Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, 528 pp.

I've watched every film version of Little Women at least three times, some of them more, but the only version of the book I've ever read is an abridged version I borrowed from my cousins one Christmas, probably around the age of 11 or so. Had I only known what I was missing! If you're relying ont he films to understand what has captivated readers (and film makers) for all these years, it's not too late. Read the original!