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Book Club

Book Club: Little Women

Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott, is such a classic. It’s one of those books I can read over and over and over. I’m also a fan of the sequels, Little Men and Jo’s Boys, but they just don’t have quite the same appeal as Little Women.

Similar to the way girls can relate to the four lead characters in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, readers of Little Women can find a kindred spirit in Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. Maybe you’re spunky like Jo, or responsible like Meg, or your BFF is sweet as Beth, or your little sis is sooo Amy. Regardless, this book continues to speak to readers of all ages.

CHATTIN’ TIME!

So, which character do you relate to most?
Like a lot of girls, I think I’m a mixture of all the girls. Though least of all Amy. I’m an oldest child, and I have elements of Meg and her desire to do the right, responsible thing. Jo is feisty and courageous and speaks her mind. I feel like she’s who I want to be, but I’m too shy. Which brings me to Beth, the book nerd of the bunch. That’s me!

Did you think Jo would end up with Laurie?
The first time I read Little Women, I thought for sure the two of them would end up together. And I was really sad when Jo turned him down. (And way mad when Amy married Laurie instead).

Do you think the relationship between the sisters is realistic? For those with siblings, does it remind you of your own relationship with your brothers and sisters?
I have a younger brother and sister (my sis is such an Amy, btw). I think Little Women realistically portrays sibling relationships. The biggest difference, though, is that in the 1800s when the book takes place, siblings spent A LOT of time together. Now, it seems like everyone’s always going every which way. Not much time for sitting around and sewing, a la March sisters, huh?

There are lots of big OMG moments in Little Women. Which one most sent you reeling?
It’s hard to choose. Jo turning Laurie down. Beth DYING! But you know what really made me want to throw my book across the room (not in a “I hate this book” way, but a “OMG way”)? Amy BURNING Jo’s book! How can anyone do that? (Can you tell I have mixed feelings about Amy? LOL.)

Little Women’s actually been made into several movies, but the most recent is from 1994 and stars Winona Ryder, Claire Danes, Kirsten Dunst and a pre-Batman Christian Bale. Did you see it? And if so, how do you think it compares to the book?
I saw the movie a long time ago, and it was actually good (not as good as the book, of course…). I normally am not that into books being made into movies, but it was pretty perfectly cast, and just a really lovely film. But really, would anyone turn down a young and dreamy Christian Bale? No. I actually cried at that part.

Share your answers below!

Coming up in GL’s Book Club?

Week 2 (10/5-10/11): Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret by Judy Blume
Week 3 (10/12-10/18): Caddie Woodlawn, by Carol Ryrie Brink
Week 4 (10/19-10/25): Jacob, Have I Loved, by Katherine Patterson
Week 5 (10/26-11/1): Harriet the Spy, by Louise Fitzhugh

See ya next week!
—Amanda Forr

BY ANDREA T. ON 10/6/2008 2:02:00 PM 34 COMMENTS

34 READER COMMENTS

So, which character do you relate to most?
Defenatley Beth. I'm shy like her, and I love music.

Did you think Jo would end up with Laurie?
Yeah, I totally thought they would be together so it was pretty surprising when it didn't end up that way.

Do you think the relationship between the sisters is realistic? For those with siblings, does it remind you of your own relationship with your brothers and sisters?
I think it could be very realistic because in some families the siblings are really close. Mine? Not so much.

There are lots of big OMG moments in Little Women. Which one most sent you reeling?
Beth dying. That was really suprising and unexpected!

Little Women’s actually been made into several movies, but the most recent is from 1994 and stars Winona Ryder, Claire Danes, Kirsten Dunst and a pre-Batman Christian Bale. Did you see it? And if so, how do you think it compares to the book?
I've never seen it, but I want to because I absolutley loved the book!

sparky4me on 10/6/2008 2:25:05 PM

So, which character do you relate to most?
A mix between Beth and Meg.

Did you think Jo would end up with Laurie?
Yeah, I totally thought they would be together so it was pretty surprising when it didn't end up that way.

Do you think the relationship between the sisters is realistic? For those with siblings, does it remind you of your own relationship with your brothers and sisters?
I think it could be very realistic because in some families the siblings are really close. Mine is really close.

There are lots of big OMG moments in Little Women. Which one most sent you reeling?
The burnings at of the book.It made me furious at Amy!

Little Women’s actually been made into several movies, but the most recent is from 1994 and stars Winona Ryder, Claire Danes, Kirsten Dunst and a pre-Batman Christian Bale. Did you see it? And if so, how do you think it compares to the book?
The movie was awesome,I think better than the book for once.

shrimpsauce on 10/6/2008 4:15:12 PM

i love to read but i did not like little women.

hollisterchic1102 on 10/6/2008 4:38:31 PM

I was Beth in a community play. It was so much fun. I didn't die on-stage, though.

actressgirl55 on 10/6/2008 5:08:37 PM

I read the book and it is so old style it it like impossible to read. I sure am happy I wasnt born in that time!!! LOL!!

maxrocks on 10/6/2008 5:17:31 PM

OMG i am currently reading this book and i love it! Yeah, i did see the movie- i saw it before i read the book. I dont really like amy as a character- is it just me? I find her kind of annoying and a little snottish. I think i relate to jo the most. I like to write like her and i love adventure. Im social but not all caught up with the latest gossip. Although i am kind of shy like Beth and i love music too. I play the piano. I cant wait to finish the book! Im getting closer***

GotoGirl on 10/6/2008 5:17:34 PM

So, which character do you relate to most? idk! I'm like a mix of all of them, too, I guess! I'm quiet and shy around some people, but I'm loud and outgoing around other people. idk!

Did you think Jo would end up with Laurie? Umm, yeah! Why did she have to turn him down? I totally
wouldn't have done that if I were her. But I'm not
her, so that's that!

Do you think the relationship between the sisters is realistic? For those with siblings, does it remind you of your own relationship with your brothers and sisters? Umm, well, I have brothers, so that sorta changes things! But I am really close with my brothers and sister!

There are lots of big OMG moments in Little Women. Which one most sent you reeling? When Beth died! That was so sad! And when Jo turned down Laurie... That was so sad, too.

ineedmuzic17 on 10/6/2008 5:25:28 PM

hey everyone!

i wrote a poem- tell me what you think!

~
I walk
We talk
You talk
To me
You pause
We stop
You forget your thoughts
You are distracted
And I smile
With new hope
Because
I forget too
Around you.
~

holapeeps on 10/6/2008 5:53:52 PM

So, which character do you relate to most?

i think i relate to Beth and Jo the most. because i am outspoken like Jo is, but i'm also a quiet nerd too.

Did you think Jo would end up with Laurie?

ok, that's like asking if Bella shold have chosen Jacob instead of Edward. I mean, you can see it happening, but it didn't. though i was totally p.o.ed when Amy wound up marrying Laurie instead.

Do you think the relationship between the sisters is realistic? For those with siblings, does it remind you of your own relationship with your brothers and sisters?

well, i have a younger bro, and we butt heads constantly, where as in the book usually everything is la-di-da nad great. however, i think it is definitely realistic for the time period and how they were all sister. [scientific study, same-gender siblings get along better usually]

There are lots of big OMG moments in Little Women. Which one most sent you reeling?

when Beth died i cried [i was in 4th grade!] and the same thing with Amy burning the book [though i didn't cry], i was like "OH NO SHE DIDN'T!" i mean, it was such an un-Amy thing of her to do.

Little Women’s actually been made into several movies, but the most recent is from 1994 and stars Winona Ryder, Claire Danes, Kirsten Dunst and a pre-Batman Christian Bale. Did you see it? And if so, how do you think it compares to the book?

i'm prett sure i have seen the movie, or at least parts of it, and from what i remember it wa sgood, but books always beat movies, so ... Christian Bale however, in the movie [i think he played Laurie? not sure. it was awhile ago] was definitely cute!

_savvygirl_15 on 10/6/2008 5:55:45 PM

I started reading the book and then quit but I am SO reading it all the way this time.

skrgirl11 on 10/6/2008 6:12:36 PM

I definately relate to Meg and Jo the most, with a little hint of shy Beth. I am the oldest sister, making me maternal and a little bossy like Meg. But Jo, with her courage and love of writing, can also be me. I have a little bit of Beth in me, because I can be very shy and love to read
I read this so long ago that I don't remember who I thought would end up with whom. But I think I did expect Laurie and Jo to end up marrying each other and that his engagement to Amy came as quite a shock to me.
Yes, this book is very similar to my relationship with my 12 year old sister, as well as with my 11, 12, and 13 year old girl cousins. The five of us are very close and have relationship similar to that of the March sisters.
I read the abridged version when I was probably about 7 or 8 and it was the first time I ever cried while reading a book. I still remember reading about Beth dying and crying my eyes out. When Amy burns Jo's book (something my own sister has threatened to do with my own stories), I felt very very angry and could totally understand Jo's reaction.
I have seen every version of this movie and to tell you the truth, I hardly remember them. The one from 1994, I really enjoyed and remember watching it with one of my best friends as 3rd graders.

This is probably one of my favorite stories of all time.

writerforever on 10/6/2008 6:19:36 PM

I've neva read dis book b4 i think I'll try to read it though .. i think ma mums read it b4 well neway..next weeks books is "Are You There God Its Me Margaret".. Ive read dat book wen i was like 9.. ma mum bought it for me i might read it again considering its been a longg time!

neworleans_chic on 10/6/2008 6:26:38 PM

1.Jo and Meg
2.I wanted Laurie to end up with Jo they looked so cute together.
3.I think the relationship was unrealistic
4.I hated it when Beth died I was crying...

AbercrombieQueenArtist on 10/6/2008 6:32:02 PM

holapeeps:

love it! it's so simple but it's got a deeper meeting. coolness!

_savvygirl_15 on 10/6/2008 7:15:21 PM

_savvygirl_15~
thx so much!

xoxo

holapeeps on 10/6/2008 7:47:20 PM

1. WHo are you most like?
Jo and Meg. I am very outgoing but also am responisble being the oldest.

2. Yes, I think that they would have been much better together then Laurie and Amy.

3. Yes, this was realistic. However, the time period wasn't realistic, but you guys have to understand it was written in this time period, not like today.

4. The book and Beth dead. Those were SO horrible!

I LOVE THESE BOOKSS. OTher greeat books are Pride and Prejudice!!!!!!!!!

starhusky on 10/6/2008 8:36:47 PM

Oh what a concidence! My high School is doing the musical to this book. I'll start reading the book.

rubbaduck4luck on 10/6/2008 8:48:44 PM

i luv little women, and i think i relate to Beth the most!

stargazer7 on 10/6/2008 9:08:00 PM

So, which character do you relate to the most?

I hate to say this, because everyone else does, but all of them. I'm most like Meg, because she can be materialistic and always wants to do the right thing. I'm like Jo because I like to write and speak my mind. I'm like Beth because I want peace and love my family. And I'm like Amy because... well, I don't know exactly WHY, but something about her just reminds me of myself.

Did you think Jo would end up with Laurie?

Yes!! I really, really did! I thought that they belonged together.

Do you think the relationship between the sisters is realistic? Does it remind you of your relationship with your own siblings?

I think that it is realistic because they get into fights with each other, and some of them clash (Jo and Amy!) while others get along better. I have only 1 twin sister, so it's sort of a different situation, but I can definitely relate to the fights.

There are lots of big OMG! moments in Little Women. Which one most sent you reeling?

Probably Beth dying! That was so sad that I almost cried! And Meg getting proposed to -- I didn't see that coming.

ShopperSoccerGurl on 10/6/2008 9:12:13 PM

1. Jo and Beth
2. YES!!! They are so good for eachother, in Good Wives i was shocked as to who Jo married
3. Yes
4. Beth when she was dying, i cried!!!!

tokio hotel lover <3 on 10/7/2008 1:14:13 AM

So, which character do you relate to most?
Probably Jo! I'm headstrong and love reading. But I'm also shy like Beth, and responsible like Meg!

Did you think Jo would end up with Laurie?
Actually, no .For some reason, I pictured Laurie and Beth together, after Jo thought that Beth was in love with him.

Do you think the relationship between the sisters is realistic? For those with siblings, does it remind you of your own relationship with your brothers and sisters?
I think that it was pretty realistic, siblings fight sometimes but also care about each other. Then again, it wasn't like Meg was going off to soccer practice while Jo was playing on the computer everyday. THey had to spend a lot of time together back then.

There are lots of big OMG moments in Little Women. Which one most sent you reeling?
Definitely Beth dying! It was so sad, but it was also happy, because she wasn't suffering anymore.

Little Women’s actually been made into several movies, but the most recent is from 1994 and stars Winona Ryder, Claire Danes, Kirsten Dunst and a pre-Batman Christian Bale. Did you see it? And if so, how do you think it compares to the book?
I haven't seen it! I am usually afraid to see movies that books have been made out of, because I fear that I'll look at the book differently when I read it next time if I see the movies.

Legally Brunette ♥ on 10/7/2008 11:23:57 AM

Uh, I tried to read it. Not my type of book.

girscouts2664 on 10/7/2008 12:13:04 PM

the little woman i think i can most relate to is amy,i always thought he would marry meg but jo was my second choice.and meg reminds me of my older sister,well, im not quite finished with the book,but i did a little reading ahead and found out BETH DIED!!!!!!!!!! i almost cried.

country_girl218 on 10/7/2008 3:18:24 PM

i forgot to add: i havent seen any of the movies:nor have i heard of them and while i read i think OMG if thay didint make a movie i would totally die!! ( like beth )

country_girl218 on 10/7/2008 3:21:16 PM

So, which character do you relate to most?
I'm a mix of Jo and Meg. I have Jo's spunk, feistiness, and love for writing, but I can also be very responsible and motherly, like Meg.

Did you think Jo would end up with Laurie?
I read the book for the first time in 1st grade so I can't remember but I'm sure I did.

Do you think the relationship between the sisters is realistic?
It wasn't completely realistic, especially Jo and Beth's incredible love for each other, but I think all in all, it's generally quite realistic. The sisters aren't perfect and don't get along perfectly. That's part of what makes it such a good book!
My relationship with my sister would probably be most like Jo's and Amy's.

There are lots of big OMG moments in Little Women. Which one most sent you reeling?
Jo turning Laurie down was definitely a huge, exciting part. I still feel sort of sad about it, but in a way she was always more his mother and BFF than GF.

Little Women’s actually been made into several movies, but the most recent is from 1994 and stars Winona Ryder, Claire Danes, Kirsten Dunst and a pre-Batman Christian Bale. Did you see it? And if so, how do you think it compares to the book?
No, never seen them.

hersheys4ever on 10/7/2008 4:15:13 PM

Who likes Dancing with the Stars?

mngirl on 10/7/2008 7:45:37 PM

I love this book it's my favorite classic! I've read it about 30 times!

sparky4me on 10/8/2008 2:14:15 PM

Loooove this book! I was like in tears when Amy Laurie married Amy and not Jo, though.

frankensteingirl on 10/9/2008 6:29:48 PM

i've never read this book but maybe i should cuz it looks good!

check out my profile!!!

coca08 on 10/10/2008 12:31:19 PM

I own this book, but have never read it cuz it looked too long. Maybe I should give it a try tho. Lol.

-shortie

shortiew/style2468 on 10/10/2008 10:13:21 PM

No way Who do you think You are!!!!

sugarcookie on 10/11/2008 9:50:06 AM

OMG I checked the book Twilight out from the library yesterday I could not put it down. I sat and read it for five hours straight and finished it at 11:30 last night. I love this book and I recommend it to any body!

BeautyTipper24 on 10/12/2008 1:51:53 PM