Started: 11.2.20
Finished: 12.28.20
Rating 5/5
I finally read Little Women by Louisa May Alcott! Now I see
why this book is classic. Reading this, I felt like I was reconnecting with
distant relatives. The author succeeds in inviting readers to become a part of the
March family as they navigate the ups and downs over the span of a year. By the
end of the story the growth for readers equals that of the characters. I am
beyond delighted that there are three more books that continue the story!
I started reading the Kindle version of this story and, once
I knew it would be a favorite, I looked for a print copy and found a keepsake
reproduction of the classic books as seen in the 2019 film! This edition
includes beautiful black and white photos from the movie!
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
“There are many Beths in the world, shy and quiet, sitting
in corners till needed, and living for others so cheerfully that no one sees
the sacrifices till the little cricket on the hearth stops chirping, and the
sweet, sunshiny presence vanishes, leaving silence and shadow behind.” (p.40) We
shouldn’t take people for granted.
“I don’t envy her much, in spite of her money, for after all
rich people have about as many worries as poor ones, I think,” Jo March, (p.42)
True, money can’t buy happiness.
“How they all laughed at her because [Beth] woke Amy in the
night by playing the piano on her face in her sleep.” (p.57) This made me
laugh. I can totally see this happening with my siblings.
“for love casts out fear,” (p.61) God is love <3
“and led by her mother’s hand, she had drawn nearer to the
Friend who always welcomes every child with a love stronger than that of any
father, tenderer than that of any mother.” (p.78) God’s love is like no
other.
“I want my daughters to be beautiful, accomplished, and
good. To be admired, loved, and respected. To have a happy youth, to be well
and wisely married, and to lead useful, pleasant lives, with as little care and
sorrow to try them as God sees fit to send. To be loved and chosen by a good
man is the best and sweetest thing which can happen to a woman, and I sincerely
hope my girls may know this beautiful experience. It is natural to think of it,
Meg, right to hope and wait for it, and wise to prepare for it, so that when
the happy time comes, you may feel ready for the duties and worthy of the joy. Money
is a needful and precious thing-and when well used, a noble thing-but I never
want you to think it is the first or only prize to strive for. I’d rather see
you poor men’s wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented, than queens on
thrones, without self-respect and peace. Make this home happy, so that you may
be fit for homes of your own, if they are offered you, and contented here if
they are not.” (p.93) The simple beauty of a mother’s wish.
“How they laughed when the secret came out, never dreaming
how many love letters that little post office would hold in the years to come.”
(p.104) I love the allusion to these future romances.
“Put him in the oven, and maybe he will get warm and revive,”
said Amy hopefully.” (p.111) Awww, she tried to help at least.
“Then there was a hunt for the key, which was at last
discovered in his pocket,” (p.136) Lost items are always in the last place
we look.
“You’d have nothing but horses, inkstands, and novels in
yours,” (p.139) Sounds like a dream castle to me.
“There, I’ve done my best! If this won’t suit I shall have
to wait till I can do better.” (p.143) What an optimistic view!
“November is the most disagreeable month in the whole year,”
said Margaret, standing at the window one dull afternoon, looking out at the
frostbitten garden. “That’s the reason I was born in it,” observed Jo
pensively, quite unconscious of the blot on her nose. “If something very
pleasant should happen now, we should think it a delightful month,” said Beth,
who took a hopeful view of everything, even November.” (p.152) Beth’s and Jo’s
responses are awesome!
“Mrs. March put the note in the fire, the money in her
purse,” (p.156) Go Mrs. March! No time for negative nonsense.
“strong and tender Friend, whose fatherly love most closely
surrounds His little children.” (p.186) No greater friend than the Lord.
Poll, I think is my favorite character. I look forward to
reading the final three stories in this series.
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