Fiction or non-fiction? How should I tell the story of Lizzie?

Note: Although I had promised a series of posts on women's health in the nineteenth century, I need to postpone those posts until I clear up a problem with citing an important source. Stay tuned! In the meantime, I thought I would share this with you. * * * * * * * * * …

Coming attractions for 2016

Teasers for the new year ... coming soon. 🙂     Stay tuned! Are you passionate about Louisa May Alcott too? Subscribe to the email list and never miss a post! Keep up with news and free giveaways on Susan's books, Louisa May Alcott: Illuminated by The Message, and River of Grace! Facebook Louisa May …

Current most popular posts

A rare look at Louisa May Alcott’s life as an invalid and a patient What would you like to know about the woman behind Beth March? “Poppy’s Pranks” reveals the childhood of Louisa May Alcott Comparing the March sisters with their real life counterparts Major acquisition by the Concord Library of Louisa May Alcott working …

Don’t miss the special exhibit of rare artifacts at Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House

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 …

May Alcott gets her due! Review of Little Woman in Blue written by Jeannine Atkins

I am so pleased to present this extensive review by Gabrielle Donnelly, author of The Little Women Letters: The first thing to remember when you start to read Jeannine Atkins’ marvelous novel, Little Woman Blue (She Writes Press, September 15), is to forget Amy March. Amy, the spoiled youngest of the March family of Little …

Peeks into May Alcott’s Paris

Jeannine Atkins' historical novel on May Alcott called Little Woman in Blue: A Novel of May Alcott is now available from Amazon. She posted a wonderful write-up on May's time in Paris with artist peers such as Mary Cassatt through books she used to research her book. Be sure and order Jeannine’s book on Amazon …

Summer Conversational Series taking place this week

The Summer Conversational Series is taking place all this week at Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House. The theme is "Heaven in the Mind:" The Spirit of Place in Transcendental Concord. I will be going to the Tuesday and Wednesday sessions. I believe registration is still open--here is information on topics and who is presenting (scroll down a bit to …

Louisa Links of the Week (formerly known as Fun and Fascinating Links)

Lots of great links this week! Through the month of May, the Concord Public Library is celebrating 160 years of Flower Fables, Louisa May Alcott's first book. They will have displays (including the first edition of the book), children's activities and a visit with "Louisa" herself in the form of Jan Turnquist, executive director of …

An exciting first! The announcement of a novel about May Alcott by Jeannine Atkins

This is big news – the first of its kind – a novel about May Alcott! And from one of our readers, Jeannine Atkins, author of several books including her most recent, Views from a Window Seat and Becoming Little Women (see previous post). Congratulations, Jeannine, we can hardly wait!

jeannine atkins books

jeannineatkins's avatarViews from a Window Seat

I’m in full dream-come-true mode as I announce that LITTLE WOMAN IN BLUE: A NOVEL OF MAY ALCOTT will be published by She Writes Press in fall 2015.

My fascination with the youngest Alcott sister began when I was a girl playing Little Women with two friends and my older sister, who claimed the role of Jo March. I also wanted to get my hands ink-stained and eat apples in a garret, but I didn’t see what was so wrong with liking clothes or handsome boys, too. As years passed and I learned about point of view, I wondered how much the portrait of May changed to Amy in Little Women was developed from the lens of an older sister, who might have been jealous of an independent girl who didn’t feel as strong a need to please their parents.

The many writers of nineteenth century Concord gave me plenty…

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