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racheleclark's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lattelibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
I honestly wish I’d read this sooner, maybe when I was a little girl, or when I was reaching adolescence. I read a couple reviews before diving in that said that this book was rather preachy, and to be fair, it is, a little bit. But after having read it all, I feel renewed. I feel as though I’ve learned a lot of valuable lessons, and I want to actually put those lessons into action. I want to be kinder, more charitable, and more self-aware.
I also felt renewed because this was the first book in a while that I’ve felt emotionally attached to. While I’m always entertained by books, and have my predictions and wishes for endgame couples, this was the first book in months where I’d audibly react, or I’d have to set the book down because of what just happened. All of the characters in this book were by no means perfect, but they were written so well and lifelike that I couldn’t help but cheer for them, regardless of whether they were succeeding or failing in what they set out to do.
In addition to this, I feel the need to warn future readers about the major character death that ensues in part two. It’s not gruesome or anything like that, it’s just really, really sad.
The most relateable character to me was Amy, though I must admit that I’m biased, since I share the same name. But at this moment in my life, I feel like I’ve been a “Jo” my whole life, and while I want to retain the “Jo”-ness about me, I also want to learn how to be an “Amy” as well. As I mentioned before, there’ve been critiques of this book being a little preachy, but overall, I think what Alcott preaches (sometimes with religious overtones) are lessons that we could all do with learning.
All in all, I have nothing but praise for this book. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and once I’d finished it, I felt satisfied. I can’t ask for anything more than that.
Get the full review here!
I also felt renewed because this was the first book in a while that I’ve felt emotionally attached to. While I’m always entertained by books, and have my predictions and wishes for endgame couples, this was the first book in months where I’d audibly react, or I’d have to set the book down because of what just happened. All of the characters in this book were by no means perfect, but they were written so well and lifelike that I couldn’t help but cheer for them, regardless of whether they were succeeding or failing in what they set out to do.
In addition to this, I feel the need to warn future readers about the major character death that ensues in part two. It’s not gruesome or anything like that, it’s just really, really sad.
The most relateable character to me was Amy, though I must admit that I’m biased, since I share the same name. But at this moment in my life, I feel like I’ve been a “Jo” my whole life, and while I want to retain the “Jo”-ness about me, I also want to learn how to be an “Amy” as well. As I mentioned before, there’ve been critiques of this book being a little preachy, but overall, I think what Alcott preaches (sometimes with religious overtones) are lessons that we could all do with learning.
All in all, I have nothing but praise for this book. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and once I’d finished it, I felt satisfied. I can’t ask for anything more than that.
Get the full review here!
trink's review against another edition
5.0
This is a very long book with a lot of detail that can be hard to get through, but I feel every young woman should read it. It's a coming of age story and is so heartwarming! I loved it!
destinylmw's review against another edition
4.0
I normally try to stay spoiler free but this book is 150 years old. I always put off classics because I’m intimidated but this one was such an easy read! It was a bit more religion heavy than I expected but I didn't really know much about the storyline sooo. I did enjoy this and I understand why it is so many people's comfort book. That being said I am so unhappy with Jo and Laurie's ending. I loved that Jo didn't do what was easy and expected and stood up for her own wants but it felt so pointless after she married the professor. Their relationship doesn't make any sense there was no chemistry imo until she leaves and he's sad. I would’ve been happier if Jo ended up alone. Laurie and Amy also felt so out of nowhere to me.
librarystax's review against another edition
4.0
Slow burn
Starts so full of allegory and lessons you can sometimes hardly find the story, but by the end your heart cheers and is warmed by the way each woman’s life turns out and by the love of such a picturesque little family.
Starts so full of allegory and lessons you can sometimes hardly find the story, but by the end your heart cheers and is warmed by the way each woman’s life turns out and by the love of such a picturesque little family.
ameserole's review against another edition
4.0
Every time I read this book.. I can never be mentally prepared for what goes down. Especially when it comes to Beth. My sweet and adorable Beth. Now that I've read this book (once again), I have a desire to watch the movie. Any version really but I will probably dive into the most recent one. Since it has so many actors that I love in it.
My love for Jo grows more and more with each page. There's just something about her. She was upfront about not wanting to marry and all these other things. Yet, she somehow wormed her way into two wonderful hearts. Don't get me wrong, I love Laurie.. but these two were WAY better off being friends. Their friendship just gave me so much joy that I couldn't see them going any further than that.
The family, the characters, and the entire story was beautifully written. I'm sort of glad that Jo went on this journey of hers. Well, all of her sisters as well - because they learned something new about themselves. They grew so much since the beginning and it just made me happy that they somehow moved on from a tragic and unfortunate event in their lives.
In the end, the ending was really cute and I'm happy that she has a new dream: the school.
My love for Jo grows more and more with each page. There's just something about her. She was upfront about not wanting to marry and all these other things. Yet, she somehow wormed her way into two wonderful hearts. Don't get me wrong, I love Laurie.. but these two were WAY better off being friends. Their friendship just gave me so much joy that I couldn't see them going any further than that.
The family, the characters, and the entire story was beautifully written. I'm sort of glad that Jo went on this journey of hers. Well, all of her sisters as well - because they learned something new about themselves. They grew so much since the beginning and it just made me happy that they somehow moved on from a tragic and unfortunate event in their lives.
In the end, the ending was really cute and I'm happy that she has a new dream: the school.
daiinty's review against another edition
5.0
FINALLY finished this after a month of picking it up and putting it back down, but this story just brings me so much joy and has inspired so much art and poetry of mine recently; i’m convinced i’m going to get a little women related tattoo one day.
aljosa's review against another edition
4.0
I've accidentally read the abridged version. Some things are missing, but I liked the story.
wilow906's review against another edition
4.0
4/5 stars
This book made me feel like I was a part of this family, so, when I see all of the sisters grow up (in a way that I did not expect), it made me really kinda sad. It is one of those books that make you feel like you've come so far when you look back at the early chapters. Kinda boring sometimes but overall really good.
This book made me feel like I was a part of this family, so, when I see all of the sisters grow up (in a way that I did not expect), it made me really kinda sad. It is one of those books that make you feel like you've come so far when you look back at the early chapters. Kinda boring sometimes but overall really good.
rachelalexandria_'s review against another edition
5.0
This is very closely my favourite book ever. I find Marmeee a beautiful mother who continually surprised with her compassion and her 'speeches' she makes moved me. I am particularly fond of Jo, who I love seeing change throughout the book. Such a beautiful book.