Faith-fueled author and academic historian John Fry wrote "A Prairie Faith: The Religious Life of Laura Ingalls Wilder," telling a different part of her story.

Fry appeared on KHOZ's "Around The Table" to discuss his novel and career. Fry admitted that he didn't read the "Little House" books when he was young. "My wife actually got me to read them after we got married," he said.

That sparked something in Fry. He has read them several times.

For the Christian and Trinity Christian College professor, Wilder's depiction of the Christian church was striking. Not every description of the church was good.

That facet of Wilder's writing powered his desire to write "A Prarie Faith." Fry shines a light on the faith Wilder held. He said that he thinks Wilder's faith was important to her but not the center of her life.

However, he later called Wilder a "committed Christian" while acknowledging that she was more devoted to the Eastern Star organization. The following partial description of Fry's book was obtained from Amazon:

John J. Fry shines a light on Wilder’s quiet faith in this unique biography. Fry surveys the Little Housebooks, Pioneer Girl, and Wilder’s lesser-known writings, including her letters, poems, and newspaper columns. Analyzing this wealth of sources, he reveals how Wilder’s down-to-earth faith and Christian morality influenced her life and work. Interweaving these investigations with Wilder’s perennially interesting life story, A Prairie Faith illustrates the Christian practices of pioneers and rural farmers during this dynamic period of American history.

Fry's book is available for purchase online. More was discussed on the broadcast.

The full interview with Fry is on the "Around The Table" Facebook Page.