Little Women by Kim Wilson

Little Women
by Louisa May Alcott

There is no wonder why this book is considered a classic.  Although written close to 150 years ago, the characters of the "little women" are timeless.  Aspects of their personalities, their strengths, their weaknesses, their struggles,  and their accomplishments, parallel that of our own today and that means we can learn from them.
As Jo faces her greatest weakness, her temper, she turns to her mother for guidance. Mother's advice is nothing novel nor dated, but enduring. Dare I say, "classic?" Says Mother,
      "My child, the troubles and temptations of your life are beginning, and may be many; but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learn to feel the strength and tenderness of your Heavenly Father as you do that of your earthly one. The more you love and trust him, the nearer you will feel to him, and the less you will depend on human power and wisdom.  His love and care never tire of change, can never be taken from you, but may become the source of lifelong peace, happiness, and strength. Believe this heartily, and go to God with all your little cares, and hopes, and sins, and sorrows, as freely and confidingly as you come to your mother."
I loved when the ever patient, calm and collected Mother confesses her secret weakness: her ill temper.  She did so in attempt to help her daughter, Jo, learn to control her own temper. What a great mommy.  I think it is important that we show our children that we are not perfect and that we struggle with character flaws, just as they do, but that we are striving to be better and overcome them through our relationship with God.
Having a strong relationship with God is a theme throughout this book.  It is this that aids Amy in her effort to overcome her selfish nature and learn to think about others more than herself.
Beth's character reminded me of Melanie Hamilton from Gone with the Wind; so quick to give others the benefit of the doubt.  Beth's loving nature and positive attitude are covetous and inspiring to me.
Father discovers Meg's personal growth in his observation of her roughened hand.
"I remember a time when this hand was white and smooth, and your first care was to keep it so. it was very pretty then, but to me it is much prettier now - for in these seeming blemishes I read a little history. A burnt-offering has been made of vanity; this hardened palm has earned something better that blisters; and I'm sure the sewing done by these pricked fingers will last a long time, so much goodwill went into the stitches. Meg, my dear, I value the womanly skill which keeps home happy more than white hands or fashionable accomplishments. I'm proud to shake this good, industrious little hand."

I loved reading this book to my children, two of which are boys ages 6 and 8.  I was worried at first that they might not appreciate it and be more or less bored out of their minds.  Fortunately, they were very interested and it kept their attention the entire 669 pages.  We paused our reading many times and had invaluable discussions on significant themes as they were introduced - including but not limited to: faith, forgiveness, self improvement,  value of work, service, love, loyalty, evils of gossip, vanity and pride, etc. The lessons we can learn from these "little women," are priceless.