Surely, Louisa May Alcott was talking about Little Women when she said, “Some books are so familiar that reading them is like being home again.” In her case, this was true on the deepest level, since Little Women is nearly autobiographical. In my case, the comfort of being home again with the March sisters was exactly the sort of comfort I sought when I picked up the book earlier this year. Initially inspired by Greta Gerwig’s 2019 film adaptation to eventually reread the novel, the sudden realization that I was about to spend an awful lot of time at home when this pandemic started ultimately prompted my reread.

And honestly, what an appropriate reread it was for such a time. Whether you have been living alone these past months or suddenly find yourself spending copious time with loved ones, the March women are just the right characters to see you through it all. Perhaps the greatest comfort of all, at a time when we spend so much time at home as do the March sisters, was the wise words of Marmee, who help her girls appreciate how much of life’s goodness can be experienced at home. Marmee’s wisdom helped the March sisters see the joy in their housework and chores (a reminder that I personally need more than I would like to say), pursue broader horizons, and seek the promise of a better future.

Little Women is one of those books that always saddens me to finish because it feels like leaving old friends. Thankfully, at this remarkable time when seeing old friends in real life is nearly impossible, one can simply take Louisa May Alcott’s masterpiece down from the shelf to reacquaint oneself with the March sisters. One need go no further than the comfort of home to sit quietly at the feet of Marmee, dance with Meg, wrestle with Jo, listen to Beth tickle the ivories, traverse Europe with Amy, or ice skate with Laurie. For me, the adventures tucked into the pages of Little Women were enough.

Now be honest – who else wishes they were the fifth March sister?

P.S. How gorgeous is this Seasons Edition copy?! I’m in love.

Eat: Pink Ice Cream

Drink: Orchard House Sparkler