In "Bonnie Jean, the Early Years", a life unfolds before the reader. Bonnie’s hopes and desires clash with the outcome of her choices during her early years - which are lovingly chronicled by her daughter - Etta Jean Allen. The biography begins with the background of Bonnie’s ancestry and childhood. It continues through the hard times of growing up during the Depression in a poor Minnesota farm family and into her young adulthood. The author describes milestones and difficult losses with honest and gentle storytelling. Bonnie Jean’s personal journals, written prior to her death as a favor to her daughter – parallel the text of researched facts and memories of those who went through those years with her. These journal entries hold the deeper conflict within Bonnie Jean, and provide insight into her life that is both telling and sometimes heartbreaking. Her life was an attempt to be authentic and loving but as her turmoils increased her survival was in peril. Understanding her choices and those inflicted upon her, will help all of us live with more understanding and grace.