Anne of Green Gables

FIVE years ago today I started the #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead! We began with a chapter-a-day read of the Anne of Green Gables series, then decided we weren‘t done and continued on to read all of LMM‘s published novels + some short stories. There've been a few other iterations since; we‘re currently reading LMM‘s complete journals, interspersed with books LMM mentions in her journals, and re-reads of her books as they‘re mentioned being published. ⤵️

BarbaraJean (Cont‘d) I‘m thoroughly enjoying this deep dive into a beloved author from my childhood, and am so grateful for all of you who have come along on this buddy read with me!! Special shout-outs to @TheAromaofBooks, who has buddy read basically every one of these books with me so far (we won‘t talk about Pat), and @JenlovesJT47 and @rubyslippersreads, who have popped in and out of the buddy read since the beginning! 4h

BarbaraJean Tagging the original tag list + current tag list below in celebration! @JenlovesJT47 @Prairiegirl_reading @merelybookish @quietjenn @Liatrek @Centique @rjsthumbelina @meghathecloud @BookwormDownUnder @Jerdencon @Hooked_on_books @Bkwrm7 @Clare-Dragonfly @TheAromaofBooks @coffeewithbooks @StayCurious @Blackink_WhitePaper @AnneCecilie @EclecticBookLover @slategreyskies @Andrea313 @LeahBergen @dottie.floating.on.words @rubyslippersreads @MB1994 4h

BarbaraJean @Daisey @Desha @jewright @sblbooks @megnews @lauraisntwilder @CogsOfEncouragement @kwmg40 @julieclair @LeahBergen @Roary47 4h

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JenlovesJT47 Yay! I posted a couple of AOGG haikus yesterday and today. October is the perfect time to read Anne! I‘m hoping to pop back in with the buddy reads soon, I‘m so behind on everything 😭. And imo LMM isn‘t saccharine, that title goes to Miss Louisa May Alcott. Anne books are cozy. There‘s no cozier atmosphere than an LMM book in my humble opinion. 🧡🤎🧡 4h

BarbaraJean @JenLovesJT47 💜 No worries—pop in when you can! We're reading Blue Castle the next two weeks, if you have time for what feels (to me, anyway) like the absolute perfect cozy fall book! More & more I realize classic children's books criticized for being saccharine aren't saccharine at all (even Pollyanna!!). There's a coziness and an optimism that's refreshing to me, especially these days. There's a reason I started this buddy read in 2020 🙃 4h

JenlovesJT47 Well Blue Castle happens to be my absolute fave LMM book and this is the perfect time to read it! I‘m in! And I agree. Love Pollyanna, too (especially the movie, it brings me joy) — there‘s nothing wrong with wanting to read books with happy endings and cozy vibes. Going to start the Blue Castle today! 🩵 3h

CSeydel Well said! I think when people lob the criticism that something is “saccharine” it often says more about them than the art being criticized. 3h

CSeydel Although I confess I once referred to Alcott as “a bit treacly” 3h

BarbaraJean @JenLovesJT47 Yay! I'll add you to the tag list!! 3h

BarbaraJean @JenLovesJT47 @CSeydel I was just talking to a friend about this and she said she loves LMM because the joy feels like rebellion against all the dark things happening right now. And she shared this PERFECT LMM quote: “Don‘t be led away by those howls about realism. Remember - pine woods are just as real as pigsties and a darn sight pleasanter to be in.” (Mr. Carpenter, to Emily) 3h

JenlovesJT47 @BarbaraJean that‘s perfect, love it! And the quote 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 3h

JenlovesJT47 @CSeydel treacly is the perfect way to describe LMA. I love Little Women, don‘t get me wrong. But I tried to read some of her Christmas short stories last year and they were too syrupy sweet for me. I don‘t think that applies to LMM but I may be biased. 🤓 3h

CSeydel @JenlovesJT47 Agree! 2h

CSeydel @BarbaraJean Oh, I love that. Too often these days people think they‘re being rebellious or sophisticated by rejecting earnestness and even just pleasantness. But being joyful takes effort and intention; it‘s easy to be cynical. 2h

LeahBergen I loved rereading all of the Anne books with you! How can it be 5 years already? 😂 2h

Hooked_on_books Wow! I can‘t believe it‘s been 5 years! I enjoyed the few I joined in with. I‘m so glad you organized this. 2h

Jerdencon Wow - 5 years ago! I dropped after most of the novels were read but it was so much fun! 1h

rubyslippersreads I never dreamed, when my mom used to find me out-of-print LMM books in the used bookstore (and they were pretty much all out-of-print except AOGG), that someday I‘d have a whole group of Littens to discuss them with. 😄 1h

23 likes18 comments

JenlovesJT47

Anne of Green Gables | L M Montgomery

I‘m so glad that I
live in a world where there
are Octobers. 🧡

#haikuhive #haikuaday #poetry #Anne #AnneOfGreenGables #AOGG #fall #october

JenlovesJT47 @dabbe @TheBookHippie @DebInHawaii @lil1inblue @Kristy_K @julieclair @BooksandCoffee4Me @bellabella @AnnCrystal @Reggie @jdiehr @vivastory @CBee @Mimi28 @Jari-chan @Itchyfeetreader @Susanita @kelly7990 @ImperfectCJ @The_Book_Ninja 5h

Jari-chan 💖🍂🎃 5h

TheBookHippie 🍂🍁🍂 5h

See All 7 Comments

DebinHawaii Perfect! 🍂🧡🍂 5h

JessClark78 🍂🎃🍂 5h

AnnCrystal Sweet Truth 👏🏼🐝👌🏼🌬️🌳🍃🪄🍂🐝💝. 2h

lil1inblue 🧡🤎❤️ 1h

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JenlovesJT47

Anne of Green Gables | L M Montgomery

look on the bright side —
I might have broken my neck!
besides, she dared me.

#haikuhive #haikuaday #poetry #Anne #AnneOfGreenGables #AOGG #LMMontgomery

TheBookHippie I love Anne! 1d

lil1inblue 😍 😍 😍 Anne! 1d

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DebinHawaii Wonderful! 💛🐝💛 1d

dabbe Oh, you capture a child's mind, nerve, and blame perfectly! 💜🧡🩶 1d

AnnCrystal 👏🏼🐝😳🤩🐝💝. 19h

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CaseyTheCanadianLesbrarian

Anne of Green Gables | L.M. Montgomery

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I'm gobbling up a few Audible originals before my free trial ends (I refuse to give Amazon money!) and this adaptation was delightful. Great Canadian casting choices, especially Catherine O'Hara who is absolutely perfect as Marilla. This is more of a radio play than an audiobook, as material has been cut / moved around, but there is still a nice narrator aka Sandra Oh. Does anyone else have any #Audible originals / only from Audible to recommend?

37 likes

monalyisha

Anne of Green Gables | L. M. Montgomery

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Just as obsessed with Anne as the first time I met her (which wasn‘t until my early 20‘s)!

I love L.M. Montgomery‘s writing. I adore her sense of wonder, which she finds in nature and in the hearts of people. I think I laughed more this time around, at a further remove from the dramatic throes of childhood and adolescence (but not so much that my laughter wasn‘t tender and full of reminiscences).

I‘ll admit that I prefer Anne in print.

HeartOfBabel I've read these books to my girls before bedtime, a very good collection to have in the personal library. 3mo

monalyisha @HeartOfBabel I imagine that‘s the perfect way to read them when you‘re young! 3mo

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monalyisha

Anne of Green Gables | L. M. Montgomery

Would you rather live forever by?

a) The Lake of Shining Waters
b) The Violet Vale
c) Lovers Lane
d) The Dryads Bubble
e) The White Way of Delight
f) The Haunted Wood

…I‘m certainly not complaining in paradise but yearning fans should know: you won‘t find The White Way of Delight at the Museum or the Heritage site! I was quietly undone. 🥺 There‘s also a golf course & a fairly busy road brushing up against the lovely nature paths at the latter.

Amiable So funny —the street next to ours is called Lovers Lane. So I guess I have to pick that one. 😄 3mo

AnnCrystal 🤩🌸💝. 3mo

monalyisha I did see a little girl unselfconsciously picking wildflowers and the fragrant blossoms from trees, filling her overturned straw hat with them. She was the very spirit of Anne! Not to mention the smattering of reverent redheads wandering the grounds. And the groups of old (bosom) friends! Such a sweet and earnest fan base. 💚 It was touching to witness what was obviously a pilgrimage for so many. 3mo

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LeahBergen I saw a Japanese tour group when I was there, all with Anne braids and hats. 😆 3mo

Pruzy Absolutely stunning! Makes me want to go even more! 3mo

Viola2012 I wish I was there( by the way I knew a girl exactly like Anne once)❤️ 3mo

ladym30 Your photos are fantastic!❤️ 3mo

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monalyisha

Anne of Green Gables | L. M. Montgomery

We‘ve arrived in PEI 🪻

A monotonous morning, weather-wise, but I‘m still alight with wonder! How could I not be when this is the view right outside our doorstep?

Daisey Beautiful! 3mo

Mollyanna Gorgeous! 💕 3mo

Clare-Dragonfly Stunning! 3mo

See All 10 Comments

Desha That is so cool to be there! Beautiful! 3mo

TheKidUpstairs Amazing! Have the best time! 3mo

marleed So pretty! 3mo

dabbe W🤩WZA!!! 3mo

LeahBergen Ohhh, have a wonderful time! I love PEI! 🥰 3mo

Librarybelle So pretty! 3mo

AnnCrystal 🤩 absolutely gorgeous 😍👍🏼💝. 3mo

75 likes10 comments

monalyisha

Anne of Green Gables | L. M. Montgomery

Time to start packing for Prince Edward Island!

Obviously, I‘m starting with the most important task first: deciding which books to bring! 📚

Jess861 I've never been to PEI but I bet there are some epic reading spots there! 4mo

kwmg40 I've had several wonderful vacations in PEI and recall fondly taking my children to Green Gables Heritage Place. I hope you have a lovely time! 4mo

AnnCrystal 😂📚💝 adventure time! Have a safe trip 💕🐕💝. 4mo

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Purpleness

Anne of Green Gables | L.M. Montgomery

Not quite #bookmail, but close! 😃 New skirt (with pockets) based on Anne of Green Gables, and I got to support a small Canadian business, Kaypop Art Studio (https://www.kaypopart.com/).

jdiehr 😍 4mo

StaceGhost So gorgeous! I love their LotR collection too— esp. those overall dresses! What a great find! 4mo

tpixie Sweet! So cool! 4mo

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AnnCrystal 🤩 how whimsically lovely 💝💝💝. 4mo

quietjenn 😍😍😍 4mo

Purpleness @jdiehr @tpixie @AnnCrystal @quietjenn 😊Thanks 4mo

Purpleness @StaceGhost Yeah, they have a lot of good ones; I don‘t have any of the LotR ones, but I do have a hobbit skirt from them:) 4mo

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peanutnine

Anne of Green Gables | L.M. Montgomery

#Bibliophile #AbtAdoption
They wanted to adopt a boy but got Anne instead. Best mistake ever 💖

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

Eggs Absolutely 💯 5mo

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Lauredhel

Anne of Green Gables | L. Montgomery

#tlt #threelistthursday I scored 52 that I can remember from this list (I inhaled a LOT of books as a kid/teenager!)
there are a few faves on it but I‘ll pick out Anne, P&P, and Little Women as those I have re read the most often.

Link for quiz is from @dabbe original post

Lauredhel Of course I wanted to add Hitchhikers Guide and Handmaid‘s Tale but it‘s three not five! 5mo

dabbe You can do five or whatever number you want! 🤩🤣😍 5mo

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LaurenAsh

Anne of Green Gables | L. M. Montgomery

pick

My daughter and I read this together and it was like being in a dream world.

21 likes

CogsOfEncouragement

Anne of Green Gables | L.M. Montgomery

Happy Valentine‘s Day #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead

dabbe 🩶🩷🩶 8mo

DieAReader 🥰💕💜 8mo

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Born.A.Reader

Anne of Green Gables | L. M. Montgomery

#faveliterarylove #Feelinthelove ❤️ 💕

Anne & Gilbert 💞

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs

Eggs Oh 🙌🏻 ❣️ 👏🏻 8mo

24 likes1 comment

Chelseabillups30

Anne of Green Gables: An Essential Classic for Ages 8 and Up | LM Montgomery

Using this as a place holder because I know I‘ll want to reference this quote for someone I know who loves bees!!

🐝🐝🐝 🐝🐝

36 likes

PageShifter

Anne of Green Gables | L.M. Montgomery

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Anna was really relatable, I had some ups & downs when I was reading this and reading about Anna's life felt comforting.

This was a nostalgic story and made me wonder how much & fast has changed in our way of living. This made me laugh and cry!

#serieslove2024

TheSpineView

TheSpineView It's a great book! 👍 10mo

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BarbaraJean

Anne of Green Gables | L. M. Montgomery

I just love this chapter—Matthew is the dearest. The way he notices what‘s “different” about Anne and then—as an extreme introvert—braves the unknown territory of buying a girl‘s dress 😂😍 It‘s sweet and hilarious and delightful. I have to admit, I never liked the sound of “brown gloria” and approved of the film version making Anne‘s dress blue! #KindredSpiritsChristmas #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead

AvidReader25, rubyslippersreads, quietjenn, Daisey, CogsOfEncouragement, Prairiegirl_reading, lauraisntwilder, sblbooks, TheAromaofBooks, julieclair

BarbaraJean “Matthew Insists on Puffed Sleeves“ is chapter 25 of Anne of Green Gables, or you can read it online in this collection: https://www.fadedpage.com/showbook.php?pid=20150145. Tomorrow, we'll read “Christmas at Red Butte,“ which is available online via Hoopla or in this collection: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/24878, or in print in the tagged collection.

Christmas with Anne: And Other Holiday Stories

(edited) 10mo

lauraisntwilder Matthew buying 20 lbs of brown sugar is one of my favorite parts of the book, but I think it's because I can hear Colleen Dewhurst as Marilla saying, "Twen-ty pooounds of brown sugar" under her breath. 10mo

CogsOfEncouragement Matthew and his heart of gold with a sweet spot for little Anne ever since he picked her up from the station. 10mo

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BarbaraJean @lauraisntwilder Colleen Dewhurst just IS Marilla for me! One of my favorite parts of this chapter is how the lady clerk's “bangles“ just put Matthew over the edge. 😂 10mo

TheAromaofBooks I just love this chapter so much. And yes, Colleen Dewhurst is the ONLY Marilla! The “twenty pounds of brown sugar“ line always sends me 😂 I do think the blue dress is more party-like, but I think brown gloria is a shimmery, silk-feeling material, so I can see it being a pretty winter dress. @lauraisntwilder @CogsOfEncouragement 10mo

AvidReader25 I‘d forgotten that Rachael makes the dress! I just love Matthews‘s gentle, observant heart. 10mo

BarbaraJean @TheAromaofBooks This is another case where we need a textile dictionary at the back, complete with swatches 😆 I'm sure it was pretty, but I remember always wondering: why BROWN?! Matthew notices all the other girls wearing bright, pretty colors, while Anne wears “plain, dark dresses.“ I know the main attraction is the puffed sleeves, but still: brown?! Brown always seemed plain and dark to me! 😆 10mo

TheAromaofBooks It's true; maybe Rachel was being uncharacteristically compromise-y 😂 10mo

julieclair This chapter is the absolute definition of heartwarming. I just adore Matthew. 💙 10mo

JenlovesJT47 I love this! Matthew is the best. 20 pounds of brown su-gah 😅💚 10mo

39 likes10 comments

Blueberry

Anne of Green Gables | L M Montgomery

I loved Matthew.

#DaysDevotedto... #Adoption
@Eggs
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Perfect 👍🏻 10mo

Eggs Lovely 🥰 10mo

54 likes2 comments

Dilara

Anne of Green Gables | L.M. Montgomery

Since it is #Canada month and I'd never read it (it's not so well known in France), I thought now would be the time to see what the fuss is about 😋 I downloaded Anne of Green Gables from Project Gutenberg. 9% in: Matthew Cuthbert is thinking of keeping Anne. Oooh, what is going to happen? Will Marilla agree? 😂 😁
#FoodandLit
@Catsandbooks @Texreader

Ruthiella This book is truly a classic. 11mo

AnishaInkspill I read the first one earlier this year and what a feisty character, brilliant 11mo

Texreader Oh! Great pick! 11mo

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BarbaraJean This is one of my all-time favorites! Enjoy!!! 11mo

Catsandbooks Wonderful! 🇨🇦❤️ 11mo

Dilara @Ruthiella @AnishaInkspill @Texreader @BarbaraJean @Catsandbooks
Thank you all for the approval and encouragement! 11mo

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Eggs

Anne of Green Gables | L.M. Montgomery

Doing a reread of the Anne series; just so pleasant🩵

#Spookoween
#SeriesLove2024
#ReadAway2024

@TheSpineView @Andrew65 @DieAReader @GHABI4ROSES

AnishaInkspill Enjoy!!! I read this for the first time this year, I loved her feistiness. 11mo

Eggs @AnishaInkspill 🙌🏻🙌🏻 11mo

TheSpineView Sounds lovely 😍 11mo

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Eggs @TheSpineView it is just!! 11mo

DieAReader 🎉Excellent!! 11mo

Eggs @DieAReader 😍🤩🙏🏻 11mo

50 likes6 comments

TheKidUpstairs

Anne of Green Gables | L.M. Montgomery

Finally saw one of the L.M. Montgomery loonies the other day, it's so beautiful!

KadaGul Wow, that is adorable 🫶! This is something worth checking out#LooniesNToonies 💰 12mo

44 likes1 comment

LadyCait84

Anne of Green Gables | L.M. Montgomery

Book Scavenger Hunt: Autumn or Fall ✔️

(I want to live in this cover, lounging on a bright autumn day with Anne and Diana, gazing at coppery leaves in the distance… le sigh.)

#hauntedshelf
Team #DeadSerious

OriginalCyn620

KadaGul @LadyCait84 That's what 💯% of the Litsy population wants to do, too 😍🥰😊😌 (edited) 12mo

OriginalCyn620 🧡🧡🧡 12mo

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ShelleyBooksie

Anne of Green Gables | L.M. Montgomery

Happy Oct 1!

dabbe 🧡🤎💛 12mo

RaeLovesToRead Happy October!!!!! Long may Autumn reign!!! (So that I can avoid Winter haha) 12mo

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TheAromaofBooks

Anne of Green Gables | L.M. Montgomery

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Yes, I'm reviewing books I read at the beginning of August 😂

I've read and reread Anne until I ought to be tired of it - but never have been. I love this book so much and am not REMOTELY objective about it. As part of the #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead I did try to be SLIGHTLY more critical in my reading this time around... but no, actually, it's still perfect 😆

@BarbaraJean

TheAromaofBooks #SeriesLove2024 @TheSpineView @Andrew65
#WickedWords - Graduation (June) @AsYouWish
#ISpyBingo - Tea Pot, Apple @Clwojick
#GottaCatchEmAll - Tea Cup on Cover (Sinistea) @PuddleJumper
#BookSpinBingo 12mo

marleed Sometimes I like letting a book sit before I give it a review. 12mo

BarbaraJean Haha! I get it—I have 6 or 7 books from the last several weeks that I still need to go back and review! That kind of review backlog is one reason I often give myself a pass on reviewing re-reads 😆 I agree, Anne is still basically perfect! No notes. 😁It amazes me how perfect LMM‘s first novel is!! 12mo

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Singout I have two copies, dating back to 1977, because the first one is in shreds. 12mo

TheSpineView Better late than never as they say! 12mo

AnishaInkspill It\' good to see what you thought. I finally got around reading this this year what a surprise.

I\'m new here and importanting my books didn\'t work so I am doing it manually (which might take me months 😃) and you\'ll see ones that go all the way back to Jan. 12mo

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julieclair

Anne of Green Gables | L.M. Montgomery

1. Our family Bible, given to my great-great- grandfather when he graduated from school in London in December 1866. Three months later he brought it with him when he emigrated to America.

2. I think Anne of Green Gables will continue to stand the test of time.

#Two4Tuesday @TheSpineView

Thanks for the tag, @dabbe !

Want to play, @Cuilin @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs ?

TheSpineView Thanks for playing! 12mo

Eggs Thanks Julie 💞 @julieclair 12mo

Cuilin Thanks for the tag 🩷 12mo

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ImperfectCJ

Anne of Green Gables | L.M. Montgomery

1. From my ability to see and appreciate small moments of beauty even when things look grim overall.
2. Anne Shirley has this quality, and she's a great cheerleader for her bosom friends.

@TheSpineView #Two4Tuesday

TheSpineView Thanks for playing! Happy Tuesday! 13mo

34 likes1 comment

Karisimo

Anne of Green Gables | L.M. Montgomery

#Aboutabook #published100yearsago 👩🏻‍🦰

@Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Eggs Excellent 👌🏼 13mo

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lauraisntwilder

Anne of Green Gables | L.M. Montgomery

The last quarter of this book makes me want to cry straight through. Firstly, my son will be 15 next month and this quote was a gut punch. More than that though, it gives me a homesick feeling for something that is intangible and yet unquestionably gone.

24 likes

CogsOfEncouragement

Anne of Green Gables | L.M. Montgomery

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I adore this series and enjoyed my reread immensely with #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead

40 likes

BarbaraJean

Anne of Green Gables | L.M. Montgomery

#KindredSpiritsBuddyRead #LMMReread
AoGG discussion, Chs. 20-end
In addition to Anne‘s inner life, we get a rich picture of Marilla‘s thoughts & feelings. Are there other characters you‘d like to see more of or get to know more deeply?

Last year, we read some Anne retellings & the prequel. Are there other Anne-adjacent stories you wonder about? Maybe AoGG from a different character POV? A Miss Josephine Barry memoir? What if Anne had been a boy?

rubyslippersreads, CogsOfEncouragement, lauraisntwilder, kwmg40, TheAromaofBooks, julieclair

rubyslippersreads Anyone interested in Diana‘s POV might enjoy

Diana of Orchard Slope: A Green Gables Variation

14mo

BarbaraJean @rubyslippersreads I've had my eye on that one but can't find a library copy! 14mo

julieclair @rubyslippersreads Thanks for that recommendation! Diana sprang immediately to mind when I read this question. 14mo

TheAromaofBooks I definitely feel like Marilla is the other character who changes the most in this story. She has always been one of my favorite literary personalities, and I love her more every time I read this story. I laugh every time Rachel Lynde says “she's gone mellow, that's what“ 😂

It would be fun to have more of Diana and the other schoolgirls as well, especially Di's feelings on being the only one from their group of friends who didn't go ⬇ 14mo

TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) to Queens. It would be so hard to be left behind! 14mo

27 likes5 comments

BarbaraJean

Anne of Green Gables | L.M. Montgomery

#KindredSpiritsBuddyRead #LMMReread
AoGG discussion, Chs. 20-end

What do you love about this book? What draws you back to re-read it?

On this reading, did you notice anything new to you, or did anything strike you in a new way?

rubyslippersreads, CogsOfEncouragement, lauraisntwilder, kwmg40, TheAromaofBooks, julieclair

CogsOfEncouragement I knew I adored this series, but I didn't remember the little details that made me laugh as well as cry this second time through. Twelve years ago I had not yet experienced sending a daughter off to college. I've been taking my son on college tours these last weeks as well so that hit different this time. I know the ending now so all the thoughts and interactions with Gil- entertain me more this time. 14mo

BarbaraJean @CogsOfEncouragement Aw, I can imagine things hitting differently and relating more to Marilla's emotions over Anne growing up and leaving home! It's fascinating how books “change“ because of life circumstances. The ending is what felt different to me this time. My husband & I moved in with my dad two years ago, after my mom passed away, and his eyesight is failing. And I'm currently in a time of career change, so there were lots of parallels ⬇ 14mo

BarbaraJean (Cont'd) ...for me with Anne‘s decisions and the idea of dreams shifting and changing because of circumstances. I think what brings me back to this book over and over is its emotional depth and the way I connect so deeply with Anne and now as an adult, with both Anne and Marilla. It's so much more than just Anne's childhood “scrapes“ although that part of the book is delightful as well! 14mo

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julieclair @CogsOfEncouragement @BarbaraJean Your comments perfectly illustrate why this book is such a beloved, enduring classic. It grows with us as we age. 14mo

TheAromaofBooks @CogsOfEncouragement @BarbaraJean @julieclair - Yes!! I have been amazed at how different parts of this book and this series have appealed to me at different ages. Now I'm old enough that I found myself relating to Marilla the most in this read-through 😂 I think there is a timeless connection because LMM is so good at making her characters “human“ - even if we've never dyed our hair green accidentally, we've done something to try to fit in ⬇ 14mo

TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) or impress that makes us cringe at our past selves now. We've all had moments where that bend in the road came upon us much more suddenly than we were expecting. We've had best friends from childhood who took a different path from us so the love is still there but not the everyday companionship. Combining these universal experiences with a heroine who is likable and who always pulls through not only connects us to the story, it also ⬇ 14mo

TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) gives us hope and reminds us that we can get through this season as we have gotten through others. 14mo

TheAromaofBooks I think one of the big things that struck me during this reread was that this was a very interesting/somewhat strange way for her to end the story. I always view this book as the first in a series, but LMM wrote it as a complete, finished story. So it's interesting that she ends Anne's story with Anne being “trapped“ back at home, still ambitious but with no foreseeable way to pursue those ambitions. It's still a happy ending because of who Anne ⬇ 14mo

TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) is as a person and because her “trapped“ circumstances are still pretty happy (and definitely much happier than LMM's own), but would this ending be as completely satisfying if no other Anne books had been written? 14mo

julieclair @TheAromaofBooks Perfectly said! 👍 And that‘s an interesting question about the ending. Anne being “trapped” back at home probably mirrored the reality for many young women at that time. Because her family situation was a happy one, it probably would have been a fine ending for those original readers. But viewed through today‘s lens, the ending might feel stifling and frustrating without the later books. 14mo

kwmg40 @TheAromaofBooks @julieclair Those are interesting observations about the ending. and they've made me think about my own reaction to the ending. If I hadn't already known what would happen in the next books, I wonder how I'd feel about it. (The first time I'd read this book was decades ago, so I don't remember at all how I felt then!) 14mo

kwmg40 While I like Anne, it's the supporting characters that bring me back to these books. I enjoy seeing how they change and develop as a result of Anne's arrival into their lives. 14mo

kwmg40 I'm reading Superfan, a memoir by Jen Sookfong Lee about her experiences growing up in Canada as the child of Chinese immigrants. Coincidentally, the entire first chapter is devoted to how Anne of Green Gables helped her understand her feelings of grief and abandonment after her father died.

Superfan: How Pop Culture Broke My Heart: A Memoir

14mo

julieclair @kwmg40 How interesting! But I guess there must be many people who have been helped by Anne in one way or another over the years. The mark of a true classic. 14mo

BarbaraJean @TheAromaofBooks I hadn‘t thought about that before, but it IS a bit of a strange way to end the story! Unless you‘re planning a sequel, which it sounds like she wasn‘t planning until the publisher requested more Anne books. It‘s interesting how hopeful the ending is, especially when you look at it without the other books on the horizon! I think I‘d still find it a satisfying ending (but then I tend to like aspirationally hopeful endings— ⬇ 14mo

BarbaraJean (Cont‘d) ones that give you a glimpse of what could be & let you imagine how the rest will play out). I found Anne‘s contentment inspiring but also felt such a sense of loss over her giving up the scholarship. @julieclair That‘s a great point that Anne‘s circumstances likely mirror a lot of women‘s at that time—family obligations taking precedence over personal dreams or career ambitions for women. There‘s a strong parallel to LMM‘s situation ⬇ 14mo

BarbaraJean (Cont‘d) …with her grandmother, but Anne‘s circumstances are far happier with Marilla. I feel like this is another parallel to LMM‘s life as she wished it could have been. @kwmg40 Yes! I was enamored with Anne when I read this in childhood (still am, honestly), but the development of the supporting characters is what stands out to me on a re-read. I love Marilla so much, and love seeing both her and Matthew grow and open up because of Anne. 14mo

BarbaraJean @kwmg40 That is so interesting about Superfan! I love seeing beloved books pop up like that, and reading how they‘ve impacted and helped others. 14mo

TheAromaofBooks Yesterday I came across a reel on Instagram that was talking about why AoGG is such a well-written book and one of the things she said is that people think of writing books like writing a movie, when it's really like writing a TV show. So AoGG is very episodic, with each chapter having its own little story arc. But the part that interested me was she pointed out that the *events* are episodic but the *relationships* are the long-term aspect. ⬇ 14mo

TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) So the story is actually about Anne becoming a part of a family/community and it is shown by the development of her relationships with Matthew, Marilla, Diana, and others, and those relationships are what grow throughout the entire book. The adventures are the episodes that show us those changes, but the book isn't really about Anne's “scrapes“ - it's about relationships. This also got me thinking about AoA, and how it's considered ⬇ 14mo

TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) “inferior“ to AoGG, and I think a big part of that is because Anne's relationships are stale/stable throughout this story. Yes, her friendship develops with Mr. Harrison, Miss Lavender, Paul, etc. But those relationships aren't actually the point of the book and also feel episodic. So while Avonlea is an enjoyable story with fun moments, it does feel more directionless. Anyway, it was an interesting little video that I'll never be able ⬇ 14mo

TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) to find again 😂 but it did make me realize that I think that is one of the big differences between AoGG and AoA. 14mo

BarbaraJean @TheAromaofBooks I love that—so spot-on! AoGG does have that underlying/connecting plot of Anne finding her place, and growing/maturing relationally right along with Matthew & Marilla. And AoA feels much more episodic because it doesn‘t have that underlying direction. So interesting, because the two books do have a similar structure—what gives AoGG continuity and a more cohesive narrative is emotional/relational rather than structural. (edited) 14mo

Seabreeze_Reader With every reread, I notice the flow of the writing and conversation. It's so good. I also empathize more with Marilla, especially during her first year dealing with Anne's emotional ups and downs. 13mo

BarbaraJean @Seabreeze_Reader Yes, I have definitely empathized with Marilla more as I've re-read AoGG as an adult!! I love the depth that LMM gives to Marilla's character. There's so much of the book in her perspective that I just didn't catch as a young reader. 13mo

23 likes25 comments

BarbaraJean

Anne of Green Gables | L.M. Montgomery

#KindredSpiritsBuddyRead #LMMReread
AoGG discussion, Chs. 20-end

We touched on this a little bit last week, but I had intended to ask it today, so I will! If you read Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm a few months ago, how do you see the two books comparing now that you‘ve re-read Anne?

If you‘ve also read LMM‘s journals/bios, what parallels to LMM‘s life do you notice in AoGG, particularly in this second half of the book?

rubyslippersreads, CogsOfEncouragement, lauraisntwilder, kwmg40, TheAromaofBooks, julieclair

TheAromaofBooks I definitely feel like the beginning of Anne parallels Rebecca more closely than the second halves of the two books. But literally everything about LMM's books is better. Rebecca is a perfectly enjoyable story with a likable little heroine, but LMM writes characters who feel like real, genuine people. The structure of her writing is better, the pacing superior, and the resolutions are satisfying. Even if LMM had never written another Anne book, ⬇ 14mo

TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) we still got a complete character arc. Rebecca never felt like it was going anywhere in particular, and the ending felt rushed and awkward. I didn't dislike Rebecca, I just didn't love it. It's hard for me to believe that Anne came second instead of the other way around. 14mo

TheAromaofBooks Side note, can't remember if I ever shared my review of Rebecca that I posted on my blog, complete with Anne/Rebecca comparison thoughts 😂

https://thearomaofbooks.wordpress.com/2024/06/27/rebecca-of-sunnybrook-farm-by-k... 14mo

21 likes3 comments

BarbaraJean

Anne of Green Gables | L.M. Montgomery

I have to post this, because I can never read the “Carrots” scene without thinking of Dirtbag Anne of Green Gables from The Toast: https://the-toast.net/2014/03/30/dirtbag-anne-green-gables/

“You wanna tell me what else is red”
😂😂🩸

#KindredSpiritsBuddyRead #LMMReread

rubyslippersreads, CogsOfEncouragement, lauraisntwilder, TheAromaofBooks, julieclair

willaful 🤣🤣🤣 1y

CogsOfEncouragement lol That's the best! 1y

julieclair 😂😂😂 1y

TheAromaofBooks Oh my gosh haha 1y

34 likes4 comments

BarbaraJean

Anne of Green Gables | L.M. Montgomery

#KindredSpiritsBuddyRead #LMMReread
AoGG discussion, Chs. 1-19

👒What changes do you see in Marilla and Matthew because of Anne? What good does she bring to them? What good do they bring to her?

👒What do you think makes Anne and Diana such fast friends? How are they similar or different?

👒Did anything else stand out to you in the first part of the book that you‘d like to discuss?

rubyslippersreads, CogsOfEncouragement, lauraisntwilder, TheAromaofBooks, julieclair

CogsOfEncouragement Matthew has been so timid that he doesn't seem to have much human connection. Anne brings massive amounts of joy to his life. Marilla seems to be softening, and certainly has more reasons to smile. They give Anne a safe haven, time to be a child playing outside with the opportunity to go to school as well as learn other skills she'll need in life. 1y

CogsOfEncouragement Diana doesn't have friends nearby and her siblings are much younger. Anne is so open with her feelings, who wouldn't want to reciprocate such a lovely feeling of friendship with the kind and smart girl next door? They seem the perfect balance to compliment each other.

I forgot how much Anne hates Gil at the start. I love it so much. Every Anne costume needs a cracked slate! He seems to get away with everything and Anne is having none of it. 1y

TheAromaofBooks For some reason I was really focusing on Marilla during this reading, in part from reading Rebecca recently and how her aunt absolutely never softened and remained stern and grouchy throughout the entire story. But we're told in the first chapter that Marilla may possibly have a hidden sense of humor. And by chapter 15, we have her first genuine have-to-sit-down-because-I'm-laughing-so-hard moment. In between, it doesn't feel like her character ⬇ 1y

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TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) changes, but rather like a layer is brought forward that even she didn't know existed. Marilla is genuinely one of my favorite fictional characters of all time. I love how practical and realistic she is, but how she is won over not just by Anne's warmth and fun, but by the way that Anne both needs and appreciates her.

I love the friendship between Anne and Diana. Di is so much more practical and realistic vs Anne's flights of fancy and ⬇ 1y

TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) imagination. They balance each other so well. I never feel like LMM makes Di “dumb“ or dull or that she's just there to make Anne look better. Diana also feels like a real girl, warm and loyal.

I love the line you quoted from Matthew - it's really the crux of his character. I love the times that he “puts his oar in“ even when he's not supposed to. Anne asking him if he's ever imagined what it would be like to be divinely beautiful ⬇ (edited) 1y

TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) (on the ride home from the station) sends me every time. 😂 1y

BarbaraJean @CogsOfEncouragement @TheAromaofBooks I love seeing how Matthew & Marilla grow—there‘s so much Anne brings to them, and it‘s a lovely parallel to how Matthew says they could be some good to her. Because of course they bring good to her, but it‘s so much more than just a home that‘s kinder than the orphanage/Mrs. Blewett. They take her in a bit out of pity, but end up offering so much love. I think that‘s the main good she brings to them: love. ⬇ 1y

BarbaraJean (Cont'd) She loves them, and she gives them someone to love. That‘s what is so moving to me about Marilla. I don‘t think either Matthew or Marilla had ever experienced the kind of love Anne has for them, and it‘s absolutely transformative on all sides. Both Matthew and Marilla needed someone to love them! (edited) 1y

BarbaraJean @TheAromaofBooks Marilla is SUCH a different character from Rebecca‘s grouchy aunt!! I honestly feel like any charges of plagiarism can be answered by: LMM did it better. 😆 I don‘t remember giving Marilla much thought when I read Anne as a kid, but every time I reread AoGG as an adult, I love Marilla more. I love your description of a layer of Marilla emerging that she didn‘t even know existed: shown in her sense of humor & growing love for Anne. 1y

BarbaraJean @CogsOfEncouragement @TheAromaofBooks In the later books, Anne & Diana don‘t seem like “kindred spirits” to me, so looking back at AoGG is a nice reminder of why they become friends & work so well together. There‘s a similarity with Matthew & Marilla (and with so many characters)—they respond to how open & loving Anne is. I‘d also forgotten how Diana is reading when Anne first comes over, and her mother says she always has her nose in a book— ⬇ 1y

BarbaraJean (Cont'd) Diana has an affinity for stories and adventure, too! And yes—they balance each other so well. I love Diana‘s loyalty and how she‘s just all in with Anne‘s fancies and imaginings. 1y

TheAromaofBooks I think as an adult I view Anne and Diana's friendship differently as well, because I'm old enough that I've seen my own “kindred spirit“ relationships chance and in some ways fade away as I've gotten older. My very best friend growing up I see only rarely now just because life has taken us in different directions. That affection and connection is still there, but not the same as when we were kids together and used to mail letters to each other ⬇ 1y

TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) on top of seeing each other 3 or 4 times a week 😂 So while I love Anne and Diana together, I think it's also interesting to see them grow apart. But I like to think that Anne also loved writing letters all her life like LMM did, so she and Di always stayed in close contact even as adults haha 1y

Seabreeze_Reader I'm way behind commenting here so I hope it's okay. I think part of the reason Diana and Anne become fast friends is they are nearly the same age but also due to proximity. Plus their personalities complement each other. In my estimation, Anne's real champion is Matthew though. 13mo

BarbaraJean @Seabreeze_Reader You're absolutely welcome to join in! Thanks for commenting! I definitely agree that proximity plays a big part in Diana and Anne's friendship. I think very often that can be the case in childhood friendships! They do really complement each other--Anne has lots of big ideas and I think Diana enjoys getting carried along with Anne's imagination! 13mo

28 likes15 comments

BarbaraJean

Anne of Green Gables | L.M. Montgomery

#KindredSpiritsBuddyRead #LMMReread
AoGG discussion, Chs. 1-19

👒Why do you think Anne became such a beloved character? What are some reasons you see for why she is still endearing and relatable over 100 years after AoGG was published? What attracts you to her in this first half of the book?

👒For those who‘ve read the journals and other LMM-related books (bios, literary analysis, etc.), how have these impacted this re-reading of AoGG for you?

rubyslippersreads, CogsOfEncouragement, lauraisntwilder, TheAromaofBooks, julieclair

rubyslippersreads I think the other materials I‘ve read have made me see that Anne is a cheerful character with some of LMM‘s characteristics, but Emily is much more the real Maud. The cheerfulness is part of what made AOGG so popular, while EONM languished out-of-print for many years. (I only learned about Emily because my mother and grandmother had read it, and we found a used copy.) 1y

kwmg40 @BarbaraJean Could you please add me to the tag list for the #LMMReread? I've only just started my reread of this first book and will return to these questions when I'm farther along. Thanks! 1y

CogsOfEncouragement I read this series for the first time over ten years ago, so I remember big plot points. I forgot how funny it is: any other man...Mrs. Rachel...might have given a pretty good guess..could make nothing of it and her afternoon's enjoyment was spoiled. What a great way to describe the town busybody. I love it! And then also: This had been done without her advice being asked, and must perforce be disapproved. Hilarious. 1y

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CogsOfEncouragement All of these characters are either there to laugh at, relate to, root for, and love. Anne is such a bright star and sweetheart, it is clear to us Matthew had no choice but to adore her. By our stopping point, Marilla is nearly the same as Matthew but the burden of raising Anne to be a productive member of society has been taken on by her - it let's Matthew off the hook to enjoy Anne without the burden as heavy. Parents can relate to this for sure. 1y

CogsOfEncouragement I think we can all relate to adults misunderstanding our childhood selves. The injustice it might have brought about for us. Possibly having to apologize to an adult that actually behaved worse than we did. We wish we could have responded with the dramatic flair Anne did. The silly social things going on at the schoolhouse are also relatable. All of these things cross generations. 1y

TheAromaofBooks One thing that has really struck me on this reread, especially reading this so soon after Rebecca of Sunnybrook, is how excellent LMM is at sketching out characters in a few lines. Like @CogsOfEncouragement noted - we get the big picture of Mrs Lynde's character - and also Matthew's - in just those first couple paragraphs. LMM is a master of showing vs telling. Her characters and places feel SO real. They say and do things we would say or do. ⬇ 1y

TheAromaofBooks We may not all be penniless orphans, but most of us have experienced not having the “in“ thing (i.e. puffed sleeves) when everyone else does.

I think like @rubyslippersreads point out, Emily is more true to Maud's life, while Anne is a bit more LMM's ideal. Avonlea is all the best parts of LMM's childhood and neighborhood. Anne is a dreamer, imaginative, intelligent, a lover of nature, etc - many of LMM's good qualities, but lacking her ⬇ 1y

TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) “darker“ side of depression and despair. Emily struggles in a household of unsympathetic adults (as did LMM) while Anne mellows and softens those around her to the point that they encourage and help her pursue her dreams. I think Anne somewhat is the life LMM wished she could have. It's not always a realistic story in the sense that everything always comes up roses for Anne in the end, but Anne's very human temper and tendency to leap ⬇ 1y

TheAromaofBooks (cont'd) before she looks makes her relatable and likable. 1y

CogsOfEncouragement Great points. I‘m so happy to reread this series with others. Thanks for hosting! 1y

BarbaraJean @rubyslippersreads Oh, definitely—there are similarities with Anne, but such clear parallels with Emily! I agree with @TheAromaofBooks that Anne is kind of the life LMM wished she‘d had. Having read the journals written while LMM was writing Anne, it makes so much sense why she found writing to be such a solace. How wonderful for LMM to escape into Anne‘s life when she was struggling with seasonal depression and frustrations over her grandmother. 1y

BarbaraJean @kwmg40 Absolutely! I‘ve added you to my #LMMReread tag list—and you‘re welcome to return to past questions whenever you‘re ready! 1y

BarbaraJean @CogsOfEncouragement Yes!! The humor is a delight, and all the little asides about Mrs. Lynde (and even the glimpses we get inside Marilla and Matthew‘s responses and emotions) make the book relatable and inviting as more than a children‘s book. But there are also so many relatable things from childhood as well—the injustices and the apologies for sure! @TheAromaofBooks I found myself comparing this to Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm a LOT as well! ⬇ 1y

BarbaraJean (Cont'd) I think those little touches of character insight—the descriptions of Mrs. Lynde and Matthew, as well as the internal view we so often get of Marilla—give this book so much more depth than RoSF, and make it more lovable (at least to me!). 1y

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BarbaraJean

Anne of Green Gables | L.M. Montgomery

#5JoysFriday!
1. At my husband‘s jazz concert on Sunday, his combo performed a piece from Fallout especially for a dear friend‘s son who attended that evening. Seeing his joy over the dedication gave ME such joy!
2. Had a delightful and encouraging lunch with a friend on Wednesday to celebrate my admission to the Spiritual Direction program I‘m starting in August—and she brought me flowers!
3. Reading Anne this week is bringing me SO MUCH joy!!⤵️

DebinHawaii

BarbaraJean 4. The poem “Patient Trust” by Teilhard de Chardin (https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/prayer-of-theilhard-de-chardin/)
5. This chocolate bar!! 😋 (edited) 1y

kspenmoll Wonderful joys! Congrats on your new Spiritual Direction program, & the jazz concert/dedication-💙 (edited) 1y

TheBookHippie Yum -chocolate!!! 1y

Aimeesue Tony‘s Chocolney is my favorite 🤎🤎🤎 1y

DebinHawaii A lovely list of joys! 💛💛💛 Beautiful flowers 💐& wonderful friend! Thanks for sharing & helping to spread the joy! 🤗 1y

33 likes5 comments

BarbaraJean

Anne of Green Gables | L.M. Montgomery

Finally getting a start on re-reading this favorite for #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead—in this gorgeous edition with cover by Elly MacKay!

35 likes

CogsOfEncouragement

Anne of Green Gables | L M Montgomery

These beloved L.M. Montgomery classics are coming up in the #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead

All are welcome! Hosted by @BarbaraJean

Green Gables:
7/27: Discuss chapters 1-19
8/3: Discuss chapter 20-end

Avonlea:
8/17: Discuss chapters 1-15
8/24: Discuss chapter 16-end

Roary47 Oooo I‘ll read the second one. I‘ll be too busy for a reread, but should be able to discuss it. 1y

29 likes1 comment

LitsyEvents

Anne of Green Gables | L.M. Montgomery

Repost for @BarbaraJean

Posting a separate blurb to highlight the readalong for Anne of Green Gables & Anne of Avonlea! These beloved L.M. Montgomery classics are coming up in the #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead.

Green Gables:
7/27: Discuss chapters 1-19
8/3: Discuss chapter 20-end

Avonlea:
8/17: Discuss chapters 1-15
8/24: Discuss chapter 16-end

Original post - https://www.litsy.com/web/post/2755171
Cont. ⬇

LitsyEvents All are welcome: buddy readers, re-readers, or those new to Anne. Comment if you‘d like to be tagged for either or both books! 1y

42 likes1 comment

BarbaraJean

Anne of Green Gables | L. M. Montgomery

Posting a separate blurb to highlight the readalong for Anne of Green Gables & Anne of Avonlea! These beloved L.M. Montgomery classics are coming up in the #KindredSpiritsBuddyRead.

Green Gables:
7/27: Discuss chapters 1-19
8/3: Discuss chapter 20-end

Avonlea:
8/17: Discuss chapters 1-15
8/24: Discuss chapter 16-end

All are welcome: buddy readers, re-readers, or those new to Anne. Comment if you‘d like to be tagged for either or both books!

rubyslippersreads, Daisey, LeahBergen, CogsOfEncouragement, lauraisntwilder, TheAromaofBooks, julieclair

AllDebooks @LitsyEvents 1y

BarbaraJean @AllDebooks Thank you!! I meant to tag Litsy Events and forgot! 1y

AllDebooks @BarbaraJean 💚 1y

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julieclair Yay! Please tag me for both books. I may not re-read Green Gables, but would like to be in on the discussion. And I definitely plan to read Avonlea, as I have never read it. 1y

julieclair If anyone needs copies, both of these are available to download for free on Faded Page. 1y

BarbaraJean @julieclair Yay! I‘m so interested to hear your thoughts on Anne of Avonlea! 1y

lauraisntwilder I'm in! Between shipping delays and life getting in the way, I'm so behind on LMM's journals that I'll probably still be catching up on that after we've started AoGG. I'm enjoying being back in Maud's inner world though. 1y

rubyslippersreads Please tag me for both. I‘ve read AOGG so many times that I‘ll have no trouble commenting, but I may reread Avonlea, since it‘s been awhile. 👒 1y

rubyslippersreads @lauraisntwilder I‘m behind too, although in my case it‘s life and small print getting in my way. 🔎 (edited) 1y

BarbaraJean @lauraisntwilder @rubyslippersreads It's so hard to catch up with the journals when I get behind! I really enjoy them, but it's just harder to sink into and there's not that ongoing plotline to draw me back in. I will tag you both for AoGG and AoA! 1y

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