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Angela M 's Reviews > Little Women
Little Women (Little Women, #1)
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This classic that so many have loved over the years, many having read it as young girls, is somehow one that I never read until now. It’s a lovely story, and I wonder how I would have felt about it, had I read it when I was younger. Like so many readers, Jo, the lover of books, the writer, is my favorite, a woman before her time, exhibiting independence and a desire for more in her life. It’s a coming of age story in so many ways as we see Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy develop over the years, each realizing their flaws and wanting to be better as they become women. They are guided by their mother, Marmee, who raises them alone for a a while during hard times while her husband is off doing his part in the Civil War. Had I read this years ago, I’m not sure I would have been as perceptive to the other things this story depicts - the societal norms of the time and the time itself, during and after the Civil War. Overall, even though it felt a bit old fashioned given when it was written and the time frame it covers, there are universal and timeless messages about the bonds of family, morality and love. It was an uplifting story that I’m glad I finally got to. I’m looking forward to the upcoming movie. I just couldn’t see it without having read the book.
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Reading Progress
December 16, 2019
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Started Reading
December 16, 2019
– Shelved
December 16, 2019
– Shelved as:
to-read
December 16, 2019
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0.18%
"Confession time - I’ve never read this book! Great time to read it since it begins on Christmas Day. There’s also no way I’ll go see the upcoming movie without having read this !"
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December 18, 2019
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53.18%
"Wish I had read this as a young girl, but better late than never :)"
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301
December 20, 2019
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Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 58 (58 new)
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Grace A.
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Dec 20, 2019 11:47AM
I love reading books before watching movie too. And I am thirty something and haven’t read “Little Women”. Great review, Angela.
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Grace , I’m a lot older than thirty something but enjoyed it nonetheless. Thanks!
My all time favorite book and your review did it justice. You'll have to let me know if you thought the movie was as good as the book.
I read it when I was 12 or so, then again just last year. I remember the first read being so disappointed that Jo and Laurie never got together, and thinking Professor Bauer way too old, but as a much older adult, it seemed perfect. I have heard some great things about this new version of the movie, so I'm looking forward to that as well. And of course Jo was your favorite!
Nice review, I think to see film on boxing day!
I tried this years ago and couldn't get into it yet I love the adaptations. Must have another go.
Thanks, Diane . Just some thoughts, not a real review. I wouldn’t know what to say that hasn’t already been said . I’ll let you know about the movie. I think it starts here Christmas Day .
Diane , I think I would have felt the same about Laurie had I read it when I was younger . We’ll have to compare notes on the movie .
Teresa, I thought it was a nice change of pace and enjoyed it.
Kriste , hope we love the movie.
Lovely review, Angela. I have not read this classic but did like an in-flight movie on it. Gotta read it some day for its timeless appeal.
Fab review, Angela! I enjoyed this book too. Hope you enjoy the movie too. 🎄💕
Fabulous review, Angela! :)
I too have never read it but your review inspires. I hereby commit to reading it before watching the movie. Thanks.
Terrific review, Angela. I'm excited to see the movie!
Lovely review, Angela. I read this as a child in the sixties or seventies. I remember really enjoying it. I don't remember much about it other than the girls going to a party and one or more or them having to cobble together a decent outfit because funds are stretched so thin. This is definitely on deck for a read sometime in the future.
Great review, Angela! It’s been years since I read this so I’m not sure I picked up on everything at the time either. Loved the movie growing up! Curious to hear about (& maybe see) the remake :)
I loved this novel so much, excited to see the movie remake!
Love your review, and so happy that you've read this book, Angela. Louisa May Alcott was so way ahead of her time. A brilliant writer too. I loved this book too.
Thanks iso much Laysee, Mary Beth, Julie, Norma, Martha, Candi, TQ, Brandice, Masked Reader and Margitte!I’m so glad I finally read this. For those who haven’t, it’s worth reading- a gentle, uplifting story !
Margitte, I agree ! Alcott was definitely before her time and Jo definitely represents that !
Thank, Elyse ! Glad to hear Bombshell was good . Hope to see it .
Lovely review, Angela! Jo was my favorite as well.
One of my all-time favorites that never fails to strike a chord on a re-read. I'm so glad you enjoyed it and I totally agree with your thoughts. I'm also looking forward to the movie, even though I have watched all the other adaptations, including the one PBS did a few years back. My favorite is still the 1949 version with Elizabeth Taylor as Amy and June Allyson as Jo.
Thanks, Sophie and Sara ! Sophie, Jo seems to be a favorite of so many !
Sara, I’ve never seen any of the movies . Definitely looking forward to the upcoming one . Might have to search out the 1949 version. Thanks.
Sara ,
You're not alone in having neglected to read this one all these years, Angela. I have a vivid memory of my nursery school teacher reading this to the class at nap time. I remember hearing the name Jo, and then tuning out into my own fantasies and thoughts, so I never heard any more of the book. One of these days, I must actually read it.
Angela, this one is one of my all time favourites. :) My family has a hardcover copy of this novel that's been passed down through a few "generations"........the original movie was stellar. I'm a bit wary of the new one as it is going to be hard to measure up, but the cast choices seem pretty on point.
Lovely review, Angela! I read this book so long ago, but I’ll always remember how much I loved it! I was probably 12 at the time. I shall reread it one day:)
I'm also looking forward to the movie. Seen a few of them through the years and a big fan of Saoirse Ronan.
Beautiful review, Angela. This is one of my favorites, but it was one I read as a child at first, and like you mentioned, I definitely wasn’t perceptive to all that was going on when I first read it. I also think my love for Jo somehow shaped my life. My dad’s sister had four daughters, all young adults when I born. When I would stay with my aunt and uncle, I would stay in one of the rooms the daughters had shared. It had a dollhouse and books. The one book I read time and again was their copy of Little Women. It became a tradition for me to read it every time I visited. I can remember the old black leather bound copy and wish I had it now.
Betsy wrote: "You're not alone in having neglected to read this one all these years, Angela. I have a vivid memory of my nursery school teacher reading this to the class at nap time. I remember hearing the name ..."Betsy, I’m glad I finally read it. Worth reading when you are looking for something uplifting with the stuff that’s going on, This might be a good time ;)
Erin wrote: "Angela, this one is one of my all time favourites. :) My family has a hardcover copy of this novel that's been passed down through a few "generations"........the original movie was stellar. I'm a b..."Erin, what a wonderful story about that family shared copy. I have not seen any of the older movies, but the cast is definitely appealing and hopefully will deliver. Thanks for sharing this.
Antoinette wrote: "Lovely review, Angela! I read this book so long ago, but I’ll always remember how much I loved it! I was probably 12 at the time. I shall reread it one day:)"Thanks, Antoinette! I wish I had that memory of loving it as a child, but glad I read it now.
Cathrine ☯️ wrote: "I'm also looking forward to the movie. Seen a few of them through the years and a big fan of Saoirse Ronan."C, I have not seen any of the movies. I’m also a big fan of Saoirse Ronan and some of the rest of the cast like Meryl Streep. Hope we love it.
Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader wrote: "Beautiful review, Angela. This is one of my favorites, but it was one I read as a child at first, and like you mentioned, I definitely wasn’t perceptive to all that was going on when I first read i..."Jennifer, what a beautiful memory of reading this ! A doll house and books - what more can a young girl ask for ! I loved reading your memory of this ! Thanks so much for sharing it !
Lovely review, Angela!!!
Deanna, thanks so much!
Love your review Angela. I didn't read this one till I was an adult and then only because it was a book club pick. I loved it! I'm looking forward to the movie 😊
Jan, thanks! Guess I’m in good company not having read this as a young girl ! I hope the movie is good .
I’ve never read this either! Glad it was such a good read for you! Terrific review!
I read this one as a teenager, many moons ago, and enjoyed it. Jo was my favorite, too. I watched the new movie last night, and I loved it. I didn't remember all the nuances of the relationship between Jo and Amy. Wonderful review, Angela!
Saw the movie tonight. So well done and beautifully filmed.
Thanks , Libby & C . Glad to hear you both enjoyed it! Hoping to see it soon . I have a miserable cold and cough and if I have a coughing jag , I’m liable to get thrown out!
I read this many years ago.....so after reading your review, think I might re-visit, as think it will mean more to me now. Happy New Year to you!
Lovely review. Read the book decades ago, but planning to re-read soon. And the movie is wonderful!
Linda, hope you enjoy it second time around. Happy New Year to you as well!
Lynda, thanks so much . Glad to hear your thoughts on the movie . Looking forward to it .
