I’m happy to report that the pre-publication reviews of Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy: The Story of Little Women and Why It Still Matters have been encouraging. Here is what they are saying:

“Rioux’s deeply informed, multifaceted, ardently argued, and mind-expanding celebration of Little Women affirms its pleasures and significance as a tale ripe for reconsideration and recommendation to YA and adult readers across the gender spectrum.”—Booklist starred review

“An enlightening, well-documented argument for why this novel is essential—will inspire readers to become acquainted or reacquainted with this influential classic.”–Kirkus Reviews

“Rioux offers enough detail to entertain and inform without overwhelming the reader. While she notes the novel’s readership has fallen off in recent years, one hopes her well-crafted work will help revive interest in a work she rightfully argues should be placed alongside Tom Sawyer as an enduring American classic.”–Publishers Weekly

So that’s a relief!

Now, with less that four weeks to go until the book hits stores, is the hardest time. I can sit and wait and hope for the best.  Or, I can do what I can to help make this launch as successful as I can.  I’m not really the type to wait and hope if there’s something I can do. So here’s what I’m up to:

First, I have set up a Pre-order Giveaway to say thanks to readers who order the book before publication day, August 21. Pre-orders are very important because they help booksellers gauge readers’ interest and encourage them to order more books and display them more prominently in their stores. So if you would like to help, pre-ordering is the first and most important thing you can do.

It’s easy to do. You can even order a signed copy from my local bookstore, Octavia Books. (Simply add a note that you would like for me to sign it before it’s mailed out.) Here are the links to order: