I was fascinated...but of course I've read it. Lots.

Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy:
The Story of Little Women and Why It Still Matters

by Anne Boyd Rioux

This is a nonfiction book that reads like a novel. I starts with the writing of the book, continues with its amazing reception, and ends in modern times, when it's seldom read by young people but still heavily influential in kid's literature, written mostly by people who did read the book. Here's a fascinating piece of history:

In 1905 the phenomenon made its way into literature with Marion Ames Taggart's The Little Women Club, a novel about four girls who not only adopt the March sisters' names and personalities but also try to reeanact the story of Alcott's novel. By then, Little Women clubs were common across the United States.

Even after reading a literary biography of Alcott, I had no idea that the popularity of her books revived peoples' interest in her father's (Bronson Alcott's) lectures. Only when his daughter made a success of herself did he finally start making money. I knew he was a bit of a kook and more interested in wild theories of eating and teaching than in providing for his family. That was left up to Alcott's mother, herself and her sister. His Concord School of Philosophy, established after Louisa made herself famous, was the only school he started that succeeded.

Equally interesting reading was the descriptions of the various stage productions and movie adaptions of the novel. Some (or shall I say all) went so far as to impose modern morality issues on it--in one case having Mr. Bhaer reprove her for the violent themes in her stores and her react with anger, not shame as in the novel. She sang, "How dare he make me doubt the way I feel / Doubt that each thrilling page is who I am?  That particular musical proceeds to make itself an especial flop by by having Jo give up her literary dreams and fall into a dull romance with Mr. Bhaer.

As the novel's 150th anniversary approaches there are two more film adaptations coming out. One is a remake of the 1994 film--why bother?  But the other one sounds fascinating: a new version from the BBC, coproduced with PBS's Masterpiece and set to air in 2018. With all kinds of stars including Angela Landsbury and Emily Watson. That's worth a look!