Louisa May Alcott quotes & passages

I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship.

“Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents,” grumbled Jo, lying on the rug.

I want to do something splendid before I go into my castle, something heroic or wonderful that won’t be forgotten after I’m dead.

Housekeeping ain’t no joke.

Watch and pray, dear, never get tired of trying, and never think it is impossible to conquer your fault

There is always light behind the clouds.

Mothers are the best lovers in the world, but I don’t mind whispering to Marmee that I’d like to try all kinds.

I want my daughters to be beautiful, accomplished, and good. To be admired, loved, and respected. To have a happy youth, to be well and wisely married, and to lead useful, pleasant lives, with as little care and sorrow to try them as God sees fit to send.

A year seems very long to wait before I see them, but remind them that while we wait we may all work, so that these hard days need not be wasted. I know they will remember all I said to them, that they will be loving children to you, will do their duty faithfully, fight their bosom enemies bravely, and conquer themselves so beautifully that when I come back to them I may be fonder and prouder than ever of my little women.

Jo was the first to wake in the gray dawn of Christmas morning. No stockings hung at the fireplace, and for a moment she felt as much disappointed as she did long ago, when her little sock fell down because it was crammed so full of goodies. Then she remembered her mother’s promise and, slipping her hand under her pillow, drew out a little crimson-covered book.