In today’s episode of the Read-Aloud Revival, you’ll get to know why Louisa May Alcott, the author of Little Women, was such a wonder (and indeed, she was!).
And who could be a better guest for this conversation than Jan Turnquist?
Jan Turnquist is Executive Director of Orchard House, the home where Louisa wrote Little Women, and Co-Executive Producer, Director, and Host of the Emmy-Award Winning documentary, Orchard House.
She’s a true Louisa May Alcott expert, and has wonderful insight into the Alcott family, and why Little Women has endured.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- my own very favorite part of visiting Orchard House (hint: it has to do with drawing on the walls!)
- the beauty in re-reading Little Women at different life stages
- little known details about Louisa May Alcott, and the very unique and rather revolutionary Alcott family
I’ll also tackle a listener question about whether it’s worthwhile to have your kids watch movie versions of a book after reading it. (What I say here just might surprise you!)
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Listener Guide
Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast:
| 2:22 | Question: Is it worthwhile to watch a movie version of a book? |
| 3:56 | Why it works (in other words: yes) |
| 6:00 | Enjoying a story in various forms |
| 9:13 | Meeting Louisa May Alcott |
| 12:04 | When a book speaks to you in a new way |
| 15:46 | A dangerous desk! |
| 17:16 | Bronson’s educational maxims |
| 18:17 | An autobiographical novel |
| 19:26 | A favorite Orchard House room |
| 22:26 | ‘The real person in each of their children’ |
| 23:14 | Louisa May Alcott, the nurse |
| 28:43 | An enduring story |
| 33:02 | Always hope |
| 34:28 | Thoughts on the newest movie |
| 35:21 | Extra, extra! |
| 38:35 | Let the kids speak |
Links from this episode:
- Orchard House in Concord, Massachusetts
- Little Women (2019 film) — highly recommended!
- RAR Premium
- Jamie from SimpleHomeschool.net
- Jamie’s books:
Quotes to remember:
“I think they were much more interested in the real person of each of their children, than what society might think or what the normal path would be.” – Jan Turnquist
Photos from my trip to Orchard House in Massachusetts:
Books from this episode:
Heidi (Puffin in Bloom)
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Everyone is scared of Heidi’s grandfather, but when she moves to the Alps to live with him her sunny personality helps them form a connection. Soon, however, they are separated. Will they reunite? This classic is an excellent read-aloud for all ages.
More info →
Little Women (Puffin in Bloom)
The March sisters are each distinctive in their own way, but they band together to help their mother while their father is serving in the Civil War. The original version follows the girls as they grow into womanhood. Girls might enjoy identifying with a particular sister -- Meg, Jo, Beth or Amy.
More info →
Little Men (Puffin Classics)
FROM SARAH
Jo of Little Women fame is all grown up and has started a school. Homeschoolers might find some tips and ideas in this sweet sequel.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
In the treasured follow-up to Little Women, Jo March returns as a mother of two sons and schoolmaster to twelve orphans. Now Jo Bhaer, literature’s beloved heroine has transformed Plumfield, the decorous New England estate of the March sisters’ youth, into a progressive school.
More info →More free resources and booklists
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from the Read-Aloud Revival
Want to join in our Little Men Mama Book Club?
We’re reading Little Men this spring in RAR Premium for our Mama Book Club, and Jan Turnquist will be back to chat with us about it!
