Jack and Jill

     A while ago, I was at my grandparents' house, when I noticed on a bookshelf an old book.  I naturally picked it up, since I love any and all old books.  The title was Jack and Jill: A Village Story, and the author, Louisa May Alcott.  I have read and greatly enjoyed all the books in the Little Women series, but I had never heard of this Alcott book.  Curious, I began to read.

     I found the first chapter very fast-moving, and intrigued, I read on.  The book is a relatively light read, so ever since, I have been reading it in spare moments when I am tired, but not in the mood for Sherlock Holmes.  I recently finished it and decided to share what I thought of it.

     Jack and Jill begins with a sledding accident, in which the two main characters, Jack Minot and Janey Pecq (nicknamed Jill for her friendship with Jack) are injured.  Jack suffers a broken leg, but Jill's back is seriously injured, leaving her bed-ridden for a much longer time than Jack.

     In the months after the accident, Jack and Jill, with their many friends, learn many important life lessons.  Jill learns to accept the fact that it will be a long time before she is able to walk again, though very unwillingly at first.  Jack learns patience, when his hurt leg, even when nearly healed, prevents him from living the very active life he was accustomed to.  The other children also learn many similar things, and experience happiness, grief, fear, and courage, among other things.

     Jack and Jill is, for lack of a better term, "very Louisa May Alcott".  It is almost preachy in parts, but is delightfully charming.  I thought it quite a good book, and I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.