Anne of Green Gables

This 100th Anniversary Edition is just what it purports to be: a republishing of the original work, with original cover art. What the displeased readers below don't seem to realize is that the typos and lack of proofreading are part of the TRUTH about how this book was originally treated/printed. It was neither respected nor expected to do well (although the publishers -- and the author -- were quickly proven to have underestimated the gem that is Anne). If you're looking for a modern treatment of this classic story, with every "t" crossed and "i" dotted, then this is not the edition for you. If you're interested in imagining Maud Montgomery's true feelings, as she read her first printed novel, both her thrill at its mere publication and her resigned displeasure at the typos and misspellings, then this edition offers you a glimpse at the real condition of Anne's first publication, 100 years ago.

Everyone knows the story of Anne of Green Gables: A plucky orphan girl who comes to Prince Edward Island after being adopted by the stern but loving Marilla and her brother Mathew Cuthbert. Anne is eleven when she comes to Prince Edward Island to be adopted. Mathew Cuthbert, having driven most of the day to the train station to pick up a boy they wanted to adopt, is shocked to find a red haired, freckled girl waiting for him instead. Not wanting to crush the girl's tender spirit by telling her she is not wanted, Mathew takes her home and hopes that Marilla will tell her instead. But, things do not go according to plan. Despite plans to send Anne back and get the boy they wanted to replace her, they decide to let Anne stay if she is willing to prove herself. Thus begins one of the most beloved novels of all time. It is indeed beloved the world over and has been translated into several languages and has never once been out of print since its initial publication in January of 1908. Having been a long time fan of the movies starring Megan Follows, I had never had the pleasure of reading the actual book. I thought I knew all there was to know about Anne Shirley and her story. Thankfully, I was very wrong indeed. While looking for something to read in a local bookstore, I saw a display that intrigued me. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Anne of Green Gables, the display held copies of two books: Before Green Gables by Budge Wilson, an authorized prequel and a collector's edition of Anne of Green Gables. I bought the two books immediately. In them, I knew I would find a piece of the childhood that I hadn't been able to have, that I hadn't experienced. I knew that inside those pages, I would be able to discover something wonderful. I read Anne of Green Gables first and I wasn't disappointed. The collector's edition is a facsimile of the book from when it was first published in 1908 complete with original spelling mistakes and punctuation errors. However, I never saw the errors. All I was able to do was lose myself in the wonderful, amazing story of Anne of Green Gables. What makes the story so magical I think is it's wonder, it's abundant joy. Anne is a remarkable protagonist and from the moment we meet her, we feel for her, ache for her. She is real. I think that Anne is the child within all of us. As I read Anne of Green Gables (and Before Green Gables) I fell more deeply in love with Anne. She is the embodiment of joy and is just as lovable today as she was one hundred years ago. When Lucy Maud Montgomery penned Anne of Green Gables, I don't think even she knew how well the book would do, how much people would grow to love it. I doubt she knew that it would be read by generation after generation for a hundred years. For me, Anne of Green Gables was sheer delight and pure magic. As I read her story I was transported to another time, another place. As fresh today as it was a hundred years ago, Anne of Green Gables is a literary

I'm a guy, 29 years old, who has just read Anne of Green Gables for the first time (at the behest of my fiancee). It is a wonderful book. You do not have to be a young female to enjoy the adventures of one. Anne Shirley is a delight of a character. She's brave and intelligent and so very earnest. It is a treat to read about her coming to live at Green Gables and the relationships she develops there. There's real depth in some of the characters, especially Anne's guardian, Marilla, who remembers, if only faintly, what it was like to be young and passionate, and is drawn irresistably to that in Anne and rejuvenated by it. This and Tom Sawyer are the two great works about childhood in my experience. Yes--children would love to read, or be read, either of them. However, adults can get much out of reading them, too, and things that will not be available to the younger set. These books are both about children from an adult's perspective (neither Twain nor Montgomery were 9) and so an adult's perspective can assist in a reading of them, too. And, finally, while I'm certain that women are able to relate to being a girl on a different level than men can, we're all able to relate to the main virtues of an Anne Shirley and the beauty of childhood that she embodies. Unlike the title of the current Spotlight Review, this is not just for any girl, but for any*one* with a scope of imagination.

I have wanted to read Anne of Green Gables for so long and finally did. Why did I wait?? I wish I would have read this book years ago. This is one of the best books I have ever read. Whether you are a child or adult you won't be able to help falling in love with Anne of Green Gables. This young Orphan is mistakenly sent to the home of brother and sister Matthew and Marilla. What they wanted was a boy to help around the house as they were getting older. What they got was a delightful little girl who warmed their hearts and touched their souls. Anne gets into all kinds of hijinks throughout the novel that will make you laugh with her and cry with her. Her imagination is unmatched. She is so insightful that you will find it impossible not to relate to her. Follow Anne through her escapades of learning what it is like to be wanted and loved by parents, finding her place in a strange school, and finally getting to have a bosom buddy..someone she can truly call a friend and share life's ups and downs with. As Anne sets one ambition after another for herself, you'll be cheering for her success. This would be a great book to read on your own or along with a child. When you're finished, Anne will feel like your own personal bosum buddy. This book is one you'll adore long after it's over.

I have just finished reading this book aloud to my 8 year old (who is well capable of reading it herself) so that we could enjoy the book together. What can I say? It is one of the most delightful books in the world, meant to be shared and cherished, and above all remembered and recommended to others. If you have a little girl in your life, introduce her to this book. She will always thank you.