Anne of Green Gables

There are books that have such a prominent place in public perception that it's almost impossible to approach them without preconceptions. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery is one such book. I grew up watching the movie as my mom would iron clothes, hearing references in movies like You've Got Mail, and generally thinking it was a book for girls. I was wrong. It may be a book about a girl, but this is definitely a book for everyone.

Anne of Green Gables tells the story of Anne Shirley, an orphan girl living in Nova Scotia who is accidentally adopted by the stern old maid Marilla Cuthbert and her shy brother Matthew. The events of the story are largely simple ones--going  to a concert, attending school, having tea with the pastor's wife--yet these events are lent a sense of significance through the gentle evolution of the characters, as well as through Anne's highly evolved taste for dramatics. Every character in this book is a delight. Montgomery presents the reader with characters who seem a bit extreme initially, but eventually soften and take the shape realistic lovable people. Seeing this change in the characters is a real joy, and it's reminiscent of the way we learn to love people as we get to know them better.

Of all the characters to watch take shape, Anne is the most interesting and entertaining. She's a highly imaginative, highly literate girl with an infinite capacity for drama and fantasy. Often these traits get her into trouble, but mostly they just make everyone around her smile. Anne is like an irrepressible ray of sunshine. Her elastic personality is extremely entertaining, and I loved watching her moods swing rapidly from pole to pole at the slightest provocation. Her language is hilarious, and her relationship with books and writing is fascinating.

I finished reading this book several months ago, so I'm afraid I'm a bit short on the details presently. However, I can remember my general impression from the book: delight. I absolutely loved reading Anne of Green Gables. I found the characters to be wonderful, the writing pleasant, and the messages about family, friendship, imagination, and learning to be profound and moving. I smiled, I almost cried, and I laughed frequently. This book may not be the most significant piece of literature ever written, but it's certainly a fine read. There's not a thing I'd change about it. If you've never read it, I urge you to do so as soon as possible!

Score: 10/10 Perfect!!!

Read this book if: You want to be absolutely delighted from start to finish with the hijinks of one of the most interesting young girls to ever grace a page, or if you want a moving story about the power of love and the nature of family.

Don't read this book if: You want to stay miserable forever and lead a life without joy!