Emily Climbs

The second book of the Emily of New Moon trilogy, Emily Climbs continues the story of Emily Byrd Starr. All of L.M. Montgomery's books contain beautiful imagery, whimsical characters, and lovely subplots that bring hints of romance into an otherwise frank story free of modern sex and gore. In contrast to the Anne series, Emily of New Moon is more realistic and a touch darker, viewing the hardships of life in a much more straightforward manner. Emily is just as imaginative and earnest as Anne, but she has a deeper yearning for the chance to write, and seems to suffer much more than Anne ever did. This tale of childhood and womanhood is characterized by Montgomery's flowery writing and brilliant backdrops, but heightened by the sadness and cutting hypocrisy that is finally allowed to shine through, making the Emily series all the more beautiful during the almost painfully happy moments.

I read these books when I was about eleven and I liked them so I decided to read them again at fourteen I had no recollection of these books being so wonderful! To me as an aspiring writer, they were very inspirational. The language that Miss Montgomery uses is so beautiful that I often got lost in the words of the book, drowned in a sea of beatiful phrases and thoughts. Through all three books you journey with Emily on her quest for happiness, love, and the ability to write and get published. They are at times dark, sentimental, and above all else lovely. I cannot recommend this book enough. I cried at the end of Emily's Quest (the third book) the only books that have made me cry are Little Women, Gone With the Wind, and A Walk to Remember (yes it is a book as well as a movie) Finishing the series was kind of like losing a friend, but it is comforting to know that I can look in on dreamy Emily, bouyant Perry, wild Ilse, and enigmatic Teddy whenever I feel the need. These books add a savour to life, you notice things you've never noticed before. I found myself enjoying nature and all the wonderful things it brings after I finished this book. I started comparing the wind to a woman after I read the books, have you ever noticed that the wind caresses your cheek when it whispers by, just like a woman. She can be gentle and calm and at the same time vicious. After you read this story you will notice simple things like that, life will have a new savour. I love this series. Anyone who reads these will enter the realm of Emily. You will laugh with her, cry with her, anguish over her losses, and above all else, rejoice over her victories.

Emily Climbs was the first of the Emily books that I read, and it's the best. Testament to that is the fact that my own copy is falling apart :). Emily Climbs is an achingly beautiful, realistic, and poetical work, that improves upon re-reading. It holds the middle ground between the innocence of Emily Of New Moon, and the darkness of Emily's Quest. Do not expect this book to be another Anne of Green Gables! The Anne books are for children, the Emily books are not. There is much more to this book than anyone would expect -- wonderful, complex characters, and very subtle, sly underlying themes. This book is a slamming indictment of small-minded Victorian society. Emily herself is no pure, innocent character (read the chapter about the Old John House). She has a dark side that makes her fascinating. Anne was sweet, but Emily is bittersweet. People who are already familiar with L.M.Montgomery's unique humour will know what to expect, but to those who have not read her books before, trust me, there are passages that WILL make you laugh out loud. Basically what I'm trying to say is -- if your idea of literature is the Sweet Valley High books, then you won't enjoy this book. For those who will enjoy it...well, you know who you are :).

What? How can you say there's no action. Sure, there's not sword fighting or high speed chases...but who can help but feel the suspense when that little boy was lost or when Emily is the gossip of the town over her stay in the old John House? I try to read a chapter of one of my books each night...and if there is one instance where I can't stop at the end of a chapter and go to bed, it's a good book to me! So far, while reading this book, it's happened three times! Maybe there's no action in the broader sense of the term...but I think this book is exciting!

This is the best book in the Emily series. Most definately, it is full of action and excitement. We watch Emily grow into a mature young woman as she realizes what her dreams are. This book, in my opinion, is the best of the Emily books because Emily grows so much and becomes such a great person. I am 13 and can relate so well to Emily. To anyone who wants a good book or needs some INSIPIRATION, read this book!