Louisa M. Alcott

Louisa May Alcott's Little Women; or, Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy (1868) follows the lives, loves and tribulations of four sisters growing up during the American Civil War. The story is based on the childhood experiences Alcott shared with her real-life sisters, Anna, May and Elizabeth.Alcott intricately explores the rich nuances of family and family relationships with each character. Avid Alcott readers often identify in themselves one of the four sisters at various phases in their own lives. It's a perfect story for Christmas, or any time of year; a fine example of Romanticism.Alcott's novel is featured in our collection of 25 Great American Novels and Books for Young Readers, Christmas Stories, and Civil War Stories.

Little Women

Louisa May Alcott

In New England during the Civil War, four sisters experience joys and hardships together.

Lizzy Jensen

It is so beautiful to be loved as Laurie loves me. He isn't sentimental, doesn't say much about it, but I see and feel it in all he says and does, and it makes me so happy and so humble that I don't seem to be the same girl I was. I never knew how good and generous and tender he was till now, for he lets me read his heart, and I find it full of noble impulses and hopes and purposes, and am so proud to know it's mine.

Her face looked tired, grave, and rather sad, for tomorrow was her birthday, and she was thinking how fast the years went by, how old she was getting, and how little she seemed to have accomplished. Almost twenty-five, and nothing to show for it. Jo was mistaken in that. There was a good deal to show, and by-and-by she saw, and was grateful for it.

Julie <3

“I’ve been trying to cure it for forty years, and have only succeeded in controlling it. I am angry nearly every day of my life, Jo; but I have learned not to show it; and I still hope to learn not to feel it, though it may take me another forty years to do so.”

Little Women (Priory Classics - Series One)

nadhirah

i ought to have read more, for i find i don’t know anything, and it mortifies me

Anne Boyd Rioux

Patti Smith

Ashlyn Barrett

We love one another, and that makes all the rest easy to bear. 

For women’s special mission is supposed to be drying tears and bearing burdens. 

For honesty is the best policy in love as in law. 

Was it all self-pity, loneliness, or low spirits? Or was it the waking up of a sentiment which has bided its time as patiently as its inspirer? Who shall say?

I never knew how much like heaven this world could be, when two people love and live for one another. 

If it is a feminine delusion, leave us to enjoy it while we may, for without it half the beauty and the romance of life is lost. 

When women are the advisers, the lords of creation don’t take the advice till they have persuaded themselves that it is just what they intended to do. 

Love is the only thing that we can carry with us when we go, and it makes the end so easy. 

Death can’t part us, though it seems to. 

You men tell us we are angels, and say we can make you what we will, but the instant we honestly try to do you good, you laugh at us and won’t listen, which proves how much your flattery is worth. 

He found himself admiring and respecting the brave patience that made the most of opportunity, and the cheerful spirit that covered poverty with flowers. 

…and enjoyed the delightful sense of power which comes when young girls first discover the new and lovely kingdom they are born to rule by virtue of beauty, youth, and womanhood. 

Dear heart, we all have our little weaknesses. 

I’m happy as I am, and love my liberty too well to be in a hurry to give it up for any mortal man. 

If you loved me Jo, I should be a perfect saint, for you could make me anything you like. 

Pity from your heart those who have no such guardians to hedge them round with principles, which may seem like prison walls to impatient youth, but which will prove sure foundation to build character upon in womanhood. 

I wish I hadn’t any conscience, it’s so inconvenient. 

Character is a better possession than money, rank, intellect, or beauty. 

Genuine good will toward one’s fellow men could beautify and dignify. 

I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship.' Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth - four "little women" enduring hardships and enjoying adventures in Civil War New England The charming story of the March sisters, Little Womenhas been adored by generations. Readers have rooted for Laurie in his pursuit of Jo's hand, cried over little Beth's death, and dreamed of travelling through Europe with old Aunt March and Amy. Future writers have found inspiration in Jo's devotion to her writing. In this simple, enthralling tale, both parts of which are included here, Louisa May Alcott has created four of American literature's most beloved women. The Penguin English Library - collectable general readers' editions of the best fiction in English, from the eighteenth century to the end of the Second World War.

Ryan Mateyk

An absolutely iconic classic! I was inspired to read after re-watching the Greta adaptation and this book is just pure joy.

Coralie Bickford-Smith

Elaine Showalter

Siobhan Kilfeather

Vinca Showalter

JO DOVEVA FINIRE O CON LAURIE O DA SOLA I WILL DIE ON THIS HILL

elizabeth

This has been on my list for the majority of my life at this point simply because it's such an American classic, and I've put it off. And, to be honest, I'm glad I did--not because I didn't enjoy it, but because I wouldn't have enjoyed it when I was younger.

This novel is famously packed with lovable, or at least sympathetic, characters. It's famously cozy and warm; it transports you to the glow of the March family hearth, even if it often dips into a sort of trite preachiness (it's peak transcendentalism, so what do you expect?). It's also famously the subject of a sort of overly-simplistic debate about whether the book is or isn't "feminist." 

I don't really think a book can be feminist, and it's a little reductive to call this book "anti-feminist" or "feminist" or or even "feminist for its time." Rather than keeping a tally of feminist vs. antifeminist sentiments, it might be more productive for the reader to try to gain a more holistic grasp of Alcott's seemingly conflicting and/or nuanced sentiments about womanhood. Yes, characters are rewarded for conformity to feminine virtue (as defined by a patriarchal system) and housewifery. Concurrently, Alcott amplifies the value of domestic labor and celebrates feminine/familial models of cooperative leadership. I don't think it's worth seeing this as two "sides" competing to dominate the narrative; the challenge (and the beauty) is taking it as a whole.

Steffi'sBookShelve

Een fantastisch boek, heb er veel van geleerd vooral van Jo en Mrs. March. Zeker een aanrader!

I honestly don't remember much from this book since it took me 2 years to finish it. I'm a fast reader, especially when I like the book (not that I hate this or what) but I just can't pick it up and read it for some reason. This is my first Collins Classic book and I bought it for a really cheap price. My bias among the four sisters would be Jo. And I am looking forward on watching the movie.

Lindsay Ornedo

Megan

neri

Esta es la historia de la señora March y sus cuatro hijas, Meg, Jo, Beth y Amy, quienes desde la inocencia de la niñez experimentan el despertar de la juventud. Con la guerra civil estadounidense de trasfondo, la novela sigue la vida de las cuatro hermanas, con sus enamoramientos, sus aspiraciones intelectuales, sus alegrías y complicaciones. Con una fina y delicada descripción de cada personaje, se conocen las experiencias de crecimiento que cada una va teniendo, con un gran énfasis en la libertad individual, muy inusual para la época. A lo largo de la novela, las muchachas traban amistad con el vecino, el joven adolescente Laurie, que se vuelve el mejor amigo de Jo. El libro describe las actividades de las hermanas y su amigo, y los roces por los que pasan Jo y Laurie, así también cómo Meg se convierte en una mujercita, comprometiéndose con el señor Brooke. Basada en las propias experiencias de la autora, quien creció junto a tres hermanas, Louisa May Alcott se inspiró en su propia familia a la hora de crear los personajes, con realismo y cariño. Es sin dudas una novela revolucionaria para su época, ya que cuestiona los arquetipos femeninos. La novela ha sido adaptada varias veces al cine, al teatro y a la ópera. En 2019 se estrenará una película con la participación de Emma Watson y Meryl Streep. Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) fue una escritora estadounidense reconocida por su famosa novela Mujercitas (1968), una novela autobiográfica de su infancia, y sus secuelas, Hombrecitos (1871) y Los muchachos de Jo (1886), clásicos de la literatura. Fue también activa a nivel social y político durante toda su vida, comprometida con el movimiento abolicionista y el sufragismo, al igual que sus progenitores. Debido a las condiciones de pobreza de su familia, trabajó en diferentes empleos desde muy joven hasta que pudo empezar a vivir de lo que escribía. Se destacó principalmente con la creación de relatos para jóvenes mujeres, caracterizados por su descripción intimista y la lealtad familiar; así como también con una línea más adulta que publicó bajo el seudónimo de A.M. Barnard, una serie de novelas de tipo romántico, además de una obra seria denominada Un Mefistófeles moderno (1875) en los que tratan temas tabúes para la época como el adulterio y el incesto. También sirvió como enfermera en la Guerra Civil estadounidense y escribió una serie de cartas a su familia, publicadas como Apuntes del hospital (1863).

Mujercitas

Rosibel Silva Pineda

Una historia llena de sentimientos que deja muchas lecciones invaluables que se pueden aplicar totalmente a nuestros días. Simplemente hermosa.

Elisabeth Bontrager

Lately I’ve been reading a lot of fantasy or YA books so when I started this one again (I’ve read it several times before) I had forgotten how much slower paced classics were. It took me just a bit getting into but once started it once again had me hooked. I think if I had to choose between always reading classics or always reading fantasy, I would pick Classics. They may be slower paced and never have me on the edge of my seat holding my breath but they’re full of good values and virtues and they’re good stories about humans that mess up and learn from their mistakes. Little Women is such an amazing book in that aspect. I think every girl should read it and if you’re no longer a young girl but haven’t read it yet you should read it too. It’s full of little tidbits of wisdom about growing up and becoming women, about marriage, about presiding over your own home, and just about being modest virtuous ladies. I love how slow paced the book is. I believe it covers 10 years (skipping some years in between). It’s so so much fun watching the sisters grow up and get married. There’s parts of the book that will make you laugh and parts will make you cry, I can’t recommend this book enough.

not a first time read but aahhhh always a pleasure to visit this every time

Krisha Lei

I absolutely adore this book. The only thing wrong with it is that I didn’t read it when I was a kid. I would have loved to have known Jo March back then!

There are two things I love most about this book: the small but poignant life lessons, and how modern it is in terms of feminism. At times I had to remind myself that I was reading something written in the 1860s.

Even though she’s only three right now, I’ve given Little Women to my niece as a birthday present. She already loves books and I want her to read it as soon as possible.

Laura Hurst

I absolutely adore this book. The only thing wrong with it is that I didn’t read it when I was a kid. I would have loved to have known Jo March back then!

There are two things I love most about this book: the small but poignant life lessons, and how modern it is in terms of feminism. At times I had to remind myself that I was reading something written in the 1860s.

Even though she’s only three right now, I’ve given Little Women to my niece as a birthday present. She already loves books and I want her to read it as soon as possible.

julia

“I want to do something splendid...something heroic or wonderful that won't be forgotten after I'm dead. I don't know what, but I'm on the watch for it and mean to astonish you all someday.”
--
Can you believe that it is the first time that I have ever read this book?
Probably, even more surprising is that I have never seen one of the movie adaptations either. All this time, I was thinking this was a Dickensian story of 4 orphaned sisters. I was obviously wrong.

This is an extremely charming and heart-warming story about family and innocence above all. However, it is not afraid to touch upon heavier and tougher subjects such as poverty, death, ethics, and nationalism.
After finishing it, I am still unsure as to who the target audience might be: children? young adults? all adults? Maybe, that's a part of the charm of this book, it has something for everyone.
My favorite above all is how well the author has shown the best and worst moments of having a sibling. Although all characters are lovingly sketched out in the story, this is clearly Jo's show, and it is impossible not to love her.

Overall, it is a sweet story, but it feels a little preachy and lesson-y at times. But over all, a pleasurable read.

shadee

a book i would pass on to my grandchild i am still in awe how all characters were so real about emotions, all was just so pure. reading this felt like a trip with someones family who gives nothing but love.

Gracie Marsden

One of the he very few books in which I enjoyed the movie more than the book! Greta Gerwig's rendition of the book is masterful!

Matcha Donut

In the first book I can sense that Laurie liked Jo. But he is such a gentleman he must cool down his horses so that their friendship will not be destroyed.

The Original Classic Novel with Photos from the Major Motion Picture

Syahla Aurel

But, you see, Jo wasn't a heroine, she was only a struggling human girl like hundreds of others, and she just acted out of her nature, being sad, cross, or energetic, as the mood suggested.

Although it was a long read, this book was really wholesome. While I absolutely liked how each sister's personality developed, I still believe Jo would be better off not getting married.

girlhood is relating to every single march sister, understanding the quarrels they have, and incorporating their traits onto your own

kiel

my first ever classic and I instantly fell in love! jo’s speech alerted my brain

elly

Little Women (Collins Classics)

my fav bcs march sisters' life hit close to heart. 

ayesha 💌

The first classic I’ve ever read. I liked it, though it took me some time to get through it. Halfway the book everything felt a little repetitive, but it is a great book to start reading classics and the vibes are 10/10

Indi

Laura Mauler

The sugary goodness of the girls was overdone, often making them unbelievable to me. This didn't ruin the book for me though, it just kept it in the realm of fairytales rather than real life.

Little Women

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