There are many books, especially classics, that I’m familiar with– having read Cliff notes, heard overviews in class, and watched movies–enough so that I could fake having read them. “Little Women” would fall in this category. I can even quote the first line: “Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents,” grumbled Jo, lying on the rug.

Although, I admit to not having read any of Louisa May Alcott’s books, out of all the classics I’ve happily skimmed by I’ve always felt that I should take the time to read “Little Women.” And watching this video of author Eve LaPlante describing her connection to the Alcott’s and research for her book, “Marmee & Louisa: The Untold Story of Louisa May Alcott and Her Mother,” piqued that interest.

Back in college, I enjoyed studying Mary Shelly and her mother Mary Wollstonecraft. This seems like it would fall in line with that sort of study. I love the history and detail of not only the writer finding old papers and making connections with her ancestors, but of the insight into a classic author’s daily life, especially when it delves into the differences and similarities of the issues women face today.

How many of you are fans of “Little Women?” Tell me about your experience with Alcott’s novels and any other study you’ve done about a writer and another close family member who influenced them. What further reading do you recommend?