Candi's Reviews > Anne of Green Gables
Anne of Green Gables
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Candi's review
bookshelves: classics-shelf, middle-school, book-i-own, favorites, future-grandkids
Jun 20, 2018
bookshelves: classics-shelf, middle-school, book-i-own, favorites, future-grandkids
"Excitement hung around Anne like a garment, shone in her eyes, kindled in every feature."
Oh, what sheer pleasure it was to spend just a moment in time with Anne and her delightful companions in this little classic. What pure joy to catch a glimpse of the beauty of Prince Edward Island. I am likely one of the last persons on earth… well, on Goodreads at least… to read this novel. What in the world was I waiting for?! As a child and adolescent, I wrongly assumed that this book would be of no interest to me. I wasn’t a ‘girly girl’ and surely this was written for ‘that sort’ of reader, right? Wrong! By the time I was old enough to know better, I thought I had grown too mature in years to pick this one up. Wrong again. The ‘sort’ of reader that this does appeal to however: one who appreciates exquisite writing and vibrant characters, one who relishes being steeped in another time and place, and one who enjoys an all-out fantastic story. In short, this book should satisfy nearly everyone!
You can’t help but fall in love with Anne. She is the friend you have always longed for, the daughter that will bring that much-needed light in your life, that student that any teacher would be proud to instruct. She is funny, imaginative, bright, and a regular chatterbox. She laments about her red hair, apologizes for being a ‘great trial’ to Marilla, and always manages to see the positive in most everything. However, she does maintain a long-standing rivalry with her peer, Gilbert Blythe. "She was as intense in her hatreds as in her loves." Nothing is ever lukewarm when it comes to Anne’s feelings.
There were moments I wanted to laugh with her and moments when I wanted to cry. When she first arrived at Green Gables, Anne learned that it had all been a mistake. For, Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert meant to adopt a young boy to help with the chores. A little girl was not needed. It nearly crushed me when Anne fell in love with Green Gables only to find that she must surely be turned away and carted straight back to the orphanage. "Have you ever noticed what cheerful things brooks are? They’re always laughing… I shall always like to remember that there is a brook at Green Gables even if I never see it again." What transpires after this will melt even the most hardened hearts.
Some might say this book is too wholesome, too charming, and perhaps too unrealistic. I have to say that I don’t believe those are good enough reasons to skip reading this enchanting novel! It didn’t take place just yesterday so I didn’t expect the trials and tribulations of today’s day and age. The events do occur on an idyllic island, so I felt the beautiful scenery I was immersed in was wholly believable. Anne is not a perfect little girl and each character has their share of flaws. Not every story has to be full of doom and gloom to get all the stars! Sometimes one just needs to sit back, relax, and just surrender to the small pleasures in life. We could all use a lesson from Anne’s book of optimism here and there!
"Dear old world, you are lovely, and I am glad to be alive in you."
Oh, what sheer pleasure it was to spend just a moment in time with Anne and her delightful companions in this little classic. What pure joy to catch a glimpse of the beauty of Prince Edward Island. I am likely one of the last persons on earth… well, on Goodreads at least… to read this novel. What in the world was I waiting for?! As a child and adolescent, I wrongly assumed that this book would be of no interest to me. I wasn’t a ‘girly girl’ and surely this was written for ‘that sort’ of reader, right? Wrong! By the time I was old enough to know better, I thought I had grown too mature in years to pick this one up. Wrong again. The ‘sort’ of reader that this does appeal to however: one who appreciates exquisite writing and vibrant characters, one who relishes being steeped in another time and place, and one who enjoys an all-out fantastic story. In short, this book should satisfy nearly everyone!
You can’t help but fall in love with Anne. She is the friend you have always longed for, the daughter that will bring that much-needed light in your life, that student that any teacher would be proud to instruct. She is funny, imaginative, bright, and a regular chatterbox. She laments about her red hair, apologizes for being a ‘great trial’ to Marilla, and always manages to see the positive in most everything. However, she does maintain a long-standing rivalry with her peer, Gilbert Blythe. "She was as intense in her hatreds as in her loves." Nothing is ever lukewarm when it comes to Anne’s feelings.
There were moments I wanted to laugh with her and moments when I wanted to cry. When she first arrived at Green Gables, Anne learned that it had all been a mistake. For, Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert meant to adopt a young boy to help with the chores. A little girl was not needed. It nearly crushed me when Anne fell in love with Green Gables only to find that she must surely be turned away and carted straight back to the orphanage. "Have you ever noticed what cheerful things brooks are? They’re always laughing… I shall always like to remember that there is a brook at Green Gables even if I never see it again." What transpires after this will melt even the most hardened hearts.
Some might say this book is too wholesome, too charming, and perhaps too unrealistic. I have to say that I don’t believe those are good enough reasons to skip reading this enchanting novel! It didn’t take place just yesterday so I didn’t expect the trials and tribulations of today’s day and age. The events do occur on an idyllic island, so I felt the beautiful scenery I was immersed in was wholly believable. Anne is not a perfect little girl and each character has their share of flaws. Not every story has to be full of doom and gloom to get all the stars! Sometimes one just needs to sit back, relax, and just surrender to the small pleasures in life. We could all use a lesson from Anne’s book of optimism here and there!
"Dear old world, you are lovely, and I am glad to be alive in you."
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Reading Progress
December 22, 2016
– Shelved
December 22, 2016
– Shelved as:
to-read
December 22, 2016
– Shelved as:
classics-shelf
December 22, 2016
– Shelved as:
middle-school
March 28, 2018
– Shelved as:
book-i-own
May 25, 2018
–
Started Reading
June 4, 2018
– Shelved as:
favorites
June 4, 2018
–
Finished Reading
July 4, 2018
– Shelved as:
future-grandkids
Comments Showing 1-50 of 125 (125 new)
message 1:
by
Julie
(new)
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rated it 5 stars
May 29, 2018 07:46AM
![Julie G](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1708562843p1/5211606.jpg)
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![Candi](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1721649817p1/3639005.jpg)
Julie, I am in love with Anne and this book! I don't know why I never read it before this! I am SO going to PEI when I'm done. Start looking up flights!!
![Cheri](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1649628205p1/106692.jpg)
![Candi](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1721649817p1/3639005.jpg)
Cheri, I'm sure I wouldn't be able to resist those photos either. Of course, now I'm headed over to the GR page for that book and another probable 'add' for me, lol!!
![Cheri](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1649628205p1/106692.jpg)
![siriusedward](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1598922098p1/15034383.jpg)
You made me smile just by reading it.It gave me a touch of Green Gables happy.
And I agree wholeheartedly about all books not needing to be about gloom and doom and misery and pain to get the 5 stars.
People are not always in gloom and doom mode either.
Love Anne...her stubborness and her sweetness...
![Will Singleton](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1524462009p1/77902497.jpg)
![Sara](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1543780395p1/5512657.jpg)
I was sort of sorry I revisited them as an adult. I had such a strong connection to them that it felt like something was missing--of course, what was missing was my own childhood self. I don't think anyone should miss out on this story.
BTW, if you want to see a fabulous treatment of this book, watch the series that was done with Megan Follows. Superb.
![Diane Barnes](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1329773692p1/7262060.jpg)
![Jaline](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1530498058p1/7234171.jpg)
![Renee](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1470066525p1/13386332.jpg)
Like Sara, I was curious what I would think of it when reading it again as an adult, but thankfully it hadn't lost any of its magic for me. I found myself smiling along with all of Anne's adventures, and enjoyed just as much.
![Candi](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1721649817p1/3639005.jpg)
You made me smile just by reading it.It gave me a touch of Green Gables happy.
And I agree wholeheartedly about all books not needing to be about gloom and doom and ..."
Thank you so much, siriusedward. I am so pleased that my review boosted your mood, much as Anne did for mine! She is such a charming young lady and one that now goes on my list of favorite literary characters. I will most definitely read the entire series - book 2 just arrived in the mail the other day!
![Candi](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1721649817p1/3639005.jpg)
Will, I highly encourage you to give this another go! Sometimes timing is just the thing. I hope you not only finish, but enjoy it this time around :)
![Candi](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1721649817p1/3639005.jpg)
Sara, I can easily imagine you as a young girl pining for Prince Edward Island and all its delights as you put yourself in Anne's shoes! I wonder what I would have thought of this had I read it with younger eyes. I'm sorry that little connection was missing with the adult re-reading, but certainly can understand it. I will search for the series you have suggested for sure! I wonder if my new Netflix subscription will pay off sooner than expected :)
![Candi](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1721649817p1/3639005.jpg)
Thank you, my friend! I'm glad to have stirred up some fond memories of this one :) I believe I met Anne at just the right time!
![Candi](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1721649817p1/3639005.jpg)
Oh, perfect, Diane! I just mentioned to Sara that I have a new Netflix subscription, and apparently it couldn't have been a more timely investment!
![Candi](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1721649817p1/3639005.jpg)
Thank you, Jaline! I think that Anne will hold the same allure now as she did all those years ago. I also suspect that you and Anne are kindred spirits :)
![Candi](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1721649817p1/3639005.jpg)
Like ..."
Thanks very much, Renee. I'm very glad that this was just as gratifying a read for you as an adult as it was with your younger self. And I agree - Anne is the ultimate bosom friend! I mean, who doesn't need a friend that makes one laugh and dream?! I hope you decide to check into more of the series :)
![Candi](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1721649817p1/3639005.jpg)
I'm so pleased. Thank you, Marita. I hope you enjoy all the charms of this novel :)
![Celia](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1637173851p1/30261451.jpg)
![LemonLinda](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1604612189p1/1541888.jpg)
I first read it as a young teen and fell in love and have read through the entire series a couple of times and read the first one more than that.
Also you need to watch the series starring Meghan Fellows from the 80s. She perfectly personified Anne.
![Deyanne](https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/f_25x33-d79c46f9428d2aea1444d67c091766a6.png)
![Candi](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1721649817p1/3639005.jpg)
Thanks so much, Celia. It makes me happy to think of others recalling such lovely memories of having read this book. I think it would be a perfect book to read when you need a cheerful break from a heavier read :)
![Candi](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1721649817p1/3639005.jpg)
Thank you, Linda! There is so much to adore in those characters - I agree 100%! I am planning to read through the whole series for sure. And the adaptation with Meghan Fellows has been highly recommended to me, so I am thrilled to see your endorsement of it as well :)
![Candi](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1721649817p1/3639005.jpg)
Thank you, Deyanne! I am not at all surprised to see the 5 stars beside your name. What a gem this was :)
![JanB](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1527313486p1/260116.jpg)
![Anni](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1618399491p1/17465866.jpg)
I will make sure my grand daughter reads it ...
![Mayke ☕️](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1690273022p1/47620815.jpg)
![Candi](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1721649817p1/3639005.jpg)
Thank you, Jan! I'm glad I'm not the only one, lol! I highly recommend reading it very soon :)
![Candi](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1721649817p1/3639005.jpg)
Thank you, Carol! Glad you're an Anne fan too :)
![Candi](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1721649817p1/3639005.jpg)
I will make sure my grand daughter reads it ..."
It would be wonderful to share this one with your granddaughter, Anne with an 'e'! I hope that you both love this one :)
![Candi](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1721649817p1/3639005.jpg)
Thanks, Piyangie. I'm interested to hear what you think the second time around :)
![Candi](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1721649817p1/3639005.jpg)
Thanks so much, Mayke. Oh, this would make a lovely read in the fall! There are actually some wonderful descriptions of winter scenes in this book as well :)
![Candi](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1721649817p1/3639005.jpg)
Thank you, Jennifer! It's so nice to know that friends have loved this enough to consider a re-read! I know I will do the same one day :)
![Karen](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1639873402p1/12851291.jpg)
![Candi](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1721649817p1/3639005.jpg)
That's such a sweet memory, Karen! I think you really should read it as well - I can't see any reason why you wouldn't adore Anne! And thank you :)
![Candi](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1721649817p1/3639005.jpg)
Thanks, Jen! It's a classic for a very good reason! And a very accessible one too :)
![Wyndy](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1581898027p1/74844479.jpg)
![Candi](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1721649817p1/3639005.jpg)
Thank you very much, Wyndy! I think reads like this one (and the one you have mentioned which I will be sure to read!) are a basic necessity in life! I love thinking about those little pleasures :)