Friday, February 11, 2011

A Pleasant Break

I have read a lot of good books lately.  I enjoyed the Hunger Games trilogy, "These is my Words," "The Help," "Unbearable Lightness," and many other books of substance.  It's fantastic to read so much recently written literature.  I've learned so much about the Civil Rights era, the struggles in the Arizona territories in the mid to late 1800s, eating disorders, and the horrors of being a teenager in post-apocolyptic America.  I've also slipped in some fluff here and there, of course.

I got a Nook at Christmas, and a month ago I found all of the Anne of Green Gables books for 99 cents, and bought them.  About a week ago I started reading them for the first time that I can remember.  My mom probably read them to me when I was in elementary school, but things went in one ear and out the other back then.  So this is really the first time for me.  I have seen the movies hundreds of times (like, every other Saturday in college when it wasn't Pride and Prejudice Saturday).  I LOVE the movies.  Who doesn't adore Gilbert and his floppy hair?  But I had no idea how much more there is in the books.  The only word I can come up with is delightful.  There is no horrible tragedy or social commentary, war or depression.  Just a spunky orphan finding beauty in her surroundings.  One of the joys of reading is the ability you have to see inside the characters' minds.  Marilla's thoughts add so much depth to her character.  Rachel Lynde is even more amusing.  I am currently about halfway through "Anne of the Island."  If you need something to brighten up your February, I suggest you give Anne a try.  It is such a pleasure to read these books. 

4 comments:

rachelsaysso said...

Anne of the Island is my FAVORITE. I'm so glad you're reading these. I reread all of them a few years ago and it was one of the greatest months ever. Make sure you go all the way through to Rilla of Ingleside. Seeing Anne and Gilbert with a family is fantastic. And have you read Blue Castle? Please tell me you've read it.

Rach said...

I read Blue Castle for the first time a year ago. How were we roommates for so long without me knowing about that book? I guess we were sidetracked by Colin Firth.

Jazmomof4 said...

I love Ann of Green Gables! I have the entire series, I used to keep them in my desk at school in 5th grade I thought they were the coolest. I should get them out and read them again - Good idea! I am glad we are kindred spirits!

Angela said...

I just read Anne of Green Gables for the first time. I loved it so much I started right over when I finished. I love reading books about every day simple life. It is just so pleasant!