Finished: 2/24/10
The first time I read this, I believe I was in late elementary school or early junior high. I loved it. So much that I read the entire series. As much as I remember my fondness for it, I didn't recall the details of the story, so I picked it up once again. I'm glad I did.
I can understand now, looking back on my younger self, and understand why I would have been so attracted to this book. The main character, Meg, does really feel she belongs anywhere, but isn't quite willing to act more "normal" so that she'll belong. Ultimately, she feels very alone accept for her relationship with her youngest brother, who is quite a bit younger. They lean on each other and have an understanding of each other that no one else in their world does. Additionally, Meg's father has gone missing, not seen or heard from in years.
All of this speaks all to well of my life at around that same age. A much younger brother for which I was, and very much felt, responsible for. A father who wasn't really mine and certainly wasn't present. And a sense that I didn't fit into this world, so I made up my own. Lived in my own brain. No wonder I loved this story so much.
As an adult, I can see themes and messages I didn't back then. About parent/child relationships, about belief with no possibility of seeing, about different ways of looking at things, hope in the face of adversity, about how miserable it is to be trapped in a world where everyone is the same, that it is our differences that make life beautiful. Also, there is a religious theme I would never have noticed as a girl. One that makes me slightly reticent to delve into the remainder of the series. A bias yes, but at least I admit it.
In the end, removing my little bias, it is a wonderful, wonderful book and I would highly recommend it. It is a beautifully written story. Well worth a read. :)
I love to read, but lately don't read as much as I would like. Damn the invention of TV! Lol! I am currently trying to read Shutter Island, and by currently, I mean I think I read the first five pages and put the book down on my nightstand, where it remains today. Like you, I have a list of books that I have to read. Some books were returned to the library before I even got the chance to open the front cover, though. :(
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, I see that Anne of Green Gables is on your list. I love, love, love that series. I have read and re-read the entire series many times over. And then just recently, I heard that there is a new book to the series that came out last year, even though the author has been dead for years. It's supposed to be the "lost" chapter. You know how there's always a "lost" chapter. Insert eye roll, as I expect the original author most likely didn't write it, but the family of the author hired a ghost writer (or something like that). Anyhow, even though that may be the case, I must read it! Lol!
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ReplyDeleteI love to read as well, but found I was never doing it because I was too busy. To force myself to make time, I started with a reading goal a few years ago, and now I increase it a little every year. So far, I only failed the first year (goal was too high at the time). I feel better knowing that I'm making myself find the time to do something I love. Still, days will go by with the book on the nightstand and only the first chapter read...just like you. ;)
I've seen some of the TV series of Anne of Green Gables, but never read the books. I'm really looking forward to it. Unfortunately, I picked up so many books that who knows if I'll get to it before it has to be returned! Thanks for sharing the info on the "lost chapter". If I make it through the series, I will definitely keep that in mind!