Sign up now for next week’s Summer Conversational Series – theme is “Learning’s Altar” – The Rise of Adult Education and Lifelong Learning in Concord and Beyond

My thanks to the Barrow Bookstore for this announcement:   The Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House Summer Adult Education series is returning this week! July 10-14, 2022.   Started in 1879 as the dream of Bronson Alcott, the best conversation series brings speakers from around this world. This year’s presenters will include Dr. Kristina West, …

Summer Conversational Series 2018: Gabrielle Donnelly “Peppery Old Ladies: Aunt March’s Literary Line from Betsey Trotwood to Aunt Petunia”

The concluding talk of the series was by Gabrielle Donnelly who gave a most informative and entertaining presentation on literary aunts, beginning with Aunt March from Little Women. Not often talked about, Gabrielle was inspired to examine Aunt March after Angela Lansbury’s iconic portrayal in the Little Women Masterpiece series. Aunt March Gabrielle maintained that …

“Warmth and wisdom here for everyone who opens it”–Review of River of Grace by Gabrielle Donnelly

Gabrielle Donnelly, author of The Little Women Letters, was kind enough to review an advance copy of my River of Grace: You don't have to be Catholic to love this book.  There is warmth and wisdom here for everyone who opens it, whether they are questioning their spiritual faith, struggling with personal loss,  attempting to …

Jo’s Boys – reading the first edition knowing Louisa was alive

Look at what I got at The Barrows in Concord! New meaning This is the first time that I've acquired first editions of Louisa May Alcott's books. Knowing she was alive when these books were published adds another layer of meaning to the reading. I feel myself transported back to 1886, catching up on the …

Book review: Little Women An Annotated Edition, edited by Daniel Shealy

I am delighted when Gabrielle Donnelly, author of The Little Women Letters (see previous post) offered to review this wonderful new edition of Little Women. Ed. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * There are two ways to read Daniel Shealy's …

Orchard House: Ghosts, gossip, snow . . . magic! (guest post by Gabrielle Donnelly)

I am thrilled to welcome another guest post from author Gabrielle Donnelly (The Little Women Letters). She shares her recent visit to Orchard House which included a meet-and-greet, a short talk and book signing. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * …

A Meet and Greet full of pleasant surprises

I went to Concord yesterday afternoon full of anticipation at meeting an email friend in person. I've met many such email friends and it's always a thrill. Gabrielle Donnelly, author of The Little Women Letters has become such a friend through stories exchanged about our favorite felines, and our favorite author. Little did I know …

Meet and greet with Gabrielle Donnelly at Orchard House tonight

I am very excited to be able to finally meet Gabrielle Donnelly, author of The Little Women Letters. We have been corresponding since last summer and have spoken on the phone. She is doing a presentation at Orchard House tonight in the parlor on her book. I relish the opportunity to spend more than a …

One year old today! Celebrating with a special gift for you!

I recently watched again the PBS film Louisa May Alcott The Woman Behind Little Women  and thoroughly enjoyed it.  To see Louisa portrayed on the small screen is just as thrilling as ever. This reminded me of how I started my blog 1 year ago today after reading the book. What a wonderful year it …

And the winners are . . .

Thank you for the GREAT response to my book giveaway of Gabrielle Donnelly's The Little Women Letters. Your comments were just wonderful! You'll be happy to know that Gabrielle has agreed to guest blog again in the future as time allows. And the winners are . . . Janine Hopewell Donna Kindberg-Perron Congratulations! I will …

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