One of those books that I fell in love with instantaneously, Anne of Green Gables was my gateway to the wonderful world of reading. I re-read this book recently, only to realise that I am still in awe of Anne and there is so much more I appreciate about the book. So, I am going to give our usual review pattern amiss and give you five reasons as to why you should read this fantastic book already!
1. Avonlea
Set in this very beautiful Island, this book takes one through the breath-taking landscape of Avonlea. While Anne is busy christening these wonderful places around her, the reader is quite enamoured by the beauty of it all, and I assure you, a little into the book and you will already want to travel to this wonderful place!
2. The people of Avonlea
From nosy neighbours, to the “kindred spirit”, Avonlea has all kinds of people that will keep you entertained throughout your journey with Anne. They are funny, simple and leave a mark on you just as Anne herself does.
3. The fantastic plot!
How often does one read a book about the life of an orphan who is accidentally sent to her adoptive parent? While that is just the beginning of Anne’s journey, the writing has one glued to the book and it would not be surprising at all if you are recommending this book to everyone around you. Though the first time I read it I could not appreciate this, but the creativity of the Author deserves applause. I would try and fail to explain how wonderfully this book has been written, and one can only experience it first hand when one reads it. (Did you buy it yet?)
4. Anne with an ‘e’
Back in the day, I related to Anne as a contemporary, because I was around the same age as hers when I first read it. Now, Anne seems to be that little girl who is a leaf out of childhood that I can fondly look back to. She is the little niece that who I want to wrap in a squishy hug. She is the queer little girl I used to be, she is the queer little girl I still am in the grown up body.
Her imagination has her standing out in the crowd just as her red hair and freckles do, but you may seem dull and unimaginative to little Anne. Not all are “kindred spirits” to her, but if she considers you one, pat yourself on the back for you sure have a spark in you.
From an orphan who has had a rough few years, Anne shows us how there is so much to be grateful for, remind us to find joy in the little things around us, and to always look at the brighter side of things.
5. First of the many books in the series
While I am yet to read the many books in this series, it puts my heart at ease knowing that there is more of Anne that I can read in this wonderful series.
So go grab your copy of this very adorable book, and dive into it NOW. As for me, as much as I cherish my ancient copy of this book,I could not help but buy this lovely Puffin edition.
Quotable Quotes
“It’s been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.”
“Life is worth living as long as there’s a laugh in it.”
“Dear old world’, she murmured, ‘you are very lovely, and I am glad to be alive in you.”
“Why must people kneel down to pray? If I really wanted to pray I’ll tell you what I’d do. I’d go out into a great big field all alone or in the deep, deep woods and I’d look up into the sky—up—up—up—into that lovely blue sky that looks as if there was no end to its blueness. And then I’d just feel a prayer.”
“Next to trying and winning, the best thing is trying and failing.”