Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

"I like good strong words that mean something."

"Have regular hours for work and play, make each day both useful and pleasant, prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well. Then youth will be delightful, old age will bring few regrets, and life become a beautiful success, in spite of poverty."

"I want to do something splendid before I go into my castle, 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 some day."

"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."

"Love is a great beautifier."

"When we make little sacrifices we like to have them appreciated, at least."

"You have grown abominably lazy, you like gossip, and waste time on frivolous things, you are contented to be petted and admired by silly people, instead of being loved and respected by wise ones."

"Marriage, they say, halves one's rights and doubles one's duties."

These are some quotes I like from the book Little Women. I do enjoy coming-of-age stories—especially about young girls—who are aspiring writers and artists. They’re such optimistic, spirited creatures, full of life and youthful vigor. So, of course, I like Little Women. As I write this, I am also thinking about Anne from Anne of Green Gables. I just finished reading the third book in the Anne series. I adore Anne (except for one incident that left me a little disappointed; more on that when I blog about it). 

Okay, back to Little Women. I only recently found out that it is the first in a series of three books. I read the first one last year and feel compelled to read the sequels now. I have watched two movie adaptations of this book: the 1994 one with Winona Ryder and the 2019 one with Saoirse Ronan. I very much enjoyed the 1994 adaptation. Watching a young Christian Bale fall for Winona Ryder’s Jo and seeing Kirsten Dunst as a precocious young Amy—how delightful! The 2019 adaptation didn’t charm me in quite the same way. Saoirse Ronan’s portrayal of Jo was excellent. I like her, but I like the 1994 movie more.

Now, while I enjoyed the book, I am not a fan of the story’s romantic endings. If you know, you know. But aside from that, I think it's a great book. I remember the happy feeling I had the first time I read it. 😊

Have you read it?