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Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Why I Love Little Women

I talk a lot about books I've read as an adult, but I read some darn good things as a child too.  In fact, it's hard to pin down a favorite childhood companion (book wise, that is).  I loved Black Beauty which definitely helped shape my attitude toward animals.  I also loved reading the Black Stallion books.  Can you guess I was crazy about horses?  I also loved Anne of Green Gables whose whimsical imagination sparked mine.  I mentioned Trixie Belden in a previous post.  I wanted to be just like Trixie!

But one that stands out is by Louisa May Alcott.  I don't know if girls still read Little Woomen or not.  The language is slightly old-fashioned, but if they gave it a try I think they'd see why I love it.  The story is set during the Civil War.  It's about a family living in the North.  The father has gone to war leaving the mother to take care of his four daughters.  Each of the daughters has a distinct personality that gets them into various adventures, some good, some not.  Without readers even realizing it, Alcott uses the four daughters to give beautiful life lessons.  For example, Meg, the oldest daughter craves luxury, but when she spends two weeks with a wealthy friend, she finds that a big house and nice clothes don't automatically bring happiness.

If you have a daughter, see if you can get her to read Little Women.  I still have my copy on my bookshelf after all the years that have passed since I first read it.

8 comments:

  1. IT sounds like a wonderful novel. I'm going to try to find a novel.

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  2. It is one of the best books ever written!

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  3. I must say, I love 'Little Women'. Meg was my favorite! I wrote my post on Trixie Belden so it was fun that you mentioned her.

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  4. I believe I've tried reading Little Women and never got through it. But you make me knind of want to pick it up and try again. Seems I missed out on a great story and I'm loving Historicals more and more.

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  5. Hi, ladies. Sidne, try the library. LuAnn, I totally agree. Dana, Meg is my favorite too. I played her once in a play. Dana, Trixie rocks! Jade, do give it one more try.

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  6. I love the girls in Little Women. It is a classic that I think is still relevant and easy to read (once you get used to the old fashioned phrases).

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  7. The first name that popped into my head when I realised what the meme topic was about was Jo from Little Women. She's always been a favourite!... I never could take to animal stories, unfortunately...

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  8. Hi, Elaine,

    Little Women was one of my favorite books. I think I read it three times. I always identified with Jo - awkward, a bit pushy and brainy.

    Is it really true that young women aren't reading Alcott anymore? If so, that is truly sad.

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