I tried reading this book in fourth grade and, unsurprisingly, couldn't get through it. I did, however, enjoy watching the movie several times throughout the following years, though I haven't seen it since junior high, probably. For some reason, I decided to give the book another go a few days ago.
An old old copy, bound in blue and well-worn at the corners with the text in faded silver letters across the front and spine, has sat on my bookshelf for years and years, until I couldn't even remember where I got it. Turns out it was my grandme's, and was given to her for Christmas in 1941; I think she was about 12 then. I don't recognize the name of the gift-giver, inscribed inside along with my Grandme's full name and address, but there's a bookplate pasted on the inside cover with a little poem on it, and Gandme's name written at the bottom in lovely blue ink. I'm very careful with the book, since it's decades old and rather fragile, and I checked out a paperback copy from the library in case I want to read it on the go--that way I won't risk damaging Grandme's copy.
I so wish I'd read this before, because I'm really enjoying it! Just like, well, pretty much all 19th-century novels, it gets a little preachy sometimes, but in a charming sort of way. And how can you not love these girls? I'm not very far into it so far--(SPOILERS!) Beth just got the piano from Mr. Lawrence and Amy's limes were all tossed out the window--but I love it so far. My memories of the movie are very vague, so most of what happens is a surprise.
I've got it up on the laptop, too, through Project Gutenberg, so I'm sitting here IM-ing and knitting while reading it, which is easier than trying to keep a book--with small print--propped open. Once I'm done with the book, I'm sure I'll Netflix the movie to watch again.
If you haven't read this before, and enjoy this sort of story, I highly recommend it.
6 comments:
You know, I don't think I've ever finished reading Little Women. Not because I didn't like it -- I did -- but something happened and I didn't get the chance to finish it. (I was like 11, so the reason is fuzzy right now). I do like both of the movies, though (with preference for the 1990s version). I actually picked up the new version from one of those "DVDs for $5!" shelves a while back.
Oh, I read it in third or fourth grade too - several decades before you attempted it - and I LOVED it! Dear writer, just wait until you get to Jo's fledgling writing career attempts!
Cher
Whoops, sorry, I deleted my previous comment because I unwittingly used people's real names- sorry about that!
Yep...too sort of echo Danielle- I just saw the movie for sale at Target for $5, I think I will have to pick up a copy of the movie and the book to read myself!
(Maybe we could have a Little Women movie night with the members of your writing group... ehem...not saying any names this time...??!! That would be fun!)
The movie? Of course I remember little about the movie - but, the book - OH! I read it and reread it as a girl and as an adult. Love Louisa May Alcott. Feisty
P.S. Preachy? Hmmmm, maybe that's why you found a bit of preachiness when you edited my manuscript????? All I read is the good old stuff.....
Post a Comment