5 Books To Read Before You See Little Women This Christmas

This article first appeared on FutureFemaleLeader.com

This Christmas, girls everywhere will be blessed with a new adaptation of the novel Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. 2019 marks the 150th anniversary of the book’s publication and though it has been adapted numerous times over the years, I am very excited to see some of the biggest names of our generation take on these iconic roles. Plus, it’s directed by Greta Gerwig (of Lady Bird fame) and I think she’ll do amazing things with this girl-centered movie that can appeal to all. 

You can watch the trailer here: 

But before Little Women hits theatres this December, you need to read these five books. 

The OG Classic (And The Sequels?)

If you haven’t read the original Little Women, there’s no time like the present. It’s public domain, so it’s easy to find cheap, or you can check it out from a local public library. If you want to challenge yourself, check out the sequels that have received less acclaim (and adaption) including Jo’s Boys, Little Men, and Good Wives. 

A Modern, Graphic Novel Adaptation

I know some people don’t like graphic novels, or modern adaptations, but this modern adaptation that imagines the Little Women in NYC is a sweet book, so interesting, and transmutes it into modern times without losing the spirit of the original book. 

The Literary History

Why has Little Women endured like it has in our hearts, but not always in the curriculum? What was Louisa May Alcott’s life like when she wrote Little Women? And why didn’t she want Laurie and Jo to end up together? If you like literary history, a little gossip, and analysis of culture, you’ve got to read this book. 

A Cookbook

Every good book inspires you to eat, right? Little Women is no different, and this cookbook looks at real-life recipes for food mentioned in the book and ties new food items to beloved characters. It’s a perfect book to cook your way through as you wait for the movie. 

The Classic, But Make It Witchy

Another graphic novel? You know I had to, because they’re amazing and a great way to stretch your reading skills, and this adaptation (which I think is the first part in a series) is Little Women but with MAGGGIICCC in Concord and it’s gripping and a great way to make this beloved story even more fantastic.