"having rashly undertaken to write a little story about Young America, for Young America, I feel bound to depict my honored patrons as faithfully as my limited powers permit. Otherwise, I must expect the crushing criticism, “Well, I dare say it's all very prim and proper, but it is n't a bit like us,” and never hope to arrive at the distinction of finding the covers of “An Old-Fashioned Girl” the dirtiest in the library."

I think this is funny because Polly really isn't much like "us", less from being prim, and more from being everlastingly virtuous. That said, I think Alcott would be gratified to see the copy I just finished reading, which is in absolute tatters and has more of it stained than otherwise.

Anyhow, this book is extremely preachy, but still enjoyable. It's very comfy reading.