On Thursday I toured Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House. I was anxious to see the artifacts pictured in The Annotated Little Women, edited by John Matteson and took a vacation day to see them as November can get swallowed up in holiday preparations. If you live anywhere near Concord and can get to this exhibit, …
Fun, surprises and inspiration at John Matteson’s book signing of The Annotated Little Women
This past Sunday, November 8, a group of Alcott enthusiasts had the distinct pleasure of attending a book signing and reading with John Matteson, the editor of The Annotated Little Women at The Concord Bookstore. Surprise! As he was about to speak, we were greeted with a surprise guest, "Louisa" (aka Jan Turnquist) herself! She …
Unearthing some golden nuggets from the Annotated Little Women edited by John Matteson
I could not leave this book without revealing a few of John Matteson’s wonderful insights into Little Women and Louisa May Alcott. I will begin with the introduction, “Little Pilgrims.” Reflecting real life “Little Women retains its importance in part because it recognizes that many of our most potent enemies lie within us and that life is far …
The Annotated Little Women edited by John Matteson is a treasure
Just when you think there can't be anything more revealed about the Alcotts, something new and wonderful comes our way. A treasure chest This rich and gorgeous volume of Little Women is filled with treasures that delight any fan of the March family from the casual reader to the Alcott wonk (like me). John Matteson …
Continue reading "The Annotated Little Women edited by John Matteson is a treasure"
Louisa May Alcott, the Pope and me
I write articles and a monthly column for our local Catholic newspaper. This is my October column. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Autumn in New England turns my heart towards Concord where an antique brown colonial stands. …
It’s here! A folk art rendition of The Wayside (aka Hillside), home of the real-life little women
You may recall a series of posts on the progress of a folk art painting by Joyce Pyka of The Wayside. It is now complete and ready for the wall of your living room, writing room or bedroom. The prints for this painting are reasonably priced at $18.40 and measure 24 x 20; department stores …
New book in the works on Little Women
Anne Boyd Rioux, author and a member of the Louisa May Alcott Society, has just been given a grant to write her new book called Reading Little Women.: The History of an American Classic. As you will see from her post, she was quoted in a recent article in the Washington Post about making scholarly …
Places that are redemptive, and damning: Monday presentation by Stephen Burby at the Summer Conversational Series
Note: Mr. Burby kindly gave me his presentation (handwritten notes and all) in lieu of the fact that I was unable to attend the Monday session of the Summer Conversational Series. I thank him for doing so. This is a longer post than usual as I found his presentation to be quite thought-provoking. * * * …
Announcing my first book, “River of Grace,” to be published this Fall!
I am pleased to announce that my very first book, River of Grace: Creative Passages Through Difficult Times will be released this Fall, published by Ave Maria Press! You can pre-order it now on Amazon.com. A memoir with life application River of Grace is a faith-based memoir (written from my Roman Catholic tradition) with life …
Continue reading "Announcing my first book, “River of Grace,” to be published this Fall!"
Jo’s evolution as a creative, and as a woman
What did Jo March mean when she said she wanted to create something "spendid?" Perhaps gaining recognition for her writing. Maybe even being hailed as a great writer. Writing a book of artistic merit and universality that would stand the test of time. Yet we find in Little Women that Jo's goals would evolve from that solitary …
Continue reading "Jo’s evolution as a creative, and as a woman"
Louisa May Alcott is My Passion 