Welcome, kindreds, to the inaugural gathering of the Anne Shirley Book Club! (Cue the marching band) Selfishly, this little adventure has been such a good motivator to help me find time for myself and get my groove back after the birth of our daughter almost two months ago. (Yes blog world, we had our baby. Did I not tell you that? Whoops!)
I haven't read Anne of Green Gables, in a few years, while I tend to dust other books from the series off annually. I loved being able to visit her again and see her with new eyes. First time readers, what did you think? Do you still want to read through all eight of the books with us? I hope so!
Maybe it's because of my newfound role as a mom, but this reading of Anne introduced me to all of the parental influences in her life. I couldn't help but ponder more on the families that took her in in her early years. Though we know that she was never really wanted, Anne always had a place until she ended up in the asylum.
In Avonlea, she had the Cuthberts to fill the long sought after roles of "mother" and "father" in her life. But there was truly a village looking out for her. She found in the minister's wife, Mrs. Allan, a kindred spirit and sounding board for ethical dilemmas that she might be able to breach with Marilla. Miss Stacy inspired her to work even harder, for herself, not just out of competition with Gil--I mean other students. (: At one point, she mentions to Marilla how she decided to make a good decision because she wanted to tell Mrs. Allan all about an experience and didn't want to have to omit anything. If she had made the bad choice, she wouldn't have felt comfortable sharing the account.
Secondly, I thought of the village that is helping raise my daughter. Sure, she can't even hold her head up yet, but she is already the product of the prayers, love, and sacrifice of so many. As Mr. F has started school, this village has grown even more important. From dinners being delivered and walking partners, to late night feeding texts and impromptu visits. My village (hi village!) is not only taking care of my girl, but teaching me the kind of mother, woman, and friend I want to be.
So friends, those are just a few of my thoughts. What did you think? Hit the comment section to discuss and be sure to share your carrot cake pictures! Instructions for next month and the quote print will be coming to you via email shortly. Want to join in on the fun? Send me a message and we'll get you set up! seewhatiseadesigns at gmail dot com
I loved reading this with my little girl. It just made it amazing. Reading about Anne growing up made me cry, while sitting next to my little 5 year old. And seeing her reactions, what she liked and held on to was a lot of fun. At the beginning of the book, Anne talks about the trees dreaming, and S really liked that and talked about it the next day. She didn't enjoy the ending as much, more the beginning stories and antics of Anne and her friends.
ReplyDeleteI thought a lot about the transformation of getting older. Priorities changing, gathering maturity, but still retaining that youthfulness, still retaining your SELF. Anne says, "I'm not a bit changed - not really. I'm only just pruned down and branched out. The real me - back here- is just the same. At heart I shall always be your little Anne..." and she spoke that to every parent everywhere. And I cried.
One other thing that stood out to me when I read it this time, was Anne's stubbornness. She let stubbornness get in the way of good sense and friendship. It worked out well in the end (as we all want in any book), but she did have regret. It was a good caution - not to let negativity get in the way of becoming better. It took her awhile, but she did it. Which is good, because GILBERT.
I just finished reading this for the second time. I am obsessed with Anne with an "e"!
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