A Merry Christmas & Other Christmas Stories - Louisa May Alcott

Publication Date: 8 November 2014
Publisher: Penguin
Genre: Classic
Pages: 160 pages
Goodreads

This Christmas, I'm reading the Penguin Christmas Classics. Just like last year, I'll use a special rating system to give you an even better idea what this story is about and if it's for you.

CHRISTMAS FEELS: ★★★★★/5

ROMANCE FEELS: ★★★/5

CHARACTERS: ★★★/5

HUMOUR: ★★★/5

ORIGINALITY: ★★★/5

Just like Trollope's book, this one is also a collection of several of Louisa May Alcott's stories. Though I reviewed each story separately before, these stories are all so similar that I'll post one big review.

The first short story, and the title of the book, is not as much that than it is an excerpt out of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. This is by far the most known story in the book and, though I don't think it works perfectly well without the Little Women background, I loved reading it so I could revisit that world. It also sets the tone for all the other stories; this book is a collection about giving, caring and charity.

Almost all of the stories feature a young, unprivileged girl that gets her Cinderella ending. Rosa's Tale is told from the perspective of a horse, who can speak for one hour right before it becomes Christmas each year, and Mrs. Podgers' Teapot features an older and rich woman, but even the horse and the lady find true happiness at the end of their tales. 

The cors of Louisa May Alcott is simple writing and a moral that pushes hard work and kindness upon the reader. While this is enjoyable to read (I loved Little Women), it does get tiresome after short story three. You always knows it's going to end happily and the seemingly interchangeable narrators who all want the same thing makes the story uninteresting. The main thing for me was that these stories feel very dated due to those two elements - I can imagine 19th century children loving it, but in the 21st century, there's just a little more that I want.

However, all stories do scream Christmas. They take place on Christmas day and really talk about how Christmas is more about kindness than presents and wealth. If you are able to share whatever you have, you will have a merry Christmas, regardless of where you come from, which is a beautiful message.

April Classic: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

The 2015 Classics Challenge set up by Stacey over at The Pretty Books. The goal is to read one classic a month and to blog about the experience. I've always wanted to read more classics and since I'm in a monthly classics book group, I thought this would be a great way to combine the two! This month, I've read Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.

WHEN I DISCOVERED THIS CLASSIC + WHY I CHOSE TO READ IT

I mean, who hasn't heard of Little Women? I've always seen reviews of the book or one of the movies, but was never really compelled to pick it up (it seemed too fluffy for me). However, when my mother told me that it was one of her favourite books while growing up, I knew I had to try it. Then I found a gorgeous orange penguin version and the deal was sealed.

WHAT MAKES IT A CLASSIC

I hate this question, because it's so hard to answer. I guess what makes it a classic is the time spirit in the novel and the fuzzy warm feelings it gives the readers. It doesn't matter how old you are, where you're from or what your life story is - this novel will make you feel amazing on the inside and I think that will make it a classic forever.

WHAT I THOUGHT OF THIS CLASSIC

I really liked this classic. I adored the four girls, I loved the story, the pacing was fast and I wasn't bored for a second. After reading Little Women I completely and totally understand why it is so well-loved. Even the little notes of moral, which irked me throughout The Scarlett Letter, didn't bother me at all in this book - it's kind of fun. It fits the time spirit and it's endearing to see little girls believe that everything can be fixed by faith and hard work. I love that that was true in this book - I can't imagine these girls not being happy. The reason I didn't completely adore it was that I'm not one for really happy books. I like some drama and this was just a little bit too perfect - however it's my favourite happy book. 

WILL IT STAY A CLASSIC

As I mentioned before, yes. I think this is the ultimate feel-good book and people will never stop reading those kinds of books. There's no reason I can see for this to stop being a classic.
 

WHO I’D RECOMMEND IT TO

Saying everyone is too cliché, but that's kind of what I want to say. However, to specify, I'll say people who need a pick-me-up and people who are new with classics. This book is quite old, but it doesn't read like a Jane Eyre or Pride and Prejudice - it's easy, fast and will make you smile. If you are one of my YA readers, then do please try this book; it will surprise you so much.