I decided upon reading March that I would read with an open mind. Fan fiction is a risky business (although calling March “fan fiction” doesn’t feel quite right, it’s a decidedly more serious work). The reader comes in with all kinds of pre-conceived notions and expectations, and the author can quickly fall out of favor …
Hear and see John Matteson discuss Eden’s Outcasts
Here is a video of John Matteson discussing his Pultizer prize-winning biography, Eden’s Outcasts: The Story of Louisa May Alcott and Her Father. It appears to have been done at the School of Philosophy at Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House. Update Watching the video while working - Matteson is charming! He says he was told …
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Reading Little Women as a writer
Recently I was asked by my writing tutor analyze the beginning pages of books I've read to see how the author set up the story. I immediately thought of Little Women’s first chapter as it is so iconic. Louisa did a masterful job of introducing the four sisters and giving the reader a sense of …
“I Always Wanted to Be Like Jo.”
Spring in Concord has sprung, not only with budding trees and flowers, but with a plethora of activities celebrating the centennial of one of the oldest home museums in the country, Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House. Little Women discussion panel On Thursday, March 22 I had the joy of attending the first of three presentations …
Reading Little Women and March simultaneously
For the longest time I have avoided reading March by Geraldine Brooks. I just wasn't interested in Mr. March and had had my fill of Bronson Alcott. March, however, is enjoying tremendous popularity right now due to the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. I subscribe to different key words on Google to keep with …
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Eight Cousins: “Tomboys make strong women”
Chapter 14 in Eight Cousins, "A Happy Birthday" lays out Uncle Alec's strategy for Rose's upbringing: she is to run, jump, climb trees and play with her cousins, and she is to ride horses, all in an attempt to strengthen her physical and emotional health. Mrs. Jessie compares the Rose she sees now with the …
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Little Women Open Forum
Let's start talking! This post is acting as an open forum. Feel free in your comments to post any subjects you’d like to discuss or anything that you come across as you begin to read Little Women and we will talk about it. For example: the last time I read Little Women I gravitated towards …
Join in the group read/re-read of Little Women
Because of all the upcoming events in Concord with regards to the centennial of Orchard House as a museum (many of the directly related to Little Women), I've started re-reading Louisa's classic. Jillian from A Room of One's Own is also re-reading (I actually got the idea from her). I invite you all to join …
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Promo film for Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House centennial celebration
The time is drawing near for Orchard House's Centennial! Here's a promo film they just released - lots of interesting pictures! Visit the Orchard House website for more information on centennial celebrations this spring. Are you passionate about Louisa May Alcott too? Send an email to louisamayalcottismypassion@gmail.com to subscribe, and never miss a post! Facebook …
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Louisa makes her mark in the Civil War
I found this great article on Louisa May Alcott's contribution to the Civil War. Brief as her service was, it was immortalized in her writing and helped her find her voice. The article was found on the History in an Hour blog - here's a teaser: Louisa May Alcott and the American Civil War Posted …
Louisa May Alcott is My Passion 