From the Bookshelf of Gentle SPECTRUMS…

Anne of Green Gables (Anne of Green Gables, #1)

L.M. Montgomery

Start date: June 18, 2020

Finish date: June 25, 2020

Discussion: A Place For Buddy-Reading

Why we're reading this: It is time to read this childhood gift set and Canadian classic!
[close] It is time to read this childhood gift set and Canadian classic!

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What Members Thought

Jun 25, 2020 C. (Comment, never msg). rated it it was amazing

Shelves: riedel-titles-2020

I could award a prize to L.M. Montgomery, for her books in my library waiting longest to be read. My Godmother sent two boxsets in 1986, after moving to Prince Edward Island. I only knew this literary legend by name. I postponed it, dreading an orphanage scenario. I planned to acquaint the début this year, 2020. My brother asked if his daughter may have mine, thus I finally opened book one!

As a writer, I am inspired by Maud’s mastery of words. I treasure plants and natural tableaux. I greet each ...more

67 likes · Like · see review

Mar 13, 2017 Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: drama-gen-fiction, children, movie-havent-seen, reviewed, 5-star, classics-i-have-finally-conquered, classics, part-of-series, a-own-book-form, first-in-series

“It's been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.”

I finally finished this book. It's easy to get into but not one to fly through, plus I've been in a reading slump this month.

Anne is a funny child - she's positive and hopeful and...talkative. It's impossible not to like her. As an adult reading this I understand Marilla because the child definitely was willful and up to getting into accidental mischief, although the beginning where t “It's been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.”

I finally finished this book. It's easy to get into but not one to fly through, plus I've been in a reading slump this month.

Anne is a funny child - she's positive and hopeful and...talkative. It's impossible not to like her. As an adult reading this I understand Marilla because the child definitely was willful and up to getting into accidental mischief, although the beginning where they didn't want her because she was a 'useful boy' was just a shame of the times. I'm glad she was around to bring so much joy around to Avonlea, Marilla, Matthew and neighbors. When she amused them with her stories, she amused me at the same time.

Each chapter is divided into an incident or event, which worked well for this type of the story. Montgomery's writing style is a delight, especially considering how old the book is. I can see why this classic has lasted through the ages. Through the afterword I found out how much it meant in particular countries for their hope after the war. Inspiring stuff.

I can see why readers fall in love with Gilbert - I did myself (Carrots! Carrots!)

This book works so well because it takes an unconventional girl filled with hope and wonder in the world, a girl who loves Octobers, nature, beauty, kindred spirits and friends. One loyal and ambitious and full of daydreams. I think this calls to something in all of us, a type of hopeful wonder that the world is always beautiful despite whatever wrenches are thrown in the way. This isn't the say Anne doesn't have a funny, frightful temper or that she doesn't hit with woes when warranted - actually she feels the intensity of lows as much as highs, making her a dramatic sort. This only makes her more endearing.

I think the best part was the feelings she invoked in the practical and still Marilla and the shy and simple Matthew. A beautiful bonding of family tale.

I haven't seen any movie or show adaptations of this one yet, but I somehow think the real beauty of the book can only come to life as its fullest in the written form.

...more

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Oct 22, 2018 Kerri rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: canadian, most-loved, classics, book-to-screen-adaptation, buddy-reads

I loved revisiting this childhood favourite! Even if some the specific details of her antics had slipped my mind, Anne Shirley has always remained a vibrant, cherished character and I was delighted to see that she was just as wonderful as I had recalled. She leaps off the page, vivid and alive, talking constantly, extremely passionate in her emotions, both the things she loves and the things she hates.

The incident that has always stayed with me the most in perhaps one the most famous moments, ( I loved revisiting this childhood favourite! Even if some the specific details of her antics had slipped my mind, Anne Shirley has always remained a vibrant, cherished character and I was delighted to see that she was just as wonderful as I had recalled. She leaps off the page, vivid and alive, talking constantly, extremely passionate in her emotions, both the things she loves and the things she hates.

The incident that has always stayed with me the most in perhaps one the most famous moments, (view spoiler) but so much happens before and after that. Matthew remains a steady favourite for both me and Anne - his determination to keep her changes Anne's life in a marvelous way. There are times when I find Marilla harder to like - she could have moments of seeming uncaring, seeing no significance in the anniversary of Anne's arrival, a harsh insistence that Anne have nothing fashionable or 'frivolous', (view spoiler) but seeing her joy at Anne made me smile. (view spoiler)

This is a peaceful, heartwarming book that doesn't feel sappy or preachy or cloying. Anne is ultimately a 'good' character, but she never feels false. Her mistakes are many, all very relatable -- and she never makes the same one twice! It's a riveting read, constantly. I was more engrossed in the happenings of this novel that any well-done mystery or suspense novel. It's both Anne, and Prince Edward Island that I find utterly enchanting.

Despite this being a book I have read numerous times, I have never read the rest of the series, something I will be doing for the first time this year. I am excited to see what is next for Anne in Anne of Avonlea. ...more

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Apr 27, 2020 S. ≽^•⩊•^≼ I'm not here yet rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: l-canada

I read this book about a year ago. Yesterday I saw it in my read list with four stars, wonder why not 5? There is something nice about this book; I am very fond of the way Anne thinks. She remained funny and affirmative in any circumstances (or at least try to do her best) and had an active mind. So bad grew up so fast.
She was so like me when she needs to turn her brain off just for a moment; when she makes a fake story and frightened herself, me again.
It is also worth mentioning that represent ...more

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Feb 27, 2015 Cyndi rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own

A hundred years ago a Canadian teacher wanted to find a book to entertain little girls and teach them to be strong. Unable to find any she decided to write one. A trailblazer for so many of the brilliant novels that followed.

An older brother and sister decide to adopt a young boy. They think they can offer him a nice home and get some help on the farm.
But when a little red haired girl shows up instead they decide to keep her. Anne’s imagination and sweet nature changes the lives of all those ...more

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Apr 11, 2008 Sue rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: series, early-20th-century, audio-books, young-adult, natalie-bk-club, canada

My book club decided to read this classic, so for my fourth trip through it, I decided to listen to it and it was delightful as always. Montgomery's story of Anne Shirley is beguiling, sweet, and full of great quotes. I never tire of Anne and her dreams. ...more

1 like · Like · see review