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I've just finished Little Women for what is probably, surprisingly, only the second time in my life. What kind of girl am I!? An avid L. M. Montgomery and Jane Austen fan, that's what kind.
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I really enjoyed this book. The story was great; the characters were fun; and, best of all, I "got something out of it."
I typically get so caught up in my reading that I end up later beating myself in the head trying to remember that great, all-important quote. This time I took to turning down page corners and then going back and highlighting my favorite lines (yes, I own the book).
Here are a few of my favorites.
SERVNG GOD
"Simple, sincere people seldom speak much of their piety; it shows itself in acts rather than in words, and has more influence than homilies and protestations." (pg. 362)
". . .with eyes made clear by many tears, and a heart softened by the tenderest sorrow, she recognized the beauty of her sister's life -- uneventful, unambitious, yet full of the genuine virtues which 'smell sweet, and blossom in the dust,' the self-forgetfulness that makes the humblest on earth remembered soonest in heaven, the true success which is possible to all." (pg. 402)
"It's highly virtuous to say we'll be good, but we can't do it all at once, and it takes a long pull, a strong pull, and a pull all together, before some of us even get our feet set in the right way." (pg. 420)
RAISING CHILDREN
". . .remember that children should be children as long as they can." (pg.62)
"The clocks were striking midnight and the rooms wre very still as a figure glided quietly from bed to bed, smoothing a coverlid here, settling a pillow there, and pausing to look long and tenderly at each unconscious face, to kiss each with lips that mutely blessed, and to pray the fervent prayers which only mothers utter." (pg. 165)
". . .mothers may differ in management, but the hope is the same in all -- the desire to see their children happy." (pg. 322)
"Mothers have need of sharp eyes and discreet tongues when they have girls to manage." (pg. 421)
"If he is old enough to ask the question he is old enough to receive true answers. I am not putting the thoughts into his head, but helping him unfold those already there." (pg. 446)
KEEPING HOUSE
"There were no marble-topped tables, long mirrors,or lace curtains in the little parlor, but simple furniture, plenty of books, and a fine picture or two, a stand of flowers in the bay window, and scattered all about, the pretty gifts which came from friendly hands and were the fairer for the loving messages they brought." (pg. 236)
TIME FOR ME
"Have regular hours for work and play, make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you know the worth of time by employing it well. Then youth will be delightful, old age will bring few regrets, and life become a beautiful success. . ." (pg. 121)
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