Bonus 43-50. Anne of Green Gable Series

Lucy Maude Montgomery. 1908-1921.

43. Anne of Green Gables
44. Anne of Avonlea
45. Anne of the Islands
46. Anne of Windy Poplars
47. Anne’s House of Dreams
48. Anne of Ingleside
49. Rainbow Valley
50. Rilla of Ingleside
I’ve read this entire series at least ten times and the first three probably more like 25 times and the first one probably 50 times over the years, but it has been at least a decade since I have read any of them.  Having just gone back and reread the entire series from the beginning, I have to say that this series holds up, despite having been written a century ago.  With the exception of Rainbow Valley, which for sure has overtly racist language and perpetuates stereotypes, the other 6 books are almost completely devoid of anything offensive at all.  I was shocked to find how well both the writing and the story endure.  The general themes of wanting a family who loves you and care about you and that you can love and care for is just as relevant now as it was then.  The longing for a bossum friend to share good times and bad with could just as easily have been written last week.  I love everything about this sweet, sweet story of a strong-willed, hot-tempered, high-energy teen who gets into scrape after scrape, often of her own doing.  Highly recommend this entire series for any age, keeping in mind that for real youngsters, you might want to read ahead in Rainbow Valley so you can skip the handful of paragraphs that are offensive.
Highly recommend.

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