Little Women Author:Louisa May Alcott Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott, is part of the Barnes & Noble Classics series, which offers quality editions at affordable prices to the student and the general reader, including new scholarship, thoughtful design, and pages of carefully crafted extras. Here are some of the remarkable features of Barnes & Noble Classics: — New introdu... more »ctions commissioned from today's top writers and scholars Biographies of the authors Chronologies of contemporary historical, biographical, and cultural events Footnotes and endnotes Selective discussions of imitations, parodies, poems, books, plays, paintings, operas, statuary, and films inspired by the work Comments by other famous authors Study questions to challenge the reader's viewpoints and expectations Bibliographies for further reading Indices & Glossaries, when appropriate All editions are beautifully designed and are printed to superior specifications; some include illustrations of historical interest. Barnes & Noble Classics pulls together a constellation of influences--biographical, historical, and literary--to enrich each reader's understanding of these enduring works.
Generations of readers young and old, male and female, have fallen in love with the March sisters of Louisa May Alcott’s most popular and enduring novel, Little Women. Here are talented tomboy and author-to-be Jo, tragically frail Beth, beautiful Meg, and romantic, spoiled Amy, united in their devotion to each other and their struggles to survive in New England during the Civil War.
It is no secret that Alcott based Little Women on her own early life. While her father, the freethinking reformer and abolitionist Bronson Alcott, hobnobbed with such eminent male authors as Emerson, Thoreau, and Hawthorne, Louisa supported herself and her sisters with “woman’s work,” including sewing, doing laundry, and acting as a domestic servant. But she soon discovered she could make more money writing. Little Women brought her lasting fame and fortune, and far from being the “girl’s book” her publisher requested, it explores such timeless themes as love and death, war and peace, the conflict between personal ambition and family responsibilities, and the clash of cultures between Europe and America.« less
Oh my God. I can't believe how I ever ignored my mother's suggestion to read this. This has to be one of the most beautiful, worthwhile, funny, and heartbreaking books I have EVER read-- and trust me, I read a lot. Louisa May Alcott is amazingly good at depicting the workings of a small family, and I teared up and/or cried at least five times while reading! As a young writer, I empathized with Jo March, but surely everyone will find some bit of themselves in every one of these four sisters and their "brother" Laurie-- they are some of the most human characterizations I have ever seen. Some believe this book is outdated, but I honestly do not care-- it is an amazing achievement, and those who do not read it due to length or the belief it is "boring" are missing out. Do yourself a favor and READ IT!
A must-read for all young women, in my opinion. I was practically raised by Louisa May Alcott, and I re-read this book once a year. Amusing, touching and historically honest.
I have not read this book in a long time and I just remember that the first time I read it, I did not like Amy at all because I wanted Jo and Laurie to be together. Even this time through it took me a little bit to get over my prejudice for Amy. But this time through I am a little bit older and wiser and I see the true characters that Alcott created and I am happy with the way they are matched. I loved the wisdom that Mrs. March shared with her girls as they grew into women and I found their trials and lessons amusing and true to this day. It is a wonderful book.
from back of book:
Meg, Jo, Amy, and Beth are four "little women" growing up in New England during the Civil War. The March sisters share everything--their joys and pain, their loves and secrets. But the four girls couldn't be more different. Meg, the oldest, is the sensible one. Jo is funny and mischevious. Beth is the shy, dreamy one, and Amy is pretty and artistic.
Follow the March girls as they grow into wonderful young women and share the events of their lives: Meg's first dance, Amy's punishment in school, the return of thier father from the war, Jo's fury with her sisters when her precious diary is burned, the family wedding, Beth's tragic illness, and more. Their story has become one of the most popular books ever written!
Imagine a house full of sisters....Meg, the oldest is a litlle bit serious, but always ready to join the fun. Beth is quiet and sweet, and happy to have so many sisters. Amy, with her golden curls, is the youngest and wants everything her way. And then there's Jo. Jo, who writes stories and makes up games...who loves to laugh and make everybody laugh with her. Jo, who makes up her own mind-- no matter what!
Meet the March sisters: the talented and tomboyish Jo, the beautiful Meg, the frail Beth, and the spoiled Amy, as they pass through the years between girlhood and womanhood. A lively portrait of growing up in the 19th century with lasting vitality and enduring charm.
i don't know what to say. this is just a really good book. it may take place in a time that is far from here but the family dynamic is the important part and this book will always have a place in my heart, it was that touching.
Little Women is the classic book four March sisters. It's a book I think every woman should read at least once in her lifetime. I thought about being greedy and just keeping it for myself, but I just don't have time to read it again (513 pages, not including the Reader's Companion at the end). It's my hope that someone will pass it on to a daughter or niece or any young girl that can learn how a simple life can sometimes be one of the best!
This was such a very well written book. The words throughout it were so captivating. I loved how well described the characters and their feelings were. It made me feel as though I was living in their time period. I really enjoyed learning a bit of what life was like in that time. The bonds of family were very strong in this book. I really loved the speeches that Mrs. March gave from time to time. Although she didn't say very much, she said everything so wonderfully. I truly admired her. It was great to see how Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy each lived. They all had their own story and held me in to understanding what their feelings were or why they acted in different ways. Although I feel the ending was a bit unrealistic, it was interesting! I especially loved the first half of the book and the romantic tales throughout the book.
Perhaps the real reason it is SO good, is Louisa May Alcott experienced many of the things she wrote about. The March sister's adventures and distasters were largely based off of her own life.
The result is a truely inspiring story, with lessons for any young girl about to enter the "adult" world.
