Little Women takes place in Civil War Massachusetts. It focuses on the four March Sisters Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy as they grow into young women as they navigate everyday life in their era. Their neighbor Laurie and their mother known as Marmee are pivotal characters in their life while their father is off fighting in the Civil War. Though the novel focuses on all of the sisters it mainly centers on the differences between Jo and her younger sister Amy.

I loved Louisa May Alcott's realistic depiction of sisterhood and growing pains. The normalcy in the novel makes the reader feel as if they are one of the March Sisters. Despite being a work of fiction the book does not shy away from showing the ugly side of relationships instead it brings it to the front and gives the reader something to relate to. Even though there are four main characters in the novel, each sister still has their own distinct personalities and quirks that make them feel like real people. As a young woman it made me feel seen to read about Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy experiencing the same things as me.

Overall, I would recommend Little Women for girls of all ages. In spite of the novel being written in the 1800s it is still easy and fun to read. Little Women accurately depicts what it feels like to be a girl growing up while still being entertaining and enjoyable.

Rylie, 15

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The book comes right after the first one and introduces several key characters as Thorfinn continues his journey with Askeladd and the vikings. Most of the book focuses on a new villain, Thorkell, who is working with the British who despite his fun loving nature, is a powerful threat Thorfinn has to deal with. Thorkell is also in possession of three major characters, being Prince Cantune, who is looked down upon for not being experienced with the world, his body guard Ragnar who is like a wise father to Cantune, and a Christian priest who is disheveled from what the three of them have gone through with the vikings. The three of them are taken by Askeladd's group, and guarded by Thorfinn as they get to know each other and their inability to understand the morals and beliefs of the others.

I enjoyed this book, but not as much as the previous one as while we got important information from almost every character, there wasn't much that was going to be seen paid off in this book. Though I do really enjoy the new characters (especially Prince Cantune) as they are a breath of fresh air and allow us to see more of a direct view of the viking's impacts on people, other than through the perspective of random villagers. I can't wait to see more of them in the next book, and especially their interactions with Thorfinn as they are staunch pacifists who believe in love and kindness in themselves and others, being opposites to him.

If you read the first book, then yes, this is a good place to continue the story. It's still in a lot of set up right now, but that just means exciting payoffs and great moments are to come. And even if you don't like story or aren't interested in it (somehow), the book continues the amazing fight scenes and art of the first one so you won't be disappointed there.

Mikayla, 15

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A woman cheats on her husband and has a daughter out of wedlock. And the story is how she lives after being a pariah by her people.

This book was okay, and it wasn't very good. The writing style is older and a little complicated. It was also boring because nothing interesting really happened. I didn't like how she was displayed in the story.

I would recommend this to older generations or to people who feel like they're displaced. Or people who would rather be on their own than listen to the demands and rules of society.

Jordan, 18

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