Book Review: Little Women

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I must say, as silly as this may sound, this novel made me want to try to be a better person. Despite poverty, sickness, and other hardships, these little women still were able to live happy and honest lives. They were not angels, as they all recognized that they had flaws, but what made them such spectacular women was regularly reflecting on their own selves and habits, finding their faults, and making every effort to improve.

Today, especially while teaching high school students, I've found the world a much changed place than the time of these little women. Not because now we have TV and spaceships and smart phones and what not, but in our morality. No matter how rich or poor we are, we are always wanting more and are often in a state of pitying ourselves. The little women in this novel also pitied themselves, but what made them so amazing is that they recognized this sense of pity and rather thank seek excuses from external sources (which they had every right to do), they thought it better to reflect on how they could turn the situation into a lesson to improve themselves and become better people. How easy it is to excuse ourselves of our flaws, and to grow lazy in our quest for morality...if we have one at all. What a brave and honorable task to learn how to see ourselves in an honest light and try to improve in anyway we can.

While reading this book, I found myself rethinking some of my own reactions to people and situations. I find myself humbled, and rather than blame others for their flaws, I've tried to take a honest look at my own contribution to the situation and try to improve upon it rather than be extremely critical of others. No one is perfect, and so easy is it for us to feel sorry for ourselves, our wars, our unsuccessful government, our crumbling environment. Instead of feeling bitter, angry, and sad, I think perhaps it is better to take advice from these little women and take a good look at how we ourselves are contributing to these worldly problems, how we can adjust our efforts to improve upon them, and what we can reasonably give of ourselves to help others without sacrificing our own entire happiness...as it is just as important to live a happy life with joy and love, to lead a good example and raise or teach children to grow up with such morality as it is to help others in their quest for happiness.

Thank you Louisa May Alcott, for in your now old fashioned ways, you have helped me to open my eyes and made me want to be a better person.