Eight Cousins (Dover Children's Evergreen Classics)

NO STARS! This is the worst Kindle edition I have read so far. It is "digitized", which means it is not a exact transcription of the original book - it is a translation, apparently through a computer using a modern dictionary with no regard to grammar or syntax. To use a couple of examples, Miss Alcott uses the word "dear" to mean little, or sweet, or as an exclamation - "dear child, dear little kitten, dear friends, Oh dear, dear me. " This text shows "costly child, costly friends, expensive friends, oh costly costly me." An egregious error is committed when Miss Alcott uses the word "gay" to mean "happy, bright, brightly colored." The text shows "homosexual." I doubt if Miss Alcott would even have know the word. There are also references to e-books, websites, computers -these words were not invented in the 1870s. Miss Alcott would be rolling in her grave, and KINDLE SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF ITSELF FOR ISSUING SUCH A TRAVESTY.

EIGHT COUSINS is definitely on my list of favorite books, though I cannot say I like it quite as much as LITTLE WOMEN or AN OLD FASHIONED GIRL. But it does come close, don't get me wrong. The scenes on the little island out at sea, or in the big houses on the green "Aunt-Hill" near the beach where the whole Campbell clan lives, or in Rose's exotic tropical bedroom, or on the skating pond in the freezing winter, create special feelings in my heart that are as fond memories as if I'd really been there. It's definitely a girly book (that is to say, I doubt boys would like it) because the main character is a 13-year-old orphan girl, Rose, and everything is seen from her feminine perspective. I enjoyed how Louisa May Alcott developed the characters: each of the seven boy cousins is different and likable in his own way, and each of the six aunts (2 great-aunts and 4 aunts) has her own peculiarities and lovable qualities. I especially love Uncle Alec, who is portrayed as Rose's young-at-heart guardian who always has the best ideas and the most healthy fun. It was at first difficult to keep all the characters straight in my mind, since Miss Alcott sometimes just calls the boys by their nicknames and since there are so many families, but I created a "Campbell-family-tree" sort of thing on a little card and referred to it when necessary, which was very helpful. Once I got the family straight, I got attached to each one and was in suspense at the climax when Rose gets to choose whether she wants to keep staying with her uncle or go to live with one of the aunts. This book is a good classic that shows how to keep peaceful family relationships and have healthy, clean fun.

I loved this book as a child, and even though it may strike some as preachy, there are some real feminist matters discussed in this text: eating healthy food, learning to bake bread, exercising in appropriate clothes, resisting fashions which are harmful for your body, loving your relatives (some more than others) and seeing the fine qualities of a servant. The New England merchant culture comes to life in this book. i can't wait to give it to my granddaughter for her 9th birthday!

This was one of my favorite books as a child! Classic Louisa May Alcott but one of her lesser known works. It's smart, funny, educational and relatable!

Hoped this would have the charm of the author’s “Little Women.” It didn’t; I thought the story was rather insipid.

In my opinion, this book is even better than Little Women :) It tells the story of a girl who has always been an only child, but after her parents' deaths, she is taken in by her relatives, and must learn how to deal with seven rowdy boys, several aunts, and an uncle who can, at times, be just as bad as any of the boys. I have loved this book ever since I was eight years old.

Charming "new" cast of characters from the always interesting Louisa May Alcott. Just a few chapters in I've been so absorbed that I ordered the sequel, "Rose in Bloom." There is a reason she's a beloved and classic author.

I loved this as a child. I love it as an adult. My granddaughters love it!

Bought this as I have other books by Miss Alcott and wanted to add to my collection. Personally I don't think it is up to the standard of her more well-known works - ie, Little Women, Good Wives, Little Men and Jo's Boys. Of course, it is well-written, but the story isn't particularly gripping and I think children of today might find it a bit boring - although at least the cousins aren't perfect, which makes them more sympatico. One for L.M. Alcott fans only.

A favourite from my past, and a real pleasure to read it again as an adult.Some people may not like the religious/moral tone of the book, but to me it serves as a reminder that there is more to life than hedonism and self- seeking. If you like Little Women, you will love this.

Re run of childhoodDifferent interpretationStill enjoyed

A good copy and looked brand new. Very pleased. My daughter asked for this as she had the sequel and couldn't read it until she hadthis first one. It may be old fashioned now but still very enjoyable she said.

A good copy of an American classic