Type of bind: Paperback
EAN num: 9780020411406
ISBN number: 0020411405
Label: Macmillan Pub Co
Manufacturer: Macmillan Pub Co
Printing Date: 1962-11
Publishing house: Macmillan Pub Co
Age index: Young Adult
Sale Popularity Level: 7028579
Studio: Macmillan Pub Co
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Product Description:
Recounts the further adventures, successes, and failures of the numerous young men of Plumfield school. Sequel to 'Little Men.'
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Rated by buyers 
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The third book of the series brings closure to Demi, Daisy, Teddy, Rob, Dan, Nat and many other characters as they embark upon their adult lives, ten years after the conclusion of "Little Men."
In addition, Alcott focuses more upon Josie, Bess and others who were mere tots in the previous books, and thus not as interesting as their older family and friends.
Before the novel's conclusion, Emil has faced a harrowing episode at sea, Ted has risked his brother's life, Dan has been confronted by the law, and more. But although Jo still worries over her flock and continues to moralize, she does come to the realization that there is only so much a mother can do, before letting her children go off into the world alone and trust that they will remember everything they've been taught.
While this book brings with it the characteristic bustle and colour of the previous two, there is also a certain sadness. It's apparent that Plumfield reached its height during the years the Bhaers' children were small, and a certain emptiness rings throughout the pages. I felt almost as sad as though I were bidding farewell to real friends, never to see them again; but simultaneously, it's a sign of a true writer when someone can make you feel that way.
Rated by buyers 
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If you liked Little Women and Little Men, you'll be rewarded for reading Jo's Boys because you'll find out what happened to Nat, Dan, Nan, Emil, Tom, Demi, Daisy, Bess, Jo, Meg, Amy and Laurie in another ten years.
Jo is transformed into a famous novelist who spends her time trying to hide from her public with little luck. It's quite humorous. Plumfield is now a college. Nat goes abroad for advanced training in music and learns other lessons better. Dan seeks to build a new world in the West and runs into the consequences of his quick temper. Emil has a most remarkable adventure on the high seas that will remind many of classic sailing tales in the 19th century. Nan is interested in medicine and little else. Demi turns out to be spoiled. Daisy is patiently waiting for her love to return.
By this time, Louisa May Alcott had become identified more closely with Women's Rights, and Jo's Boys is in some ways a tract piece to advance the cause of equal opportunity for women. I was struck by how modern many of the views are, although the way they are expressed is definitely from the 19th century.
She also takes herself more seriously as a writer and enriches the text with references that may not be familiar to many readers. That effect makes the book seem much less accessible.
But the same loving heart underlies this reunion. You just have to look past more language to find it.
Rated by buyers 
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I have to agree with the reviewer who complained about the sermons. This book is even more littered with preaching than Little Men and Little Women, and that's saying something. Probably a good 20% of this book is skip-worthy for that reason.
Alcott was always prone to littering her works with literary and artistic references (calling Amy "Raphael," and whatnot), but she seems to have gone dramatically overboard in this book, with references to almost all of Goethe's various fictional characters, George Eliot, Charlotte Bronte, Florence Nightingale, "Miss Cobbe" and "Miss Phelps" [?], and more, and more, and more. There are a lot of currently-understandable Shakespearean references, but a lot of the references are to obscure or long-forgotten people. It seems more like active name-dropping or literary snobbery [i.e., "Look how many literary references I can pack into my books!"] than actually adding to the story.
Otherwise, the followups are good; it's interesting to learn about how she perceived her characters at ten years older...though Teddy, and his cousin Jo (Baby Josie in "Little Men"), have turned out to be clones of the original Jo, practically. Overall, this book is not really a worthy effort. But read it if you need continuity and closure.
Rated by buyers 
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Well, it certainly can't compare with Little Women or Little Men, but it is still a good read. But it has a lot of morals, even more so than the other 2. There are several slow points. But if you've read Little Men, and want to know what happens to the originlal Little Women, as well as to Demi, Daisy, Nan, Nat and the rest, this is the book you need.
Rated by buyers -
Her books are the most touching ever! I cried when I read Little Women. These books are the best ever yet!
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