Joining us today is Marli Renee from Books|Cuppas and Cause for Joy. Hope you enjoy her review!
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I am Meg. Earnest. Sincere. Serious. Loving the little things in this world, yet craving to leave them… “Tomorrow I shall put away my ‘fuss and feathers’ and be desperately good again.”
I am Jo. Passionate. Awkward. Always dreaming. “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.”
I am Beth. Loving the simple, the pure. Hoping. Desiring only peace and joy. “’We’ve got Father and Mother, and each other,’ said Beth contentedly from her corner.”
I am Amy. Sweet and silly. Determined. Thrilled over lace, and frills. Reveling in the fact that “we’ll all grow up someday, we might as well know what we want.”, but striving with every excited ounce to always be a better person.
Devouring these pages to learn more about myself. Or maybe I have become myself through these pages? Only a handful of books have done as much to shape who I am – these courageous young sisters as beacons of maturity and true femininity, yet oh so relatable beacons. Hopes, dreams and daily dramas within the slow process of sanctification.
The March sisters were so grown-up when I first met them. And now I am among them. “If we are all alive ten years hence, let’s meet, and see how many of us have got our wishes, or how much nearer we are then than now.” It has been ten years. I re-read the book with different eyes. I realize how young the dear characters were, and how far I have to go. But how close I have come – plodding where their gentle steps led.
In a world of quick literature and cheap thrills, it is a joy to read something so careful. So pure. So real, as real women who loved the Lord and lived faithfully day after day. Little Women.
Don’t just let this book be a check on your list of things to read. Don’t just join in the throng of, ‘Oh, such a cute story!’. Let it mean something to you. Let the reality of life, the pain, the joy, the relationships, the partings, the death, the birth, the love and fire mean something. Feel. Grow with these
friends. Live with them. “for I am learning how to sail my ship.”
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Audience: All Ages
Genre: Classic
Pages: Around 500
Leah E. Good 
Reblogged this on Books|Cuppas and commented:
This week’s book was originally posted over at Leah’s Bookshelf – hope you enjoy!
Wow, excellent post Marli. I particularly enjoyed how you worded the first part: “I am Meg… Jo… Beth…Amy” Isn’t that what makes a book a classic? everytime we go back to it, we read it afresh, learning something new, seeing it with different eyes.
I grew up on Little Women – I think I’ve only read it a paltry 17 times 🙂 My sister and I quote this one to each other all the time. Have you ever listened to Focus on the Family’s Radio Theater version? Two thumbs up from me! Haven’t seen many movie versions that do this one justice though…
Probably a silly question, but have you read both the sequels? I have, and several other Alcott books – always liked “Jack and Jill”
Congrats on your guest post – I was one of Leah’s other first “guest posters” so I wanted to comment on yours – it’s disappointing if no one says anything! 🙂
Oh, thank you very much for your kind words!! Do you have a link to your review? I would love to read it!
Wow, 17 times is incredible… I have listened to the Radio Theatre – a joy! I read Jo’s Boys, but I didn’t know there was another sequel. I also love Eight Cousins, A Rose in Bloom and An Old Fashioned Girl (personal favorite!). Haven’t read Jack and Jill though – adding it to the list now 🙂
Here’s the link to Maiden’s review, Marli. 😉 https://leahegood.com/2012/11/09/book-review-prisoners-of-the-sea/
You’re very welcome 🙂 warning about the review – it has rather a dramatic flare… I think I got a bit carried away with my enthusiasm 😉
Well, I think it’s 17. I was keeping a mental tally once-upon-a-time, but I lost track around 14 or so… Little Woman has become my pleasure reading for low energy/sinffle sort of days – whenever Mommy sees it in my hands she asks, “Little Woman? Oh dear, are you sick?” 🙂
Oh, have you heard of “Little Men”? That’s the second book in the series – it’s about all the boys you met in Jo’s Boys, but relates all their mischief and monkey-business while growing up – very quaint and humerous yet touching! (can never decied if my favorite is Emil, Dan or Tommy Bangs…)
Radio Theater beats just about any other redition of ANY book; did you know they just came out with “Oliver Twist” ? I’m itching to get my hands (or should I say ears) on it.
[hey Leah, wouldn’t it be great if they did the “Scarlet Pimpernel”? I wish…]
Oh of course Eight Cousins, I didn’t even try to keep track of that number. Let’s just say we’re old aquaintences 🙂
Lest I wax far too long-winded, I shall stop here…for now.
P.S. Lovely profile picture Marli !
Oh, Maiden, you’ve planted a longing in my heart. Focus on the Family Radio Theater “The Scarlet Pimpernel.” That would be amazing!
I agree with Maiden about your profile pic, Marli. 🙂
Ah – so excited to read Little Men now!
The review was excellent – I just finished Prisoners of the Sea this summer, such a fun read…
And thank you both – the lady who took my photos is so gifted! You can’t see it, but the black thing in the background is an antique carriage – my vintage heart nearly burst when I saw it!
Thank YOU for your kind words! 🙂
An antique carriage! how much fun! Did you get to take pictures sitting in it, or were you constrained to admire it from afar? (Quite enjoy antique stuff myself. As a matter of fact, I have two 120 year-old dolls sitting in front of an OLD Bible cover, on a bookshelf in my living room! So much fun… Makes you wonder if any of our stuff will be uncovered and ood-and-ahhd over in 100 years… 😀 )
Have a Happy New Year!
Ha, it was falling apart on the inside and I didn’t want to risk breaking it by climbing in… but it was lovely just to be next to it – it had windowpanes, leather cushions and everything! Albeit very worn and tattered…
I try to dress/write/draw with the idea that 50 years from now my granddaughters will be looking at it 🙂 It’s a reminder to try and stay classy…