrated, making this a truly remarkable read.

As a blind person, experiencing this book through Jonnita’s narration was absolutely meaningful to me. Her expressive and heartfelt reading brought the story to life in a way that was deeply impactful.

Thank you, Jonnita, for your time, dedication, and for reading this book with such grace and emotion. Your effort in writing and narrating this story is truly top-notch. This book is a treasure, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to experience the timeless love story of Elvis and Anita.

Perfect storytelling.

This was done so well. I love the way she read it it really felt like you were there with these two young lovers. She didn’t brush any negativity under the rug. Her mama is a very honest woman with high morals values and ethics. It’s too bad Elvis didn’t have the same. I think this is the seventh book I’ve read about Elvis by the people who loved him the most. He certainly did attract kind, loving, supportive, loyal friends and lovers into his life. I’m still crying after finishing the story even though, of course , we all know how it ends. Just heartbreaking. Rest in peace Elvis, we love & miss you.

Excellent Storytelling!!

Loved learning about this chapter of Elvis’s life with Anita Wood as written and read by her daughter so special. Enjoyed this so much