Wrapping up Little Men: Jo creates her own utopia

The final chapter of Little Men, ā€œThanksgiving,ā€ states the true nature of Plumfield in plain language. But the book, more a series of short stories under a common theme rather than a novel, already lays out the vision through the stories. Still, it is quite satisfying to hear Jo lay out her vision of a …

Further thoughts on May Alcott Nieriker, a thoroughly modern woman

While researching May and Ernest's home in Meudon, France (see previous post), I had a chance to read May's thoughts in her letters home from Caroline Ticknor's book,Ā May Alcott A Memoir. May was a happy newlywed reflecting on her perfect life with gratitude. In one sense she was blissfully naive but her charm was precisely …

See May Alcott Nieriker’s home in Meudon, France

My friend Charline Bourdin from the French Louisa May Alcott blog sent me these amazing pictures of May and Ernest Nieriker’s final home in Meudon, a suburb ā€œbut fifteen minutes from Parish by railā€ as May recalls (pg. 265, May Alcott A Memoir by Caroline Ticknor). Charline lives in Meudon. May wrote many letters home …

What is “Buzz”? From Little Women, Chapter 3

Quick question: In Chapter 3 of Little Women, "The Lawrence Boy," Jo and Meg are playing a game of Buzz while waiting for Hannah to come for them. Anybody know anything about this game? Is it a card game? Click to Tweet & Share: What is "Buzz"? From Little Women, Chapter 3 http://wp.me/p125Rp-1D7 Are you …

Owls, Owls, Owls! Meeting our feathered friends at the Fruitlands Museum

These are owls that the Alcott girls would have seen living at Fruitlands. The little screech owl is one May painted over Louisa's fireplace and the Barn Owl is in her painting that hung in The Salon in Paris. Now you can see them live! Note how regal the Barn Owl is ... rather like …

Why I wish men would read Little Women (& why I appreciate those who have.)

Exceptional post on why Little Women is as important to men as it is to women. Click to Tweet & Share: Guest post: Why I wish men would read Little Women (& why I appreciate those who have.) http://wp.me/p125Rp-1CW

Lizzie’s favorite hymn, perhaps the one sung at her funeral

In my continuing research on Elizabeth Alcott, I find that letters by her mother offer the most poignant moments. I am already obsessed with Lizzie and Abba's comments act as gasoline on an already roaring fire. I'm told that obsession with a character will produce a good story; I sure hope so! I believe in …

Holiday Greetings from Louisa May Alcott

Click to Tweet & Share:Ā Holiday Greetings from Louisa May Alcott http://wp.me/p125Rp-1CH Are you passionate about Louisa May Alcott too? Send an email to louisamayalcottismypassion@gmail.com to subscribe, and never miss a post! Facebook Louisa May Alcott is My Passion More About Louisa on Twitter Susan's ebook, "Game Changer" is now available From the Garret - download …

Into the head and heart of Bronson Alcott: a most surprising and satisfying journey

The Journals of Bronson Alcott by Odell Shepard My rating: 5 of 5 stars I just finished reading The Journals of Bronson Alcott, edited by Odell Shepard. I was fascinated, stimulated and deeply moved. Let no one judge Bronson Alcott until they have done a thorough study of his life (which I have not yet …

A Louisa May Alcott Christmas: “The Little Red Purse”

From the Christmas Tales and Stories collection (Laura Ciolkowski, editor) comes a sweet, albeit typical offering from Louisa May Alcott known as "The Little Red Purse." Even though the essence of the story is very familiar (rich little girl learns how good it is to give to the poor), Louisa always manages to insert something …