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.