It is a tale crafted so exquisitely it will have you laugh, cry, and cheer with joy in the span of just a few chapters. It holds characters you will grow to love, and sisters who could not represent more unique personalities. Themes of patience, gratitude, and the importance of family and friends are embedded within every word in this classic novel. Little Women is a testament to the feeling we get when it is Christmas Eve and we are surrounded by loved ones next to the fireplace. Heartwarming & comfortable. Little Women is the feeling when it’s pouring rain on our walk back home. Cold & isolated. Little Women is the feeling of running through a meadow, while the sun shines on your fair skin. Fun & spontaneous. Together, Louisa May Alcott crafted what is arguably the best classic for centuries to come. I sure think so!

What truly ties the book together, is the core relationships of the March sisters: Jo, Meg, Amy, & Beth. 

First, we have my favorite. Jo is a high spirited, courageous, & bold tom-boy. Growing up in Concord, Massachusetts in the 19th century did not bode well for a teenage writer, and that too a lady, as Jo would soon learn. What I love most about Jo are the sacrifices she makes for her family. She writes so passionately in hopes of making money, she cuts her hair in hopes of providing money for her mother’s impending travels, and she uses her competition money to take Beth to the ocean when she is ill. In my opinion, Jo holds the biggest heart. In a society that was built against someone like her, she rallies. Jo will show you resilience, inspire you to fight back, and encourage you to go after what you want, not letting the fear of judgment stop you in your journey.  

Meg is the oldest of the four, a very kind, sophisticated, and proper woman. Unlike Jo, she abides more easily by societal norms, longing for the more luxurious lifestyles of some of her friends. More than anything Meg wants a large house full of children and a loving husband. Meg teaches us an important lesson as well, as she is a tribute to the oldest siblings of the family. She shows us that there is pressure with leading your siblings by serving as a positive role model, but if you are patient and put your best foot forward while being yourself, you will eventually end up wherever you are meant to be. Meg endures many hardships and often times loses her self with these battles, but at the end of the day, she secures her dream life, with hard work, honesty, and patience. 

Amy March is the third sister on my list. I always disliked Amy the most for her apparent vain and spoiled nature, however, I believe her to teach readers a valuable lesson as well. While she displays selfishness and materialistic antics, Amy also deals with stress and competition with her other sisters. Having always been a second choice to her older sister, Jo, we see Amy share a common desire that our readers have likely had in our own lives: to be one’s first choice. In my opinion, Amy represents the most character development. She starts quite shallow, but throughout she possesses the right morals, in the end pursuing her dreams and recognizing her self-worth. Amy teaches us to never hide in the shadows but to create our own path, to never settle for anything less than we deserve, and to never give up in pursuit of our greatest dreams & desires. 

Lastly, we have Beth. Oh sweet, shy, selfless Beth. I have always had a soft spot for this sister. Beth shows sacrifice, gratitude, and thoughtfulness like no other. She is the type of person you could never hate, with not one bad bone in her body. There is a special quote that resonates with the true meaning of Beth’s character. John Lennon writes, “When you do something beautiful and nobody noticed, do not be sad. For the sun, every morning is a beautiful spectacle and yet most of the audience still sleeps.” Beth is the epitome of someone who puts all else before her own. Regardless of who is watching, she does everything to the best of her ability and the strength of her heart. She teaches us so beautifully the importance of having gratitude and spreading love to those who are less fortunate.  Beth is an angel in Little Women. 

Every sister brings us something special, teaches us something important to remember, and lights us with joy, anger, and sadness at one point in time in the book. Read Little Women to be gripped with raw emotion and a plot so complex and intricate yet so simple and intimate. One last bonus is that reading the book will give you an amazing understanding of the movie. Timothée Chalamet is the star character… need I convince you more?