This is the third and last in the "Little Women" series. It begins 10 years after the end of "Little Men" and takes place in the grounds and buildings that have grown up around the school for boys that Jo started. Jo March has finally become recognized as the "celebrated American authoress" that Laurie foretold in "Little Women." Meanwhile, she and her husband, Professor Bhaer, have raised their pupils to go out into the world to make their way as hard-working and generally honorable men. The book concentrates on a few of readers' favorites from "Little Men" -- Nat, who is tempted by the world but turns out all right in the end, earning the approval of long-time sweetheart Daisy's parents; Demi, her brother, who assumes the mantle of head of the households when his gentle father passes away; Dan, the firebrand, whose good heart and secret love shine through even the worst of tribulations; Jo and Professor Bhaer's own two sons, Rob and Teddy, who survive a few scrapes on the road to manhood. Of particular interest is Emil, one of the nephews Professor Bhaer has raised as his own; a sailor, Emil survives a harrowing sea journey and learns much about himself and human nature. A few of the girls from the old school days grow up, too; Daisy's love for Nat is unwavering; Nan's strong will and fiercely independent streak stays strong even in the face of Tom's devotion; Josie and Bess, the two cousins who could not be more opposite characters.
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The review of this Book prepared by Cindy Dashnaw
Jo March, of Little Women fame, returns for the third and last time as the owner of an orphanage and charity school. She and her husband, the German Professor Bhaer, illustrate the educational theories of Louisa's real father, Bronson Alcott, who believed that children should not be beaten in school (a liberal idea for the time), and who once took in a black student and lost the rest of his class in protest. The most striking example from the novel is when Nat, who expects to be beaten for bad behavior, is told to strike Professor Bhaer for his failure to teach Nat the right way to do things. This, of course, hurts Nat more than his own pain would have.
There is also romance and sorrow, as Jo helps raise her nieces and nephew. Amy's beautiful daughter Beth, a very rich and well brought up young lady, is pursued by Dan, a bad boy. His love for his foster mother Jo helps him give up his dreams of love, and, after serving time in prison, he dies.
The review of this Book prepared by M Darcy
Jo's Boys is about the grown up Jo (from Little Woman) who is married to a man. They inherited a fancy mansion from Jo's great aunt. They turn the mansion into a boarding school where twenty little boys and two little girls stay. This book is about how Jo's life is and little problems arise as they teach and mother the children.
The review of this Book prepared by alisa
