As a girl, I read Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. I thought it was a good book.

A good book must be read more than once.

As a young adult, I identified with Jo March more than I remembered.

As a newly married woman, I understood Meg's romance and homemaking struggles.

As a mother, I appreciate Marmee's wisdom and honesty in parenting.

Marmee was the picture of patience and wisdom. She confessed, "I am angry nearly every day of my life, Jo, but I've learned not to show it. And I still hope not to feel it."
Marmee's confession provided Jo the hope she needed. She needed to know she wasn't alone. Understanding her mother's struggles helped her to manage her own.

What are you going through that may encourage another? I wouldn't suggest airing all of your struggles on social media or your blog, but when it comes to real relationships, it helps to share our own struggles. By sharing, we learn we are not alone. We learn from others mistakes and wisdom.

Did you know Little Women was originally written as two books? I wrote a more about Louisa May Alcott's classic in a post found at that link. Or read some Alcott wisdom about quiet people. Or read this Alcott quote about friendship.

Obviously I think Little Women is book that girls and women of any stage of life might relate to. What book has encouraged you throughout your life? Have you encouraged another or been encouraged by someone sharing? Leave a comment below.
~ Annette
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