I’ve been on this nostalgic journey lately, revisiting some of the books that impacted my life, shaped my love of reading and writing, and led to my love of working with authors to bring their stories to print.

If you’re a reader, you know what I mean. I’m talking about those beloved stories from youth that shape us.

As I started my journey of revisiting past reads, I thought, why not share them with you?

If you’re a fellow bookworm like me, you’ll want to check out this first gem; it is well worth a look.

Anne of Green Gables:

Ah, the wonderful world of Anne of Green Gables! I remember my first introduction to this beloved story vividly. It was back in 1985, I was in high school, and the iconic mini-series adaptation starring Megan Follows graced our television screens. Along with the nation, I was absolutely enthralled and glued to the TV. There was something so captivating about Anne Shirley’s character and her adventures in Avonlea.

I must admit, after watching that mini-series, I couldn’t get enough of Anne of Green Gables. So, I dove headfirst into L.M. Montgomery’s novels and found myself immersed in the world she had created. The picturesque landscapes, the charming characters, and Anne’s vibrant imagination brought the stories to life in such a magical way. Although it’s set in the 19th century, it remains a coming-of-age tale that resonated with me on a deep level.

Who is Anne Shirley? At the beginning of the series she is an extraordinary 11-year-old girl whose life has been far from easy; she’s experienced the hardships of being an orphan, constantly moving from one home to another. Throughout her tumultuous journey, Anne has been forced to take on the role of caregiver and helper to others. She has never had the opportunity to experience the warmth and stability of a loving family.

Anne is placed with the Cuthbergs, a brother and sister duo who have been hoping to adopt a boy to lend them a hand on their farm as they grow older. They aren’t looking to adopt a girl!

We might expect Anne to be jaded and hard, given the challenges she has faced in life. But that’s not the case. Anne possesses incredible resilience and an infectious zest for life. She sees beauty in the simplest things and possesses an imagination that knows no bounds. She has a fiery spirit and a head full of dreams. She is a multi-faceted character. Her uplifting spirit endures despite her struggles with feelings of inadequacy and shame over her fiery red hair and face full of freckles. She doesn’t think she is attractive and reacts with fierce anger at any mention of her appearance.

As the story unfolds, we are introduced to various characters that further propel the storytelling. Anne quickly forms a deep friendship with a kindred spirit, Diana Barry, her bosom buddy! They support and understand each other through thick and thin. Their friendship blossoms amidst shared dreams, secrets, and laughter.

She also develops a deep rivalry with Gilbert Blythe, the boy who insulted her by calling her carrot top upon first meeting her.

Anne and Gilbert are both determined to be the best student in their class, pushing them to one-up each other constantly. As their rivalry unfolds, we see Anne and Gilbert grow and mature.

Throughout the book, readers will be captivated by Anne’s hopeful spirit, strength in adversity, and strong character. Anne’s journey is one of growth and resilience as she navigates the challenges that life throws her way.

But it’s not just Anne who shines in this story. The development of friendship and family connections also plays a significant role. Readers will witness the bonds that form between Anne and those around her, experiencing the power of genuine relationships.

I highly recommend diving into the world of Anne of Green Gables. It’s a heartwarming tale filled with unforgettable characters and timeless themes! You’ll be captivated by Anne’s spirit and inspired by her ability to find beauty in even the most challenging circumstances. Anne of Green Gables is truly a story that celebrates hope, strength, and the enduring power of love.