Little Women Read Along: Discussion 1

Well I don't know how time got away with me but I was unable to finish all 17 chapters. I read through chapter 12. I'm going to have to catch up somewhere, but aren't these chapters LONG?! You can go to Suey''s blog at It's All About Books  to read her post about the first 17 chapters. There was also a Twitter discussion last night that I was unable to make. Here are the discussion questions and my answers:

1. What's your opinions so far about each of the girls? Do you identify more with one or the other of them? Do you like them, or do they get on your nerves in a way? Which one do you think would be your friend? Well I really like Jo, but probably would identify more with Beth. She's quiet, and shy and I tend to be that way in a large setting of people. 
2. What do you think of Mrs. March aka. Marmee? What's one of your favorite pieces of advice or lessons she's taught the girls so far? I like Marmee, she's a very wise and caring woman. I like this lesson, "My child, the troubles and temptations of your life are beginning and may be many, but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learn to feel the strength and tenderness of your Heavenly Father as you do that of your earthly one." and this one, "Work is wholesome, and there is plenty for everyone. It keeps us from ennui and mischief, is good for health and spirits, and gives us a sense of power and independence better than money or fashion." 
3. Do you think that the characterization of these girls and this family is realistic? Explain. I imagine for the times it was very realistic. I love their innocence and their ability to entertain themselves. 
4. What's your favorite scene or incident so far? And why? Jo's cooking adventure. It amused me.
5. If this is your second (or third etc.) time reading this story, what stands out to you this time? I read it years and years ago, I didn't realize how long a book it was. I'm reading on my Kindle and it so happens to give me the pages in the book and there are over 600! Goodness, that's a lot! I'm finding the chapters rather long and some of the dialogue a little boring. 
6. If this is your first time reading this story, is it meeting your expectations? Or is it different than expected? Explain. Even though this is my 2nd time reading, I feel like it is my first because I don't remember it very well. As far as expectations see my answer to question 5. 
7. How do you feel about Jo cutting off her hair? Was this incident surprising to you? Do you think it's symbolic of anything? I didn't get this far yet.
8. What's your feeling about the inclusion of poems, letters, stories, plays and etc. into the story? Some I find amusing, some silly, some unnecessary. 
9. Any thoughts in particular on the male characters in this story? So far just Laurie and his grandfather, oh and the guests for their picnic. I'll leave judgment for later :)
10. Are you liking this reading experience? If yes, why? If not, why? I'm hoping to be able to catch up and concentrate more on the story and therefore enjoy the experience more. I do like read-alongs so am looking forward to going and seeing what everyone else is thinking about the book.

There you have it! I'm going to head over to Suey's blog and link up and go read everyone else's answers. If you have read Little Women before what did you think of it?