Q&A with Kate Arndt, author of Rare Beauty, Bonita Granville, A Biography

Q&A with Kate Arndt, author of Rare Beauty, Bonita Granville, A Biography

BM: Hi Kate! How are you? 
KA: I am great, how about you?
BM: Great! Let's talk about your book: Rare Beauty, Bonita Granville, A Biography! 
KA:  Sure thing would ! That would be great! 
 (1) BM: First off, how did your interest in Bonita begin? 
KA: Well, my granny really introduced me to her when I was 5th grade and ever since then, I have been attached to her.
2) BM: What made you decide to write this book? 
KA: Well, I've always wondered why Bonita Granville never had a book written about her, or why she never wrote her own biography? In 2021, I had the idea of writing it, but in 2023, I got the approval from her daughter! 
3) BM: What was the most interesting thing you found out about Bonita? 
KA: Well, there's one thing thatI found interesting, that she didn't write her own "tell all book"- she didn't have any publicity after she died, at least none that I was aware of. 
4) BM: What is your favorite Bonita Granville film? 
KA: The one I tend to reference a lot is called The Beloved Brat. This one is really one that showcases her talent! 
5) BM: In your writing this book, did you have any doubts ? 
KA: This book took 3 years to write, and a lot of emotions went into this. I really loved writing it, and wouldn't have changed it any other way .
6) BM: Did any of the family help? 
KA: Yes! Her daughter's side ( whom I've come to love very much), helped out a great deal! 
7) BM: What was your favorite part about writing this book? 
KA: I really loved picking out the photos, and I loved being able to share some wonderful stories about her
8) BM: Why do you think many people haven't heard of Miss Granville? 
KA: I think it's this: She didn't have any scandals, or she didn't fly off the rails, do drugs or anything like that. I think that most people would have considered her as just "Nancy Drew" and that's all, but she was more than that.
9) Anything else you can tell us about the book? 
KA: There are so many wonderful stories that I've shared , and I think that people will enjoy them! 
10) BM: Are you planning on writing any other biographies? 
KA: None at the moment, but hopefully, one on Anne Shirley, the actress !