Published in 1916, this is a sunnier look at the Alcott family than some more recent work. I love seeing the intelligence of the Alcott girls at such a young age. It was also interesting to learn more about their friendship with the transcendental thinkers, like Emerson and Thoreau, who were their neighbors. Reading their real words was wonderful, but after learning more about Bronson, even this book couldn’t make me a fan of his.

“Birthdays were always celebrated with much rejoicing in the Alcott household, the gift made secondary to the spirit of the day.”

“Unquestionably, Louisa inherited her literary gift quite as much from mother, as from father.” ( )

Sometimes free Kindle books are great. But then there are the other times & this book of letters of the Alcott sisters, with commentary by Louisa's adopted son John S.P. Alcott lends very little to the understanding of the family. What is served up here is mostly treacle of the Edwardian variety. ( )