Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott

The women are normal-sized. But, honestly, the false advertising of the title is the only bad thing I have to say about this. Little Women is perfect. It’s funny. It’s dramatic. It’s romantic. It’s sad. It’s good. 

Little Women was never required reading for me in school, so I came to the book on my own, as an adult. That shift in perspective from being a kid who is forced to read it to being an adult who wants to read it is important. Student Dan would have rolled his eyes at this story of sisterhood, but Regular Dan loved it. 

I’ve never seen a film-version of Little Women, but I know there are a few fan-favorites, including the most recent Greta Gerwig adaptation. I might get around to checking that out as soon as I discover a few more hours in the day. (I think there are some extra hours hiding around the backside of the clock, but to get at them one needs a sharp paperclip and magic balm.) 

Jo is easily one of the best characters of classic American literature. She’s smart, tough, witty and you can’t help but root for her by yelling into the book, “You deserve happiness, Jo! And I sure hope none of your sisters die!” 

What more can be said about this? A lot, but I’m not going to write your school report for you. 

If you haven’t read Little Women, it’s not too late…and not just because I’m about to access those extra hours as soon as I get my balm enchanted. The book feels timeless and despite the title, speaks to all audiences, including big men.

I’m raising money for Reading is Fundamental! Click here to donate!

You know what’s cool about books? The words! 

You know what’s cool about words? The letters! 

You know what’s cool about letters? They’re little line pictures that make noise in your brain! 

And that’s the definition of reading: Little line pictures that make noise in your brain. 

Reading is magical! Reading is great! Reading is…fundamental! 

Reading is Fundamental (RIF) is my favorite charity. They supply books and literacy programs to children who need it. RIF helps kids learn to read. It’s that simple. 

Whenever I have a few extra dollars to spare, I send it their way. And whenever the news of the world is bad and grim (which is often), donating to RIF makes me feel a little better. And because the world feels EXTRA grim lately, I’m teaming up with RIF to raise some EXTRA money. 

Throughout November and December, I’m asking for donations from fine, beautiful, smart, lovely people such as yourself. All the money goes to RIF. All of it helps spread the joy of reading. Donating is easy.

Visit this page and click!

And to help get the word out, for the next few months, I’ll be posting a bunch of reviews of books I’ve read. These are not necessarily my favorite books (though some are), and they’re not in any specific order. I’m just randomly plucking a few off the shelf and writing a few words about them. 

If anything, it’s fun to reminisce about some of these books – books I haven’t read in decades!  

So stop by and check out my random reviews. And if you feel like being a terrific person, go ahead and visit the donation page. Any amount will help! Thanks!!! 

Love, 

Dan