"...one can't stay sad very long in such an interesting world, can one?"
Anne (Chapter XVII)
Book Description (from wikipedia.com): Anne of Green Gables (1908) is a bestselling novel by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery. Written as fiction for readers of all ages, since the mid-twentieth century, the literary classic has been considered a children's novel. It recounts the adventures of Anne Shirley, a young orphan girl sent to a middle-aged brother and sister who have a farm on Prince Edward Island, and who had intended to adopt a boy to help them. The novel recounts how Anne makes her way with the Cuthberts, in school and the town. Since publication, Anne of Green Gables has sold more than 50 million copies, and has been translated into 20 languages. Numerous sequels were written by Montgomery, and since her death, another sequel has been published, as well as an authorized prequel. The original book is taught to students around the world. It has been adapted as films, made for television movies, and animated and live-action television series.
"...When you hear a name pronounced can't you always see it in your mind, just as if it was printed out? I can; and A-n-n looks dreadful, but A-n-n-e looks so much more distinguished. If you'll only call me Anne spelled with an e I shall try to reconcile myself to not being called Cordelia." Anne (Chapter III)
My Thoughts: Anne of Green Gables, the first in a series by L.M. Montgomery, is a classic for all ages. With Anne, Montgomery created one of the most beloved characters in fiction. Anne Shirley is so fully developed from our first introduction to her that she not only leads the story, she waltzes the reader along with her through the beautiful landscape of Prince Edward Island as well as her imagination.
Anne is very precocious child. Having been orphaned at an early age due to the death of her parents, Anne is passed around to several families where she is mostly regarded as a servant responsible for taking care of the younger children and infants in the homes she is stationed. By chance, Anne is sent to the home of Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert at Green Gables, an aging brother-sister duo, and her life is transformed more than even she could imagine. Just as importantly, she transforms the characters around her. With her flowery vocabulary and knack for creating mischief, Anne brings a rejuvenation to her new family and neighbors. Although the Cuthberts had requested a boy from the orphanage to assist Matthew with the farm, they quickly become attached to the red-haired Anne and discover that a girl was what was missing from their lives. Marilla takes the disciplinarian role with Anne but discovers along the way that she has learned to love Anne as her own child.
Anne of Green Gables takes the reader on a journey through childhood- adventures, friendships, love, disappointments, transitioning into adulthood, great loss, and even a little romance. We rediscover the joys and pains of growing up and accepting that the world around us must change. Anne reminds us to embrace each day to its fullest and that a little imagination can make all the difference.
Book Club Ideas: Anne is fascinated with the fashion of the time- puffed sleeves. Make a contest of having members attend the meeting in the largest puffed sleeves they can create with the winner awarded a small prize. Anne proves to be a great elocutionist. Have each member recite a poem, channeling their best depiction of Anne Shirley. 
