Why We Love Ann..with an E and Another Fabulous Giveaway

The first time I met Anne, I was ten years old. She instantaneously became my best friend...or shall we say "a kindred spirit". As Anne grew older, I lived vicariously through her life and enjoyed every moment as I voraciously read every single novel. Fast track a few years. I was married with children, and we were heading to Prince Edward Island for a semi-family reunion and holiday. What better time to acquaint my children with my old friend Anne Shirley? It was like going home and being reunited with old friends. Why do we love Anne so much?

My childhood copy of Anne of Green Gables. Well loved and a little worn.

First, the characters are endearing and memorable. How can we not want to have an older uncle or a grandfather as soft spoken and kind as Matthew Cuthbert. What about a best friend like Diana Barry? Even the busy body Mrs. Rachel Lynde grows on us. Marilla Cuthbert might seem cranky, disciplined and straitlaced. but she has a soft side to her that you only understand when you're a mother yourself. Oh and of course...how could we forget Gilbert Blythe? I like to call him her "fr-enemy". And yet...dare I say it....isn't he dreamy?  Lucy Maud Montgomery had a way of making her characters stand out, yet somehow, we have met them all before because the are real. It might be your neighbor down  the street, it might be an uncle or aunt you have, it might even be your own best friend.

Second, the unequivocal, delicious descriptions that Anne gives to mundane every day things leaves readers' imaginations reeling! Let's just name a few: The White Way of Delight,  The Lake of Shining Waters. These two descriptions are not just apple trees in bloom along the avenue, nor is it just Barry's Pond. And in all honesty? Who names trees and plants? Well Anne does. The first morning she wakes at Green Gables is a feast to anyone's senses. The old cherry tree becomes The Snow Queen and an apple pink geranium is named Bonny! The mundane becomes magical.

Third, there are the unforgettable moments in Anne's life that we become apart of while we read. Who can forget the moment she cracks the slate over Gilbert's head because he called her carrots? What about her disastrous tea with Diane because she thought she was serving her best friend raspberry cordial? One of my favorite moments is when Anne is the Lily Maid and the little row boat springs a leak. Her absolute disdain towards Gilbert when he tries to rescue her is priceless. And how can we forget when Matthew insists on puffed sleeves? That moment is classic!

Finally, Anne teaches us to be ourselves and love life. She is a little kooky, but has THE MOST amazing imagination. She shows spunk, is a little rough around the edges at times, but as she matures she turns into a lovely young lady. She reminds us time again "...there is always a bend in the road..." but ..."all's right with the world" too. A reminder we can take to heart even now in this modern day.

What is your favorite Canadian Book? Drop me a line and let me know. While you're at it, Lisa Marie over at The Canadian Homeschooler is having a fabulous giveaway. Win a full set of "Disaster Strikes" books from Coteau Books. These books are meant for young readers Grade 4+. They are stories written from a youth/child's perspective of major moment of disasters that happened throughout Canadian history. The contest is open to 18+, you MUST be a CANADIAN citizen.
Deadline for entries is MARCH 11@ 11:59 pm EST.

Entry-Form