I was basically forced to read this novel for a college survey course in American Romanticism. I had read 'Little Women' in high school and didn't think much of it. Too morally heavy-handed and contrived and not entertaining at all. 'Moods' suprised me. The same criticisms apply, but I did find the book a pleasure to read. The criticisms that the book places against the society of the times about women's behavioral expectations, while not exactly revolutionary, were well thought out and not as in-your-face as the messages found in 'Little Women'. The characters are not as one dimensional as in 'Little Women' and I thought Sylvia's dilemna was belieavable. Like I said before, I was suprised at how much I liked the book.

As Alcott's first novel, this book is much more than a precursor to Little Women. It was also her attempt at serious literary recognition. Its intertexualities with the Transcendentalists, particularly Thoreau and Marget Fuller, make it an important book, as does its serious examination of a taboo subject in the 1860s: marriage and divorce. Although Alcott was not satisfied with the book, due to the many cuts required by her publisher, Moods exhibits a very ambitious Alcott finding her voice as a writer and addressing the difficult and controversial subjects with which women were wrestling. Alcott's first novel was influenced by Jane Eyre and The Scarlet Letter and bears reading alongside those two classics.

This book is truly a good read. The only thing I didn't really like about it was that the girls in the book got a little too over enthusiastic over every little thing. The book is about a little girl who stutters and one day she meets neighbors. They make a school and area for their followers, Fruitland. The new neighbors are odd in the girl's poppa's point of view, but they are kind and help the girl over her stuttering problem.

Shy, stammering Susan lives with her strict, conservative Pa and her Aunt Nell. When strange new neighbors move in next to their farm, Aunt Nell takes Susan to pay a welcoming call with a gift of apple butter and cheese. To their amazement, the new people appreciate the offer but turn down the cheese since they don't eat any animal products. That's just the first of many different things about the communal group that has moved in at "Fruitlands." Part of the group includes eleven-year old Louisa May Alcott. They become great friends. Susan goes to school there with Mr. Alcott as the teacher. It's a wonderful new world for her and she loses most of her stutter and much of her shyness. Read to learn about some of the new ideas the group has and how long they live at Fruitlands. Fictional and historical characters are used in this interesting account of a slice of the famous author's childhood. A great read, especially for any student who has read Little Women.

"How can you print a piece of your own soul," Dickinson, p. 51

This is the 2nd in the Krull and Hewitt's "Lives of ..." series. The book contains 19 chapters on 20 writers in birth order: Murasaki Shikibu (973?-1025?), Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616), William Shakespeare (1564-1616), Jane Austen (1775-1817), Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875), Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849), Charles Dickens (1812-1870), Charlotte & Emily Bronte (1816-1855 & 1818-1848), Emily Dickinson (1830-1886), Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888), Mark Twain (1835-1910), Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849-1924), Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894), Jack London (1876-1916), Carl Sandburg (1878-1967), E. B. White (1899-1985), Zora Neale Hurston (1901?-1960), Langston Hughes (1902-1967), Isaac Bashevis Singer (1904-1991)

This is a perfect book for young adolescents and pre-teens who as they grow and mature frequently feel awkward. Krull introduces us to the idiosyncrasies of the literary. Some of the authors were loners, eccentric, a wee bit peculiar. Michael Jackson's behaviors might seem normal when held in comparison. Some retreated into themselves. Some sought out adventures. Some as adults were unsuccessful at the ordinary.

Some worked at a young age to support the family. Some took daily walks, very long daily walks. Some were not healthy and therefore wrote in bed. There were some similarities and some differences, but they all shared a singular conviction to write and write they each did well.

Hewitt's delightful portraits of the writers are precious. My favorite portrait is of Frances Hodgson Burnett of "The Secret Garden" fame. Her hat is the secret garden.

Given the high price of the book, I was surprised that Krull did not include a list of the authors' books and/or poems and the publication years. END

This book is a fun and informative book. The pictures are filled with humorous meanings and hidden information. The book keeps the reader's attention by keeping the included information short and simple, but also makes sure that the reader gets as much possible about the author. This book is great for kids and students to use as a report source as it is filled with great information. Kids would rather use this book as an information source rather than an encylopedia since the information is easy to understand. Authors in there are some you may not know, ( Murasaki Shikibu) and some well know ones ( Charles Dickens). I am glad I purchsed this book. I really liked the pictures which are so vibrant with color. This would make a great buy.

I like this book because it shows that Jo would do anything to make sure that her sisters won't be adopted by her aunt but instead have herself adopted by her aunt because she thought that her sisters won't mind that. But instead she learns that her sisters do care about her and that she shouldn't "jump to conclusions".

I thought that this was a great book. It was about a girl who decides that she will live with her aunt, because she thinks that she fits the description best. I recommend it because you can relate the problems to your own, only in a different way.

This goes directly to " A reader from California" spin offs aren't always bad because this one is good . Plus it doesn't matter what the cover looks like ! Have you ever heard the saying "don't judge a book by its cover? I guess not because you are judging this book by its cover ! I've read the book and I think iot's one of the best books I've ever read ! So what if Jo is pretty and glamourous . So what if it doesn't look like a tomboy read the book and it even says Jo's a tomboy in the book and she is a little akward! I really like this book ! It's really cool ! It's sad , happy , and angry in some parts but, that's the best part of it !

Rose In Bloom is an interesting book about a girl who lives with her uncle. Her aunts wish her to be introduced into society after Rose had returned from a two year voyage around the world. One of her cousins wished her hand in marriage, but had changed so dramatically since she left on her voyage that she had struggle with him to make good choices. Besides this cousin, Rose had more suitors than she cared to deal with, because she was of marrying age with a great fortune and a kind heart. Finally, in the end, tragedy strikes Rose and her family, but the sun appeared again and brought light back into their lives with a wonderful ending. I love reading and Rose In Bloom offers enough enjoyment, sorrow and romance that I was farely satified with the overall picture it created. (I would recommend this book for girls). Personally, I would suggest reading Eight Cousins before Rose In Bloom, because it would be rather difficult to understand all the details of what was happening and who was who if you started with the latter. Enjoy!

The story of Rose and how she comes of age is certainly idealized, but don't we need more ideals these days? She is rich and rather sheltered, but she faces the same peer pressure, the same temptations with boys, the same problems with friends and romance. Even Charlie's struggle with drinking is as fresh and relevant today as it was then. She also promotes an independent, even feminist, attitude, but without losing sight of the importance of feminine talents and virtues. I didn't discover this book until I was in my 20s, even though I had been a Little Women fan since childhood, but since then I've read "Eight Cousins" and other Alcott classics, and I wouldn't be without them. My daughter is learning to read now, and I can't wait to introduce her to Rose!

"Rose in Bloom" is one of my favorite books ever. I like it more than any other Louisa May Alcott book, although its predecessor "Eight Cousins" is a sweet story in its own right. I can't find many romances that don't make me blush, but "Rose in Bloom" not only doesn't embarrass me, it makes me feel quite virtuous. ^_^ "Rose in Bloom" is so delightfully Victorian and unabashedly idealistic and romantic. The characters are all quite loveable and the plot, although firmly rooted in its time, resonates even now. The story is incredibly emotionally involving, I cry whenever I read this book -- even at a bus stop once! However, it's not a sad book; it ends very happily. (The scene with the quill pen just makes me need to call up a friend and squeal about the cuteness of it all.) When I find that mere words on a page can make the world seem to light up with happiness and goodness, I know I have found an incredible book. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes wonderful characters, a charming and earnest narrative, and a cute romance.

Is it possible to take a person and of them create a statue, cold, unfeeling, totally submissive? This is precisely what Bazil Yorke, sculptor and hermit, sets out to find out when the daughter of a long dead love comes into his care. But something goes terribly wrong. As Bazil attempts to smother the heart of his ward, he finds that his own has been touched. But it is never that easy. Who is Germain, the myterious--and dangerous--stranger who haunts Bazil and Cecil, the Marble Woman? What is the bizarre link that binds these two enemies? Will Cecil's heart of stone give way--before all three lives are ruined?

This story is quite different from Alcott's more poplular works--and even from the rest of her 'blood and thunder tales', that one wonders if this was not merely an excercise and not intended to be read by generations. The main flaw is in the ending, which seems a bit prosaic for such a dark work. It still has her flair for narrative and deep understanding of human nature, however and provides an excellent addition to any Alcott devotee.

This wholesome little book warms you from the inside with it's tale of the Bassett childrens' attempt to prepare Thanksgiving dinner while their mother and father are away. The hard work of the Bassett girls, some surprises, and only a few slight failures result in a memorable holiday for the Bassett family. Although rather short, this book is appropriate for people of all ages. An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving is a sweet story that will brighten a cold day for anyone from age five to age one-hundred.

I love Louisa May Alcott's work, from her dark delvings into the human soul to her revenge tales to the wholesome family chronicles. Sadly, I could not love this book. Anyone who reads it will be unsurprised that Alcott wrote it at the age of seventeen -- it reads like the summertime fantasies of a teen longing for love and a Tall Dark Handsome Man with a Tragic Past.

The heroine, Edith Adelon, is a penniless Italian orphan who lives on a rambling estate belonging to the Hamiltons, filthy rich aristocrats. Edith's humility and goodness make her a favorite in that place, of everyone except Lady Ida. Ida is not wealthy, though she is an aristocrat, and (by the standards of the day) is aging to old-maid-hood. Enter Lord Percy, a friend of the family, and a Tall Dark Handsome Man with a Tragic Past. He and Edith fall in love, until a hidden secret threatens to change all of their lives.

I can see why this dripping-with-sentiment little novel was buried away for so long. Alcott would never have been able to stand it being read when she was a serious writer; it reads almost like a parody, but with the dead seriousness of the bad work. It is also saddled with terrible characterization and a storyline that would make a seasoned reader cry. There is also a rather alarming message about social classes and whether they should be defied.

The main problems are the characters. They are pretty much two-dimensional stereotypes; the good ones are completely devoted to one another because of random acts of utter goodness that they did in the past, or simply because they say or do something that seems selfless and noble. The bad ones lurk in the background, making not-so-devious plans out of sheer malice. Edith is beautiful, self-sacrificial, humble, sweet, virtuous, brave -- essentially, she's all good things. She never so much as trips on her skirt, and we're even treated to the stereotypical "bringing soup to the sick."

Percy is the male counterpart in every way: handsome in a wussy kind of way, chivalrous, sensitive, tragic, willing to shatter class boundaries for the one he loves, virtuous, self-sacrificial, strong'n'silent, brave -- yep, he's all good things as well. Both of them are so good and saintly that it's difficult to sympathize with them. Lady Ida is cartoonish in her badness, but she's also the most three-dimensional character in that she has a reason for acting as she does, even if we're not supposed to care because it's her own fault. Lord and Lady Hamilton are the usual stiff uppa-clahss parents; Amy is pretty dull in her relentless enthusiasm and girlishness.

The plotline itself is like an update of Cinderella with a few improbable twists. When Edith discovers The Secret, her response is so unrealistic and saintly that you'll have to swallow a groan; so is her protection of the ridiculously-tempted boy Louis. Likewise, Lady Hamilton's response to Edith's saving Amy's life is simply ludicrous. The book lacks her trademark humor, wit, and passion, the little quirks and embarrassments and snatches of humor that make her characters human. They blush, they shed tears, they flit around or glide or stride. But they don't emote. The dialogue is earnestly comedic, using phrases and words that no one would actually use. (Percy's comment about a Edith's love "sanctifying" a scarf is particularly funny)

Why two stars? One is because Louisa is Louisa -- she gets an extra star for that alone. The second is because there is some truly breathtaking descriptive scenes in this book. But if you read this book, then "Long Fatal Love Chase," then "Behind a Mask," then "Little Women," then you will get an idea of how her writing changes.

My recommendation? Read it if you're a die-hard fan of Louisa's works. Otherwise, pass it by and watch the TV movie, or read "Little Women."

Written nearly 20 years before "Little Women", when Louisa May Alcott was only 17-years-old at the time, "The Inheritance" is supposedly her first novel, although it was never published until five years ago in 1997 (and was later made into a TV movie the same year). The two editors (Joel Myerson and Daniel Shealy) briefly talk about Louisa's literary accomplishments in the afterward of this book, remarking on what a rare find "The Inheritance" is, as well as it being a steppingstone in her writing career. It is notable since it is her first novel, but I wouldn't consider it her best work. However, I've only read one other book by Miss Alcott: "A Long Fatal Love Chase". That one I liked much better, because it was more adventurous and suspenseful than "The Inheritance", even though it still followed the same romantic path.

This sentimental 19th century romance novel is set in the rich English countryside. It follows the Hamilton family (the stoical mother: Lady Hamilton; the obedient son: Arthur; the naive 16-year-old daughter: Amy; and the envious cousin: Lady Ida) and Lord Percy, a friend of Arthur's, as they all fawn over beautiful Edith Avelon, an orphaned Italian young woman who had been brought to England from Italy when she was ten. Ever since, Edith has been a playmate and governess for Amy, but recently she's become the love interest of Lord Percy, to Lady Ida's dismay. Already devoted to the Hamiltons, Edith will soon learn of a secret that will further bind her to the family.

Probably the most unappealing thing about this book is Edith. She's so nauseatingly good, she seems unreal; she could have been a nun. She's extremely loyal to everybody, even her enemies (Lady Ida, for instance); she's kindhearted toward the sick and elderly; she's a beautiful singer; she's incredibly attractive, self-denying, gentle, pure... Gag. The one good feature about this book, though, is its brevity; it's just under 200 pages. It's worth a try if you're a Louisa May Alcott fan or really into 19th century romantic literature.

According to a note on the text in the Penguin Classics edition, "The Inheritance" was written by Louisa May Alcott when she was only 17 years old. This novel tells the story of Edith Adelon, an Italian orphan who lives with the aristocratic Hamilton family. This is a sentimental, romantic story about love, treachery, and a family secret. Class stratification is a significant theme.

Yes, the characters are fairly shallow, the plot is predictable, and the dialogue is often very stiff and corny. But I found "The Inheritance" quite charming and enjoyable. The mild suspense leads ultimately to a satisfying conclusion. Along the way are some memorable scenes, such as a sequence involving the creation of historical tableaux.

The Penguin Classics edition includes an excellent, substantial introduction by Joel Myerson and Daniel Shealy. They discuss Alcott's remarkable life and career and place "The Inheritance" in literary and cultural context.

'Jack and Jill' is as far from the entertaining March family as L.M.Alcott could possibly get. The story of the two friends never rises above the mediocre.The characters are so roughly sketched in that they certainly do not live in the book though the reader may be able to find similar characters in Alcott's other works. Rates high on my list only for the good, old fashioned values it tries to express but would probably be rejected by todays readers as being too preachy, a fault that does not plague Alcott's better efforts. On the whole a must only if you are a staunch fan.

This book is an interesting improvement on the clasic nursery rhyme.With its twist of humor and sadness, Jack and Jill emphasises the value of friendship and the comfort that simple creativity can give.In spite of all these good qualities, I would rate this book as far from Alcott's best. It is too predictable and rather disapointing. Although less "preachy" than many of Alcott's books, the sermons are more direct and lack the pleasing maturity that gives such works as Little Women, An Old Fashoned Girl, and Eight Cousins their originality.All considered it is still a sweet, cuddle-up-by-the-fire book. I recommend to any of Louisa's most-devoted fans, esp those between 9 and 12.

I'm sorry to see that this book has been so poorly received by other reviewers. It is not a family book like Little Women or the Rose Duo, but this is a Louisa May Alcott classic that should not be ignored. If nothing else, the interaction between social classes in America, represented by the mothers of Jack and Jill is endlessly fascinating. Also, this book could appeal to both genders. Both boys and girls will be entranced with the train and mechanical images, and it's unusual to read a child's book and have such fresh descriptions...something perhaps owing to the newness of trains at the time. The three girls, Jill, Molly and Merry, and their plans for self-improvement can be seen in almost every young adult book marketed towards girls. What's refreshing about this one is that they're self-improvement is not for the benefit of their peers or to "get a boy", but rather, Louisa May Alcott has them develop for their own personal growth. In an age when self-help books are on the best seller list, this book shows how it was done before it was a science. In addition, it's novel for it's intrerest in health fads and regiments, new school ideas, and the imporance of an American youth culture. Give this book a chance.

I have read the book Little Women and I thought it was excellent, but this book Amy's story bored me to death. I don't know why, but I really didn't like it.

This is a good book for your young reader before she is old enought to read the book Little Women i suggest to show her the movies little women and little men both good movies and get the books for her when she is old enough to read them for they are quite long or make it a family event and read them to her!!!

I loved this book! This was one of the PORTRAITS OF LITTLE WOMEN which tell about the March sisters when they were ten years old. Amy wants her photograph taken, and decides to save up her money so she can get it taken. Then her father has to go fight in the Civil War, and Amy decides to get him a gift instead - one that will cheer him up when he's far away from home. I also read MEG'S STORY, JO'S STORY, BETH'S STORY, MEG MAKES A FRIEND, and BETH MAKES A FRIEND and I can't wait to read JO MAKES A FRIEND and AMY MAKES A FRIEND.