What's Abigail Reading? Little Women

Abigail has been spending her time reading a classic. As is often the case, Abby became interested in this week's book when she saw the film version. Sometimes the movie version is a good way to get a child interested in a classic book. That was true in the case of Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott. Let's see what Abigail had to say about it.

Here's what Abigail says the book is about.

This book is about four sisters named Beth, Jo, Meg and Amy. In the beginning the four girls were lying around before Christmas day and thought about presents to get for themselves. They realize that instead of worrying about presents for themselves, they should buy presents for their mother (Marmee). Beth bought handkerchiefs, Amy bought perfume, Jo bought slippers and Meg bought gloves.

Then Jo and Amy went to Sallie Gardener's to go to a ball. Meg and Jo got there and at first Meg was scared, but then just got going by talking to people. Jo was scared at first, too, then saw a redheaded boy looking at her and trying to catch up to her. Then Jo slipped into a room and almost sat on a boy named Laurie.

Laurie was their neighbor. A couple of weeks later, Laurie and his tutor, Mr. Brooke, wanted to take Jo and Meg out to the theater. The youngest girl, Amy, wanted to go too, but Jo and Meg said they had reserved seats and that Amy had a cold. When they came back, Jo found out that her manuscript was burned in the fire because Amy was angry at her.

After that the four girls found out that their father was very ill and Marmee needed to go to him right away. Mr. Brooke asked if he could escort her. Jo cut her hair and got $25 to help. Finally everyone was afraid and worried.

Here's what Abigail liked best about the book.

I liked when Jo was writing her book because I think it would be cool to write a book.

Was there anything about the book that Abigail did not like?

I did not like when Beth got sick. It made me sad.

So, how did Abigail rate Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott?

She gave it five out of five dolphins.

Did You Know? Louisa May Alcott

After my fascinating conversation with Jo March yesterday, I thought it would be fun to go in search of some fun facts related to the author of Little Women, Louisa May Alcott. Here's what I was able to find out.

Did You Know...

• Little Women was published in two volumes? The first, Little Women, was published in 1868, and the second, Little Wives, was published in 1869.
• The book was one of the first novels to portray women as independent and strong-minded? It's views were decades ahead of its time.
•  Little Women was popular with women of many different social backgrounds because there was something in there that everyone could relate to?
• The book opened up a new market of young women and girl readers?
• Growing up in New England, Louisa May Alcott and her family were transcendentalists? They rubbed elbows with folks like Emerson, Hawthorne, and Thoreau.
• When she first started writing, she used the pen name of A.M. Barnard?
• During the Civil War, she spent six weeks as a nurse in a field hospital in Washington?
• The character of Jo is based on Louisa May Alcott?
• While serving in the field hospital during the war, she contracted typhoid fever?
• She died in 1888 at the age of 55, just two days after her father?

Interesting stuff, that. Now, here's the trailer from the 1994 film version of Little Women. I have to admit that I love this movie--there's so much great stuff going on, and it's very well done!

Monday Interview Series: Jo March

Today I have a special treat for you. I've been able to get in touch with one of the darlings of children's literature, and she's graciously agreed to spend some time with us. So, without further ado let's take a minute to chat with Little Women's Jo March.

Greg:  Hello Jo. Thanks for agreeing to talk with us.

Jo:  It's my pleasure. I enjoy sitting of an evening and talking with friends and family.

Greg:  Yes, it's something that's not done often enough these days. Why don't you tell us a little bit about your friends and family. How are they doing these days?

Jo:  Oh fine, fine. I must say that the family is growing by leaps and bounds, and everyone is fit and well, thankfully. Marmee and Papa are well and quite contented now that Papa is home and the war is over. 

Greg:  It's good to hear they are well. What news do you have of your sisters? 

Jo:  Oh they are fine. Meg and John are doing well, and the twins, Daisy and Demi, are flourishing. John's work as a tutor keeps him quite busy. At times I fear that Meg is left overlong with the twins on her own. They can be very demanding, and at times things get tedious for her. She bears it well, though. After all, it is what is expected of her.

Greg:  Still, it sounds like she could use a break every now and again. Does anyone ever give her a hand?

Jo:  We all help out from time to time, but I am afraid she is left on her own to cope more often than not.

Greg: And what of your youngest sister, Amy?

Jo:  She is married now, did you not know? You'll never guess who to! Well, our Aunt March took her abroad to paint and attend to her. And who do you suppose she met over there? Why  none other than our own dear, sweet Laurie! He was in Europe studying abroad. It was a happy coincidence that they should meet so far from home.

A few years had passed and they had much changed in each other's eyes. Well, shortly after, after Beth died, Amy came home with Laurie at her side and they were married! Everyone was mush surprised, but we were happy that Amy had married someone of such fine character. Thee fact that he was so well to do was not unappreciated, either.

Greg:  Oh how lovely. That brings me to Beth. I know that it must be hard for you to speak of her, but I was hoping you could share some of your fondest memories of her.

Jo:  It is not hard for me to think of her. In fact, I think of her every day, and always my heart is lightened when I think of her. She was with us for only a relatively short time, but she is at the root of all my fondest memories of home and growing up. In fact at times, the two--home and Beth--are indistinguishable in my memory.

I think my fondest memories are of her playing the piano and acting in our little plays up beneath the eaves in the attic. She loved her cats and her dolls. Sometimes I almost envy Beth, for she will remain young for all time, while we will age and eventually fade away.

Greg:  Hmmm, interesting observation. And how is your life faring, if I may ask?

Jo:  My book is selling above and beyond my expectations. So much so, in fact, that I must admit that my publishers have requested another manuscript, which I am endeavoring to finish as soon as may be.

Of course, I am hard pressed for writing time what with taking care of my nephews Franz and Emil, and our two sons, Rob and Teddy. My husband, Friedrich, is a wonderful teacher. It was he who encouraged me to address serious matters in my writing. I never thought I could ever feel toward someone what I feel for him.

Greg:  That's great. I'm glad that everything is going so well. Thanks for stopping by and giving us an update.

Jo:  Life keeps moving along. Old memories mix with new, weaving a tapestry that we can wrap around us like a warm quilt to see us through  cold, lean times. I have really enjoyed talking with you as well, sir. Good day to you.