the end // alcott challenge

  At the beginning of summer I posted about doing the Louisa May Alcott Challenge - a lovely reading challenge hosted by Tarissa. And even though I've been doing a lot more school this summer than I had originally thought I would have to do, I still have been reading L.M Alcott books and really enjoying it. I originally had 3 things on my list to read, and I got two done - and the third book I'm hoping to read soon. Here's a bit about the books I got to read:



                                                            

Under the Lilacs

   the story: The tale begins when Bab and Betsy - two young sisters - discover a runaway circus boy hiding in their barn. To the little girls, this is frightfully exciting, and at once become friends with Ben and his talented poodle. This is the tale of all the happenings of the town and the adventures and mishaps of the two sisters, Ben Brown, the kind Miss Celia, and her younger brother Thorny.

 my thoughts: Sweet, funny, quaint. The characters were so lovable, and Alcott's style of writing is just so lovely. I think it's geared a bit towards a younger age of children than some of Alcott's other books (like Little Woman, or Rose in Bloom), and also unlike her other books it's not specifically just for girls. It was such an enjoyable little book and I'm so glad I read it.

Little Women - radio theatre

Note: I was originally going to re-read An Old Fashioned Girl but when the time came, I decided it was due time I read Little Women again.

 a few quotes:

 "Let us be elegant or die!"

 “I want to do something splendid...something heroic or wonderful that won't be forgotten after I'm dead. I don't know what, but I'm on the watch for it and mean to astonish you all someday.” 

  “Now and then, in this workaday world, things do happen in the delightful storybook fashion, and what a comfort that is.” 

"Don't let the sun go down upon your anger. Forgive each other, help each other, and begin again tomorrow."

 my thoughts: This is one of my all-time favorite books. It's just amazing. I love the story more and more each time I read (or in this case, listen to) it. The characters are so real and I love them to bits. And even though I have the story pretty much memorized, it still makes me laugh and cry at the same parts. Anyway, love this book.

 the radio theatre: Okay, I adore Focus on the Family's Radio Theatres. I could listen to them all day. Their Chronicles of Narnia ones are just perfect, as with The Secret Garden and Les Mis. And this one? No exception. It's absolutely lovely. The voices are wonderful (young Jo's voice is perfect!), the music is beautiful, and they kept quite true to the story. Side-note: I saw that an Oliver Twist radio theatre is coming out soon...eeeep!



  I've enjoyed doing this challenge so much; I was reminded of what a wonderful author Louisa May Alcott is. I'm hoping to finish my goal and read Jack and Jill soon!