High Expectations

Little Women is perhaps my all time favorite book.  I have multiple copies and read it at least once every year, typically around Christmas.  Every time I read it I fall completely in love with all of the characters and I find I relate to each on a little differently each time I read it.  I worked in my college library as the assistant to one of the reference librarians for all four years of undergrad.  We developed a wonderful relationship and for my graduation present she got me an illustrated version, the same one she remembers from growing up, of Little Women complete with a note describing what parts of each March girl (if you don't understand this reference you have to read the book-no excuses!) she sees in me.  I have never been more touched by a gift.

We are sharing cultural artifacts in one of my classes, each person brings in three artifacts that help describe who they are as a person.  One of my classmates brought in a book and said it was, "required reading for everyone who played a major role in my life, every friend, every girlfriend, everyone."  If they did not have a copy he would buy one for them.  Little Women is that type of book in my life.  Don't get your hopes up, I'm in grad school-I can't afford to give all of you free copies.

So why do I spend so much time gushing over Little Women? Well first, because it's one of the greatest books ever written; but, perhaps more practically, because today's Newbery winner is called Invincible Lousia: The Story of the Author of Little Women.  How could I not be excited to learn all about the author of my favorite book.

And learn all about the author you do.  Cornelia Meigs provides a very thorough biography of Louisa. Perhaps it was my unrealistically high expectations or perhaps my lack of exposure to biography that made this book fall slightly flat.  The text is factual and told much more like an recounting of facts than the story of a persons life.  Despite that it was fascinating.  Alcott lived an incredible life and I am so happy I learned more about it.  I feel like I can now bring an even greater appreciation to my favorite book.

Learning more about what you love...that's kids stuff. 


PS Little Women is also a movie and it is actually a delightful adaptation of the book.  I might also watch the movie about once a year, which should show you it doesn't ruin the book at all-it's one of the best movie adaptations I've seen.