Cover Image: Anne of Green Gables

Anne of Green Gables

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Anne of Green Gables is the classic story of Anne Shirley a young girl who is taken in by Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. This is the perfect story for young girls to read and for adults as well. I never get tired of this story. Montgomery does such a fantastic job at descriptive writing throughout the book, so much so, you feel like you are right there next to Anne and all of her debacles.

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As a child I must have read Anne of Green Gables dozens of times. My Nana (grandmother) on my Dad's side (who I never really knew) was from Prince Edward Island (where Green Gables is) and so she sent me the full series when I was quite young. As an avid reader by the time I was in Grade 4 I had already read through most of them once. There was also a show on TV (here in Canada) that was very popular about Anne called "Road to Avonlea". As Anne was in my life so much as a child she was, of course, very important to me.

When I re-read my favourite passages, skimmed through, and tried to get back into Anne's world I realized how naive I was as a child. I was also was reminded that, even in the late 1980's, the world was a simpler place than it is now. And while Anne will always have a special place in my heart from my childhood; I'm not sure it's the gem today that it was then. While the local gossip is much like social media; and boys remain intimidating and best friends are hard to find today, just as they were then; I still think it's too innocent in so many ways. There are no murders, stolen children, terrorists, major natural disasters, etc. that happen on the island. Having been to PEI a few years ago I can tell you that it is one of the sole places in Canada that might still be relatively untouched by the 21st century. PEI is just so quaint and lovely. Yet the internet has made it so that you can't hide anywhere and so once my cell phone vibrated or I checked my email I was reminded that vacation does not stop the world from turning or being awful outside of tiny island gems.

It's because I believe that L.M. Montgomery's classic is a bit too dated that I struggle to give it five stars today. This new publication of Anne of Green Gables is still as well written as it once was and there doesn't appear to be any major changes to the text (which is nice). but I just can't imagine it changing a child's life today as it once might have. While Anne didn't change my life as a kid; Avonlea was always a nice place to escape to. So perhaps it can be that place for some of today's children.

Although the one thing I am always reminded of by Anne is how mad I was at my Mom when I was about five and learned that my middle name (Ann) was spelled with an 'e'. I was so offended that I had this family tree that extended to PEI and yet didn't get the 'real' Anne spelling. At the time it seemed like a big deal (of course) and I wish I could go back to the days of having my name missing an 'e' being the end of the world. Although, some days I think I still might not be over this oversight by my parents (lol).

I will still encourage the children in my life (boy or girl) to read Anne at least once; but I'd be remiss to say that it's the first thing I would give them at the right age. I think Little Women is more relevant and easier to connect with as it has realistic, harsh situations. I also believe that more modern books like Harry Potter, Lemony Snicket, The Giver, and others, set children up for the major flaws in life sooner than Anne every could. It's sad to say that telling our children about the harshness of life is important; but I do believe it is. There is point in pretending that bosom buddies are perfect or that gentlemen who bring flowers and kiss hands exist anymore. We are only fooling ourselves if we think Anne has a place in today's world as anything other than nostalgia and a way to show children how much simpler the world was at one time. And perhaps so the kids that come to my house will recognize my porcelain Anne doll on the shelf and know that I too was once a child.

While I own half a dozen copies of Anne of Green Gables in a variety of forms; this version was provided to me via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased opinion.

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This is a story of Anne's journey that is full of jumps. Throughout the story Anne faces a variety of happy and sometimes annoying stories. I was always impressed with Anne's story and felt that I would never be bored.
This classic story is suitable for all ages and can make us see at various ages. Life is described as very beautiful and full of charm. Even when the story actually becomes a sad part.
Anne lives normally like the others. He associates with friends, neighbors and the surrounding environment. She goes to school, cooks and sometimes also faces many problems. And Anne is rich in fantasy stories that make her often make mistakes.
The interesting thing about this story is that I always remember Anne and I will never get bored with this storyline.

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Anne of Green Gables was just a sweet read as it was a sweet Netflix series. Yes I watched the series first then reading, sue me. But for some reason, where I live this classic wasn't as big before the show, I actually didn't even know much more than 'it exists' until it. But the show bought my attention, it all being just very nice, and so of course I had to go and look for the book.

And in my surprise I caught the chance of reading this ARC, so I would like very much for this chance of getting to know Anne and her story. Now I just need to get myself the other books as well!

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I have always adored the Anne of Green Gables mini-series since I was a little girl. Until now, I've never read the book. My daughter and I have been reading this and I feel like I'm back to being her age. I love that Anne (with an E!) teaches girls to stand up for themselves and not apologize for being different. She's a great role model, even when she's being mischievous, because she truly means no harm. Excellent story.

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Anne is hot-headed, brave, loyal, and with a limitless imagination. She is a friend I would love to have, and someone whose qualities I aspire to have (especially her courage and her imagination!)
The book is one of those that stands the test of time, and the characters are all endearing, real, and ones you could find in any Avonlea of today!

While this is a reprint of the classic version, the publishers do have the complete collection available as well. And really complete one at that! So you can check it out to gift to a young reader (or an adult too) who will enjoy reading about Anne and Avonlea.

You can read a previous ‘Anne’ related post on my blog here. And I promise, you will enjoy it too.

In Summary:
Read it, if you have not already. Reread it, otherwise. And get a copy to gift to that reader you know will love it.

Disclaimer: Thanks to NetGalley and each publisher for the digital review copy of the book above. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated in any other way by the publishers or others for this review.

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You may have watched the movie, the 2-night special, or the latest adaptation on Netflix - but you haven't truly experienced Anne of Green Gables until you read the books. I read them as a pre-teen and have re-read them many times. Published well over a hundred years ago the narrative reads a tad clunky and dated at times. But I am not saying that is a bad thing. In a world filled techno-gadgets, vampires, and witches, where something is blown-up or killed every three-seconds-- it was nice to have a stress-free, relaxing reading experience.

Anne is an 11-year-old orphan longing for a home to call her own. Despite her tender age, she had known heartbreak. It was how she chose to deal with it that resonates with me to this day. Anne looked for the good in everyone and everything and with her boundless imagination if she couldn't find it -- she simply created it. She had a light within her that refused to be dimmed. This is a timeless classic I cannot wait to share with my granddaughter. If you have never read this book or if it has been a while, sneak off to your favorite, comfy spot and reconnect with a simpler time.

Happy Reading,

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Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my heart! This was my favorite book and movie growing up. I love Ann with E!!! I encourage anyone that has not read this to pick it up, adult or child. I highly recommend this book.

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Anne of Green Gables has stood the test of time and is just as gripping and delightful to read now as it was nearly thirty years ago when I read it for the first time. Anne is such a likeable and engaging character and the setting of Prince Edward Island just makes me want to travel to Canada.

I will be recommending that my Year 6s discover some of the classic children’s literature.

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This is an absolutely delightful little book, and everybody needs to read it immediately! It just made my heart so happy to reread it. Anne is one of my favorite literary characters - I love her language, her spunk, and her wild imagination. This was one of my very favorite series as a child & I thoroughly enjoyed reading this!

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I’ve always wanted to read Anne of Green Gables! How can you not love those adorable freckles, red braids, and the straw hat?

Anne is tenacious, and I think every little girl can look up to her.. not matter how different or alike they are from Anne.

Her yearn for acceptance blossoms into confidence throughout the story and I’m just in love.

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This book is just as charming as I remember from my chikdhood, which us sometime ago!
It is an absolute classic, from simpler times.

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For as long as I can remember I have longed to read Anne of Green Gables and just never got around to doing it, until now.
I recently watched Anne with an ‘E’ on Netflix and thoroughly enjoyed the series which only added to the urge to read it. When the opportunity was presented to me from Netgalley, I grabbed it with open arms.
Anne an energetic orphan, mistakenly gets sent to brother and sister, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, at Green Gables, Avonlea. They explicitly asked for a boy and after some deliberation decide to keep the red-haired girl. The story develops and we are part of the marvels and mysteries which Anne discovers along the way. With her vivid imagination, a picture gets painted of all kinds of splendour. We meet Diana, who was immediately claimed to become Anne’s best friend for life.
My favourite words from the book was ‘there is no scope for imagination’, or ‘there is such scope for imagination’, by Anne. Even though she has suffered some hardships, this young girl decided to make the best of her world by allowing her imagination to run free. Her imagination was so free that she even imagined that a perfectly serene wood, became the Haunted Wood and both her and Diana refused to walk through it at night.
It is a pleasant uplifting story and made me dream of a life long, long ago when we were free to dream and frolic in amongst the flowers of the field. It made me long for a life before television, mobile phones and e-mails.
I recommend all young girls to read this and immerse themselves in a far simpler world to what we live in today. Dare to let your imagination run free.

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Some readers of my blog may recall that last summer I went to an Anne of Green Gables brunch. So, you may know that I am a big fan of this novel. This is a recently published edition of the classic and I enjoyed sitting down and reading about Anne again.

Anne is the orphan sent to Marilla and Matthew, who had requested a boy to help with their farm. Marilla is unsure about keeping Anne while Matthew has empathy for her from the start. As you read the book watch how Marilla softens over time.

The characters in this novel are wonderful. Anne is adventurous, outspoken, warm-hearted and a loyal friend. She will take a dare and work hard to be the best student in her class. She touched my heart and could touch yours too.

Anne of Green Gables is an old fashioned book, reflecting its publication date. Nonetheless, I recommend it highly as a chapter book read aloud with a child or as a book to read for yourself as an adult.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me spend time with one of my favorite fictional characters again!

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Loved this book when I first read it, and love it still.

Highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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I have loved this book and series since I first picked it up as a kid. I have reread it many times including this year (2014). Anne Shirley is one of my favourite characters ever and I love Matthew and Marilla along with all the other characters. Whether they make a one time appearance or are reoccurring Montgomery makes them lovable and close to your heart.


I enjoyed listening to it on audio too. The movies with Megan Follows are also fabulous and are my favourite.

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I adore Anne of Green gables. She is funny and precosious.. Marilla and Matthew are great for her as she is for them. A great series for young people. Funny and engaging.

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I’ve heard a lot about this book and maybe that’s because a lot of people who love it, love it for the nostalgia it gives them to their childhood. For me, rather than a well loved classic it felt like a rather dated children’s story.

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Although I could see the potential in this text, I was not able to sustain my attention and finish the narrative even though I loved this narrative as a child. Perhaps it was just the wrong time.

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L.M Montgomery THANK YOU!!!! I LOVE ANNE OF GREEN GABLES! I had seen the movie a million and two times and was so excited to get the book it is just as good as the movie! It brings me to my happy place. Anne's flaw to her is her red hair we all can name that one thing we would change Anne's is her hair. Mine is my weight. What's yours? This book is amazing and I'm sure I'll read it again.

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