Anne of Green Gables (Anne of Green Gables #1)

I love this book like WHOA. Gorgeous writing (this is the first book I ever read as a child where I could literally SEE the setting unfold in my mind) and unforgettable characters make this charming, magical book a familiar friend readers love to return to time and again. Anyone who hasn't yet spent time with the irrepressible and imaginitive Anne Shirley needs to read this book as soon as possible.

Reader reviewed by inconceivably

This was my first book love, and will probably continue to be the greatest as well. I have re-read it more then any other book combined most likely. The charming and lovable Anne Shirley is one of the most captivating and original characters in literature. The world L.M. Montgomery created on Prince Edward Island is without equal: every single character in this series is beautiful and original (yes, even Josie Pye and Charlie Sloan).

Also, I have spent my entire life pining after Gilbert Blythe.

Reader reviewed by Michelle

I really like the Anne of Green Gables series, and I have to admit this first book is the best written.  It has really memorable scenes in it.

But Anne herself is so silly and annoying, and Gilbert is horrid!  Anytime I try to re-read the series I can't wait for them both to grow up, and end up skipping this book.  Even Diana I can't stand.

The only good part of this story is the way Marilla and Matthew grow to love Anne.

Reader reviewed by Robynlnorris

As a child I adored this book because I identified with Anne's rambunctious personality.  And now I love the book even more.  The themes of friendship and family and a young girl with a very strong personality...wonderful for a young girl growing up and discovering herself. 

Reader reviewed by leebase

I first fell in love with this story from the PBS mini-series.   Usually a book is far better than any movie, but this movie was so good, I wondered.   The book was every bit as good as the show.   The character, Anne, is a precocious girl that just steals your heart.   An orphan who goes through such trials and is adopted by an odd couple -- older brother and sister.

Seeing the world through this child's eyes is a real treat.   Seeing the impact that she has on the couple -- and they on her warms your heart.   It's a book about life, about best friends, about wonder.

I shared this book with my 13yr old daughter and she loved it too.   She did have trouble with the words at first, so it may not be the best book for a weaker reader.

You'll want to visit Green Gables yourself after reading this book.

Reader reviewed by AB

Anne of Green Gables is the cutest books ever written.
Anne of Green Gables will make you laugh until it hurts!
This book made me laugh,cry, and laugh some more.
This book has many series to it also. Those sequels will make you laugh and cry also!
Anne Shirley is such a well written character it is so hard to describe her.
This book was not great it was AWESOME!
I could describe the whole book if  I could I loved it so much!
Such a great read! This book is definetly a crowd pleaser!
This book is for all ages! My family even adores this book!

Reader reviewed by Julie H.

When brother and sister Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert decide to adopt an orphan boy to help them out on the farm, neighbors think they're crazy.  When there's a mix-up and a girl arrives, tongues really wag.  When Matthew picks up red-haired, imaginative Anne Shirley at the train station, no one realizes how wonderful their lives will be.  I loved Anne of Green Gables.  From the puffed sleeves to gossipy Rachel Lynde, there is truly something there for everyone.  I especially liked being able to see Anne's growth into an older teen without losing her zeal for life and that great imagination of hers. 

Reader reviewed by Kristen

I listened to this classic for the first time this summer. The
audiobook was fantastic. I loved Kate Burton's performance and I think
she really hit Anne right on. This book made me laugh a ton and cry a
bit. It's definitely worth reading if you haven't before. I'm keeping this review short, because there really is not much to say
besides the fact that there is a reason that people are still reading
this classic - it's amazing. I think I may have to continue on with the
series.

Reader reviewed by Aszkara

Have you ever imagined that you were a fashionable queen, or renamed a beautiful place? Anne Shirley does just that and much more in Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery.

Anne Shirley is an eleven-year-old orphan girl with a bright mind and a vivid imagination. She is spirited, friendly, and very talkative. She is pale and thin, has green eyes, freckles, and red hair to match her fiery temper. Mathew and Marilla Cuthbert are two old, single siblings who live on their farm, Green Gables in the quiet town of Avonlea in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Mathew is getting old and is unable to do most of the farm work, so they send for an orphan boy. When Mathew goes to the train station and finds Anne instead, her life and the Cuthberts are turned upside down. Anne is uneducated and has little manners, and Marilla strives to turn her into a proper lady. However, Annes temper and wild imagination get her into several scrapes, such as dying her hair green, falling off a roof, and accidently getting her best friend drunk. Despite all of this, everyone, even strict Marilla, learn to love Anne. The book takes you through Annes life as she grows into a charming and grown-up young woman. After several adventures, Anne learns about love, friendship, and herself.

This novel is heart-warming and hilarious. I enjoyed watching Anne grow and change through her many accidents. This book is one of the best Ive ever read, and I know youll love it, too.

Reader reviewed by ambeen

Anne of Green Gables is a favorite book from when I was younger and still to this day.

The story follows Anne a bedraggled orphan with a fiery temper who is mistakenly adopted by Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert who were expecting a boy that could help on the farm. Anne, as is her fashion, wins the Cuthberts over and is at Green Gables to stay. Annes adventures are many and often involve her getting into some kind of trouble. She is terribly endearing though, winning the heart of a particular boy, Gilbert Blythe.

Ah, Gilbert Blythe. The epitome of what every girl wants. Someone that is so in love he doesnt care when you smash that slate over his head.


In spite of Gilberts love, Anne is extremely dim and doesnt realize he loves her. They are perfect for each other but Anne is too hung up on her idea of love and the perfect guy to see it. This is the one major flaw in Annes character but one every girl can relate to as we all have our own idea of the perfect love. Luckily for her, it isnt a tragic flaw.


Another great person in Annes life was Matthew Cuthbert who is full of awesome because he openly shows his love for Anne instead of suppressing it like Marilla (who does love Anne but has a harder time showing it). I sob buckets when he meets his end. Matthew is so genuine and sweet, it would be hard not to love him. Kind of like little kittens or puppies, you just love them so much you want to squeeze them.

One of my favorite parts of the book is when Anne manages to get her best friend drunker than a skunk. Yes, even in the 19th century adolescents were partying it up. Although I suppose I should let you know it is completely innocent. Anne and Diana arent sitting on the banks of Barry Pond sampling Marillas red currant wine while discussing what a witch Josie Pye is. Although how hilarious would that be?

I cant imagine my childhood without Anne. I cant imagine my adulthood without her either. You just cant go wrong where Anne is concerned.