"Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

Firstly, let me say that the movie, "Little Women" is ruined for me now!  As you would expect, the movie doesn't do justice to this marvelous work, even slightly!  I'm especially disappointed because this *had* been one of my favorite movies, but also because the moviemakers apparently bent over backwards to remove every reference to God, Christianity, faith, etc, which are the cornerstones of the March family's existence.  In summary, this is a wonderful story of love (often tough love), faithfulness, and family life.  Inspiring!

The book features the well-known and loved March sisters:

Meg

• "This was the first serious disagreement; her own hasty speeches sounded both silly and unkind, as she recalled them, her own anger looked childish now, and thoughts of poor John coming home to such a scene quite melted her heart.  She glanced at him with tears in her eyes, but he did not see them; she put down her work and got up, thinking, 'I will be the first to say, "Forgive me,"' but he did not seem to hear her; she went very slowly across the room, for pride was hard to swallow, and stood by him, but he did not turn his head.  For a minute she felt as if she really couldn't do it; then came the thought, 'This is the beginning, I'll do my part, and have nothing to reproach myself with,' and stooping down, she softly kissed her husband on the forehead.  Of course that settled it; the penitent kiss was better than a world of words . . ."

Jo

• "You'll get over this after a while, and find some lovely, accomplished girl, who will adore you, and make a fine mistress for your fine house.  I shouldn't.  I'm homely and awkward and odd and old, and you'd be ashamed of me, and we should quarrel--we can't help it even now, you see--and I shouldn't like elegant society and you would, and you'd hate my scribbling, and I couldn't get on without it, and we should be unhappy, and wish we hadn't done it, and everything would be horrid!"

Beth

• "With the wreck of her frail body, Beth's soul grew strong; and, though she said little, those about her felt that she was ready, saw that the first pilgrim called was likewise the fittest, and waited with her on the shore, trying to see the Shining Ones coming to receive her when she crossed the river."

Amy

• ""Yes, you'll do; your head is all I could ask, for that white bonnet with the rose is quite ravishing.  Hold back your shoulders, and carry your hands easily, no matter if your gloves do pinch.  There's one thing you can do well, Jo, that is, wear a shawl--I can't; but it's very nice to see you, and I'm so glad Aunt March gave you that lovely one; it's simple, but handsome, and those folds over the arm are really artistic.  Is the point of my mantle in the middle, and have I looped my dress evenly?  I like to show my boots, for my feet are pretty, though my nose isn't."