A classic of children's literature, and a must-read for everyone.

The only reason why I didn't give it a full five stars is because of the overly sentimental morality lessons that Alcott addresses directly to the reader. When I was a girl reading old children's books from the shelves in my grandparents' house, those moral lessons were done in red ink, and if you have an early edition of Little Women, those paragraphs would be done in red ink too, just in case the poor young reader was too dimwitted to know that this is important.

One might think it odd that this talented and prolific author is famous for only this one book. That is because all her other works were -- in her own words -- rubbish; what we would call pulp fiction today. She was more interested in writing for money, than writing for literature's sake. And who am I to criticize her? She came from a poor family and was determined to use her brains to make money, and this in a time where there were few opportunities for smart women to achieve that goal. If I were in her place, I might have done the same.

A very good classical book that is inspiring and teaches people how to be happy despite hard times. Beth, Amy, Jo, and Meg all are very poor but their mother teaches them that money doesn't buy happiness and they learn that lesson throughout the story.

I've read this book 4 times and I never get tired of it. it's such a heartwarming book and has lots of morals in it and the romance is wonderful.

Little Women is a classic novel that centers around the lives of four sisters living in Massachusetts in the 1800s. The story spans several years, so we get to see the girls grow up and go through their lives. It was a wholesome story overall and it was nice to see what happened to each of the sisters as they became adults. However, the story is lengthy and I am not a particular fan of this narrative style. It’s not that I don’t like classics; I loved all of the Anne of Green Gables books.

Personally I’m a huge fan of period pieces as most novels that are written from the 1800s or later are usually interesting and fun to read but for me Little Women was a bit of a boring book. Don’t get me wrong it has it’s moments, and its moment are wonderful but overall I found the novel to be unsatisfactory. However I believe Little Women is considered to be in the collection of classic American literature so I recommend reading it if you are interested in familiarizing yourself with classic literature. I also recommend it if you want to read something to calm yourself down as it is wholesome and more or less a very timid novel. 1.5 stars
@Celine of the Hamilton Public Library's Teen Review Board

Never read it as a child, so I’m reading it now. I have seen the classic movie, so I was aware Jo was a tomboy & gifted writer, but had no idea she was manic-depressive, which she clearly was, from the book’s description of her behavior. And a boy born without *ahem* external genitalia, due to what we now know is a prenatal nutritional deficiency, & therefore doomed to life as a female. I’m sure Louisa May Alcott had no idea.
I can see why this was a popular book for mothers to give their daughters 100 years ago, when what they wanted most was for them to be obedient & self-sacrificing. I can’t think of worse advice to give a girl in this century.

I finally got around to reading this classic novel in anticipation of seeing the new movie. Unfortunately it didn't really hold my attention and parts of it really dragged. Jo was by far the most interesting character.

The story is told in an almost fairytale manner and the episodes are often accompanied by clear morals. But what struck me the most was the intensity of the love amongst its characters and their willingness to see past faults and understand one another. Each had a distinct personality/ priority, but they all thrived in this environment of love and respect. ⁣⁣
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The second half of the book takes place seven years later and is more educational albeit less emotional. Jo is approximately the same age as me now, and through the sisters, I learned about independence, societal integration, and matrimony. I also found Alcott’s parenting skills ahead of her time, especially when Mrs.March told Meg to share the parental responsibilities with John.⁣ I cried when Jo did, smiled when Beth did, and loved the growths of these little women. ⁣
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Lastly, I want to discuss the book’s relationship with the movie. The latter mostly stayed aligned with the book but did offer a Feminist touch, which I loved, but the one thing I did not enjoy was Amy’s lack of growth. In the book, she went from a spoiled, vain child to a prudent but lively young woman, but the transformation was not present in the movie. I also hated how the it changed Amy’s relationship with Laurie and Jo. ⁣
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Overall, 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 (the book) is a masterpiece and is recommended for anyone who needs an emotional refill. It is also great for those who still consider themselves “little” and hopeful in life and love, regardless of age. ⁣
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Many life lessons

An American classic, not written, but still relevant for current time. I’m particularly fond of, in Part 1, at-home plays on stage drama, journal publishing, postal delivery... in contrast to and more healthy than modern kids’ social entertainment.
When all grew into Part 2, a bit tedious on Victorian conformity though, I wasn’t tired of sweet indulgent prose. Transcendental spirit on living and death lift religious block on my reading. The preaching is compassionate, conflicting, never made succumb and resign into an action of grief but joy.

Have not watched 90s film, looking forward to the new release by my favorite director and actors.