Anne of Green Gables – Lucy Maud Montgomery
First Published – 1908

I remember when I was first introduce to Ann (with an E) Shirley – I was probably about 6 or 7 and the mini-series starring Megan Follows was on TV. I’d never heard of Anne of Green Gables (that I remember, I’m sure my mom will correct me however) but I was immediately sucked in. Soon after, I received a boxed set of the books and while I’m ashamed to admit I never really read past book 3 at the time – the story of Anne is one that I’ve revisited many times in the subsequent 30+ years.

Looking back on this re-read (probably the 20th over the years), I’m consistently amazed about how much what I think I remember from the books was influenced by the movie. Don’t get me wrong, I love the movie (obviously, since I remember so much about it) – but there is just something innocent about the books that didn’t translate to the big screen.

Visiting Anne, Marilla and Matthew was like being welcomed into a big warm hug. Its just comforting and you feel like you are coming home. Although, I’ll admit that now I want to go back and watch the movies again…