Moods (original 1865; edition 1991)

On my list of books to read by favorite authors, Moods was touted to be unlike her stories for young women. I would say yes, and no. I found her writing style and gentle moralizing to be the same. The subject matter was definitely more geared to adult readers, but the story had the same feel. (I feel I can speak with some authority here, having been reading Louisa for at least 30 years now.)

I just watched a PBS special on LMA, and some historians speculate she may have been subject to manic depression. This was interesting in that the heroine of Moods was also subject to rather violent mood swings. Very typically of LMA, the heroes and heroine of the story must come to terms with the darker side of themselves, and make sacrifice for the good of those they love. ( )

Her first book, just before little women. Revised by her in 1892 - less romantic and sharper

http://www.lonelymountain.net/books/dec08.html#alcottm ( )