Anne of the Island

by L.M. Montgomery
Carver County Library, paperback, 298 pages

Anne at college in Redmond. Older, wiser, less fun. An enjoyable book, but with the bittersweet tang of growing up and leaving childhood behind. Her rejection of Gilbert Blythe was easy to see coming. What a silly girl!

Anne of Avonlea

by L.M. Montgomery
Hennepin County Library, audioCDs, 9.25 hours
read by Barbara Caruso

Delightful sequel to Anne of Green Gables, but I don't like this reader quite as well. I suppose Anne needed an "older" voice, but her Marilla was especially crusty. I like the dynamics between Anne and Gilbert as well as the changes in Mr. Harrison. The story line with Miss Lavender isn't quite as captivating for me.

Anne of Green Gables

by L.M. Montgomery
Hennepin County Library, audioCDs, 10 hours & 21 minutes
read by Kate Burton

I love this story! I am glad, though, that it is no longer one of the 8th grade novels. I just don't see it as something that most 21st century 13-year-olds can really relate to much. Anne is an imaginative, creative, somewhat careless orphan adopted by elderly siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert.

The reader is perfect for this story! She captures the characters beautifully and brings Anne's wistfulness to life. This is one of those "classic" books I should have in my home library for re-reads from time to time. Lovely.

Anne of Avonlea

by L.M. Montgomery
Hennepin County, audiobook on CD
read by ???

Listening to this reminded me of why I *hate* abridged versions of books! I wasn't careful at the library - it didn't say it was abridged, but I could tell right away. I still enjoy the story, but am glad that I've read the full version before. So much of the story line and character development are lost in the abridgement!

Anne is a much more enjoyable character in this story. Her improvement society and teaching experiences are fun and interesting.