Reading the real-life story of Louisa May Alcott was like reading about Little Women in a parallel universe. Most of the story of Little Women reflects the Alcott's real life, even down to the weekly pillow fights between four rambunctious girls!

The writing style is simple and charming, telling of everyday doings and the little adventures of a quiet life. Throughout the book is the one thread of the story arc, that Louisa wanted to write to make money to take care of her family. Her only real ambition was to see her family comfortable and financially easy. This main theme really pulls together all the story.

Louisa worked for one month as a nurse near Washington during the Civil War. She got typhoid and had to leave her nursing duties. She got her writing career started by publishing her letters to family during that time, which told all about the conditions in the hospital and the pathetic bravery of the wounded soldiers.
She loved to travel, and put many of the people she met into her books. She was close friends with Emerson and Hawthorne.
Louisa never married. She legally adopted two of her nieces and nephews, who inherited her book copyrights.
She was a strong advocate for women's rights, but did not live to vote. She died of a fever at 56.

I loved reading about Louisa's fierce spirit and determination! She is exactly like Jo March, and no wonder that fictional character is so beloved just as the real Louisa was loved during her life.