megs_s's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
bookapotamus's review
4.0
I love the story of the March sisters. And I’m always up for a good retelling of any of my favorite childhood reads. Little Women was something my mom introduced me to at a very young age and I’ve read it so many times and have pretty much seen every film adaptation. I’m definitely a Jo, and I was super exited to dive into this one and see what she could be up to in modern day times.
I didn’t really go into it with any expectations, as I appreciate changes to storylines to show what one would imagine the characters could be like now. And it was fun for sure! There were times it felt a bit slow and I easily got tired of the father’s storyline and wish he hadn’t had such a major part (he made me SO MAD), but the sisterly love is still there! The differences between the girls is just as distinct as you’d want them to be, and seeing them come together despite them, is just as satisfying as the original!
The personalities of all the ladies is by far my favorite part of these four sisters and always will be. The story is heartwarming and for me it was a very refreshing take on Little Women. Virginia Kantra did a great job and I commend her bravery for taking on such a beloved Classic! I’m excited to read the upcoming story of Beth & Amy!
I didn’t really go into it with any expectations, as I appreciate changes to storylines to show what one would imagine the characters could be like now. And it was fun for sure! There were times it felt a bit slow and I easily got tired of the father’s storyline and wish he hadn’t had such a major part (he made me SO MAD), but the sisterly love is still there! The differences between the girls is just as distinct as you’d want them to be, and seeing them come together despite them, is just as satisfying as the original!
The personalities of all the ladies is by far my favorite part of these four sisters and always will be. The story is heartwarming and for me it was a very refreshing take on Little Women. Virginia Kantra did a great job and I commend her bravery for taking on such a beloved Classic! I’m excited to read the upcoming story of Beth & Amy!
stucknbooks14's review
3.0
Because of my love for Little Women, I went into this with high expectations. And that wasn't fair of me. I can't remember the last time it took me this long to complete a book. I just never felt like "I need to finish this." I was almost always annoyed with Meg. Caught myself rolling my eyes a few times; as a mom and as a daughter. I didn't feel that way with Meg in Little Women. I was so happy with the way Jo was portrayed in this version.
mhoffrob's review
3.0
A quick and easy read; somewhat predictable and trite. The author reimagines the March sisters into the modern era, with their father having left in their youth to become a army chaplain during the Iraq war. Now Amy, Beth, Jo and Meg are grown women, and living lives spread far fro home. Over the course of a few months, they return home for holidays and illnesses, and learn that they have all grown and changed, their typical family roles are reversing and changing. Agin, predicatble in many ways, but enjoyable.
dresendez0406's review
4.0
This modern retelling of Little Women was so good! Jo was always my favorite character and this book reinforced that. I cant wait for Amy and Beth next!
alliepeduto's review
4.0
Christmas isn’t Christmas without Little Women! Or in this case a modern retelling. Look, the die hard fans are going to hate this, because it’s not the book. Harsh, but true. Myself, I’ve always been a little more of a Little Women “lite” fan. It’s something that always been in my life, but has never defined it in any way. So this was actually the perfect holiday read, especially as I head into dealing with my family this week.
I’m definitely more of a Jo character myself (I actually took 4 different “Which Little Woman are you?” quizzes since the movie is coming out, and I got Jo on every single one...it’s the temper) so the fact that this focused in on the two older girls suited me fine. I liked that the story pivoted into modern issues while still staying true to the general storyline. And I didn’t mind the changes! It was cute and fun, but again, only read it if your in the mood for a family drama/romance novel that occasionally reminds you of Little Women.
I’m definitely more of a Jo character myself (I actually took 4 different “Which Little Woman are you?” quizzes since the movie is coming out, and I got Jo on every single one...it’s the temper) so the fact that this focused in on the two older girls suited me fine. I liked that the story pivoted into modern issues while still staying true to the general storyline. And I didn’t mind the changes! It was cute and fun, but again, only read it if your in the mood for a family drama/romance novel that occasionally reminds you of Little Women.
ob_ledbetter's review
4.0
A super fun retelling of Little Women. It’s obvious how much the author values children and family life, I felt those values colored someone of Jo’s outcomes in a way that felt disingenuous to her character.
katreadsalot's review against another edition
3.0
This holiday twist on Little Women was enjoyable but not for me. I appreciated Meg's story but felt in the end that a lot of tension just kind of deflated out of the situation whereas I would have preferred a more clear resolution. Jo's story was sweet but I had difficulty connecting to it.
catreader18's review
5.0
This modern retelling of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, focuses two of the four March sisters, Meg and Jo. Meg has a beautiful family with her husband and their young twins. She lives near her parents farm and is known as the reliable one, always helping others and putting everyone else first. Jo is an aspiring writer working in the kitchen for a famous New York City chef. Jo, as the oldest, is expected to take care of their mother and be the mature one.
As I was reading this story, I tried to relate it back to original version but I found myself enjoying to book so much more when I focused only on this story. It has been quite awhile since I've read Little Women, and while I recognized some elements, it was distracting to try to analyze what was new and what was true to the original story.
I loved Jo but related much more with Meg. As a mother, I related with her worries and troubled relationship with her husband. It is so easy to lose your relationship with husband as you focus on raising children. I loved watching her work through her relationship and learn to accept help.
I can't say enough good things about this book! It took me several days to read it but it was not for lack of trying. I had a very hard time putting this book down. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Little Women, but caution not to try to match this story up to the original, especially if you have not read the original recently. I loved this book by itself. I was so excited to read in the back of the book a preview of Beth & Amy, Kantra's next book telling the story of the next two March sisters. I can't wait to get my hands on her next book!
As I was reading this story, I tried to relate it back to original version but I found myself enjoying to book so much more when I focused only on this story. It has been quite awhile since I've read Little Women, and while I recognized some elements, it was distracting to try to analyze what was new and what was true to the original story.
I loved Jo but related much more with Meg. As a mother, I related with her worries and troubled relationship with her husband. It is so easy to lose your relationship with husband as you focus on raising children. I loved watching her work through her relationship and learn to accept help.
I can't say enough good things about this book! It took me several days to read it but it was not for lack of trying. I had a very hard time putting this book down. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Little Women, but caution not to try to match this story up to the original, especially if you have not read the original recently. I loved this book by itself. I was so excited to read in the back of the book a preview of Beth & Amy, Kantra's next book telling the story of the next two March sisters. I can't wait to get my hands on her next book!
katekate_reads_'s review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this modern retelling of Little Women. The March sisters are living in modern day America - Jo is living in New York City working in a restaurant and exploring her writing as a good blogger. Meg is married with twin toddlers and working on how to balance all her responsibilities. Beth is singing and performing in a Christmas show and Amy is on a fashion internship.
As you could probably guess from the title - this book really focused on Meg & Jo with alternating chapters from their perspectives. I really enjoyed both stories.
It’s been a looooooong time since I read Little Women - so I’m sure there are references that went over my head. While I really enjoyed the comparisons I did see - I think you could read this without having read LW without any issues.
Thank you very much to Berkley for the free review copy.
As you could probably guess from the title - this book really focused on Meg & Jo with alternating chapters from their perspectives. I really enjoyed both stories.
It’s been a looooooong time since I read Little Women - so I’m sure there are references that went over my head. While I really enjoyed the comparisons I did see - I think you could read this without having read LW without any issues.
Thank you very much to Berkley for the free review copy.