I Ain't Afraid: The World of Lulu Bell Parr, Wild West Cowgirl

In 1955, the AP thrummed with the news of Lulu Bell Parr's death. The incongruity of her final years as a pauper in a shack with her time as a Wild West star could not be ignored. Then, she was forgotten. Nearly fifty years later, small town history buffs stumbled upon her unmarked grave and set out to give her the recognition she deserved. They raised over seven thousand dollars, erected a monument on her grave (with a parade through town and celebration), and then went on to have her inducted in the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame. The biography "I Ain't Afraid" - The World of Lulu Bell Parr, Wild West Cowgirl details how Lulu was foisted off on relatives as a girl, not educated, married at nineteen, and by twenty-six, divorced and living over a print shop in backwater Steubenville. But she could ride horses. Hired by Pawnee Bill in 1903, she went on to have one of the longest careers among Wild West performers. She worked for all the heavy hitters - Buffalo Bill, the 101 Ranch, Zack Mulhall, and more. She did not stop until her fifties when the Depression changed everything. Parr dazzled audiences of royalty and the poor alike as a sharpshooter, trick rider, and bronco rider. She worked alongside the top cowboys, cowgirls, and performers - including Princess Wenona, Bill Pickett, and Geronimo. Married at least four times, her briefest marriage -three days- was to Charley Mulhall, Zack's son. This is a factual biography, tapping into standard and newly available resources as well as those directly involved in resurrecting and preserving Lulu's history. The hardback and paperback versions of the book include illustrations, several from Lulu's private collection which have not previously been published.

About the Author :
Diane Helentjaris, a native of Dayton, Ohio, spent the middle years of her career as a clinical physician and public health administrator before returning to her humanities roots. She earned her BA cum laude in Interdisciplinary Humanities and MD in Human Medicine from Michigan State University and her Masters in Public Health from the University of Michigan. She writes regularly, human interest stories for regional magazines, is the author of The Indenture of Ivy O'Neill, and often writes about overlooked, unsung lives. She lives in Leesburg, Virginia with her husband and son and two ridiculous miniature poodles.

Review :
"Infused with wry humor, this book is both thought-provoking and a genuinely fun read - a look into rarely-seen corners of American history and a rousing chronicle of a fearless life." - Kasey Eichensehr, Senior Curator, Clark County (Ohio) Historical Society "In engaging prose, the incredible story of Lulu Bell Parr is recounted in this extraordinary book. Every word captures the essence of her life story. From the prologue to the epilogue, I was swept up by her astonishing adventures." - Sheila Sparks Ralph, PhD, RN, FAAN. "This is a journey well worth taking and a book you won't be able to put down." - Laura E. Christiansen, Curator of Manuscripts and Archives, Thomas Balch Library "Diane Helentjaris has done an excellent job of bringing to life a long-lost part of American history when the West was still wild. We've all heard of Buffalo Bill, but Lulu Bell Parr steals this show-a strong woman in a man's world." - John DeDakis, novelist and writing coach.