Check out what inspired Katie Bernet to write "Beth is Dead" down below.
What was your inspiration behind "Beth Is Dead?"
As the oldest of three sisters, I’ve always had a deep love and admiration for “Little Women.” At the same time, I really enjoy reading mysteries and thrillers — the kind of stories you simply can’t put down. It occurred to me that reimagining “Little Women” as a mystery could be fun but also meaningful, because it would give me an opportunity to explore the tension in Beth March’s death — a death that she, herself, seemed to accept but that has been breaking hearts for more than a century.
What does Reading Rainbow mean to you?
To me, Reading Rainbow means reading stories that are written by and about people who have different backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. With fiction, we have the privilege of stepping into another person’s world so that we can deepen our understanding of who they are, what they desire, and what unique challenges they face. It’s a gift.
Why do you feel representation of a variety of people is so important when it comes to writing books?
I believe that writing about something, naming it on a page, is a way of acknowledging its importance. All people deserve that acknowledgment.
Tell us a little more about "Beth Is Dead" and why you decided to write it.
"Beth Is Dead" is a modern reimagining of "Little Women" as a young adult mystery/thriller in which Beth March is found dead in chapter one. It’s written in four perspectives, so each of the March sisters have a voice — even Beth in flashback. I loved writing it, because I got to spend time in the minds of my favorite characters and twist the story while gaining a new understanding of the themes in the original.
What can fans expect from your book?
You can expect to meet Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy as twenty-first century teens who are pursuing their dreams, falling in love, and determining who they want to be. You’ll find two familiar love interests and one you’ve never met. Plus, plenty of nods to Alcott’s original alongside new twists and turns.
What's up next for you in the bookish world?
I’m currently working on turning another literary classic into a young adult mystery/thriller. You’ll have to wait to find out which one, but it’s one of my all-time favorites.
