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Anne of Green Gables (Puffin Classics) Hardcover – September 30, 2010

by L. M. Montgomery (Author), Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini (Illustrator)
4.7 out of 5 stars 15,823 ratings
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The Cuthberts are in for a shock. They are expecting an orphan boy to help with the work at Green Gables - but a skinny red-haired girl turns up instead. Highly spirited Anne Shirley charms her way into the Cuthberts' affection with her vivid imagination and constant chatter, and soon it's impossible to imagine life without her.
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  1. Reading age
    8+ years, from customers
  2. Print length
    464 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    5 - 4
  5. Lexile measure
    970L
  6. Dimensions
    5.44 x 1.5 x 7.31 inches
  7. Publisher
    Puffin Books
  8. Publication date
    September 30, 2010
  9. ISBN-10
    0141334908
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0141334905
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"All the Little Raindrops: A Novel" by Mia Sheridan for $10.39
The chilling story of the abduction of two teenagers, their escape, and the dark secrets that, years later, bring them back to the scene of the crime. | Learn more

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Lauren Child (www.milkmonitor.com) is the award-winning creator of the characters Charlie and Lola, Clarice Bean, and Hubert Horatio Bobton-Trent.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Mrs. Rachel Lynde lived just where the Avonlea main road dipped down into a little hollow, fringed with alders and ladies' eardrops and traversed by a brook that had its source away back in the woods of the old Cuthbert place; it was reputed to be an intricate, headlong brook in its earlier course through those woods, with dark secrets of pool and cascade; but by the time it reached Lynde's Hollow it was a quiet, well-conducted little stream, for not even a brook could run past Mrs. Rachel Lynde's door without due regard for decency and decorum; it probably was conscious that Mrs. Rachel was sitting at her window, keeping a sharp eye on everything that passed, from brooks and children up, and that if she noticed anything odd or out of place she would never rest until she had ferreted out the whys and wherefores thereof.

There are plenty of people, in Avonlea and out of it, who can attend closely to their neighbors business by dint of neglecting their own; but Mrs. Rachel Lynde was one of those capable creatures who can manage their own concerns and those of other folks into the bargain. She was a notable housewife; her work was always done and well done; she "ran" the Sewing Circle, helped run the Sunday-school, and was the strongest prop of the, Church Aid Society and Foreign Missions Auxiliary. Yet with all this Mrs. Rachel found abundant time to sit for hours at her kitchen window, knitting "cotton warp" quilts--she had, knitted sixteen of them, as Avonlea housekeepers were wont to tell in awed voices-and keeping a sharp eye on the main road that crossed the hollow and wound up the steep red hill beyond. Since Avonlea occupied a little triangular peninsula jutting out into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, with water on two sides of it, anybody who went out of it or into it had to pass over that hill road and so run the unseen gauntlet of Mrs. Rachel's all-seeing eye.

She was sitting there one afternoon in early June. The sun was coming in at the window warm and bright; the orchard on the slope below the house was in a bridal flush of pinky-white bloom, hummed over by a myriad of bees. Thomas Lynde-a meek little man whom Avonlea people called "Rachel Lynde's husband"-was sowing his late turnip seed on the hill field beyond the barn; and Matthew Cuthbert ought to have been sowing his on the big red brook field away over by Green Gables. Mrs. Rachel knew that he ought because she had heard him tell Peter Morrison the evening before in William J. Blaire's store over at Carmody that he meant to sow his turnip seed the next afternoon. Peter had asked him, of course, for Matthew Cuthbert had never been known to volunteer information about anything in his whole life.

And yet here was Matthew Cuthbert, at half-past three on the afternoon of a busy day, placidly driving over the hollow and up the hill; moreover, he wore a white collar and his best suit of clothes, which was plain proof that he was going out of Avonlea; and he had the buggy and the sorrel mare, which betokened that he was going a considerable distance. Now, where was Matthew Cuthbert going and why was he going there?

Had it been any other man in Avonlea Mrs. Rachel, deftly putting this and that together, might have given a pretty good guess as to both questions. But Matthew so rarely went from home that it must be something pressing and unusual which was taking him; he was the shyest man alive and hated to have to go among strangers or to any place where he might have to talk. Matthew, dressed up with a white collar and driving in a buggy, was something that didn't happen often. Mrs. Rachel, ponder as she might, could make nothing of it and her afternoo's enjoyment was spoiled.

"I'll just step over to Green Gables after tea and find out from Marilla where he's gone and why," the worthy woman finally concluded. "He doesn't generally go to town this time of year and he new visits; if he'd run out of turnip seed he wouldn't dress up and take the buggy to go for more; he wasn't driving fast enough to be going for the doctor. Yet something must have happened since List night to start him off. I'm clean puzzled, that's what, and I won't know a minute's peace of mind or conscience until I know what has taken Matthew Cuthbert out of Avonlea today-"

Accordingly after tea Mrs. Rachel set out; she had not far to go; the big, rambling orchard-embowered house where the Cuthberts lived was a scant quarter of a mile up the road from Lynde's Hollow. To be sure, the long lane made it a good deal further. Matthew Cuthberfs father, as shy and silent as his son after him, had got as far away as he possibly could from his fellow men without actually retreating into the woods when he founded his homestead. Green Gables was built at the furthest edge of his cleared land and there it was to this day, barely visible from the main road along which all the other Avonlea houses were so sociably situated. Mrs. Rachel Lynde did not call living in such a place living at all.

1. It's just staying, that's what," she said as she stepped along the deep-rutted, grassy lane bordered with wild rose bushes. "Ifs no wonder Matthew and Marilia are both a little odd, living away back here by themselves. Trees aren't much company, though dear knows if they were there'd be enough of them. I'd ruther look at people. To be sure, they seem contented enough; but then, I suppose, they're used to it. A body can get used to anything even to being hanged, as the Irishman said."

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Puffin Books; Puffin Classics ed. edition (September 30, 2010)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 464 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0141334908
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0141334905
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8+ years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 970L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 5 - 4
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.44 x 1.5 x 7.31 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 15,823 ratings

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4.7 out of 5 stars
15,823 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book thoroughly entertaining from beginning to end, praising its beautiful old-fashioned writing and vivid descriptions. Moreover, the book is described as a classic for all ages, featuring a wonderful heroine with sharp character nuances, and customers say it will make them laugh and cry. Additionally, customers appreciate the book's positive outlook on life and heartwarming nature, with one customer noting how it brings the story to life without being overly animated.

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730 customers mention "Readability"701 positive29 negative

Customers find the book thoroughly entertaining from beginning to end, describing it as absolutely charming and a wonderful story.

"...That isn’t the case. This story is transcendent...." Read more

"...There are just so many wonderful moments in this novel, which is the best in the series...." Read more

"...It's a delightful read, hilarious and sweet, and while I wish I'd read it as a child it's still a classic that can be enjoyed by all ages...." Read more

"...Avonlea is charming, and the small-town atmosphere perfectly complements Anne’s vibrant personality...." Read more

250 customers mention "Writing quality"208 positive42 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting its beautiful effusive language and vivid descriptions, with one customer highlighting the author's magnificent descriptive powers.

"...other and the interesting thing about this novel is that it is told in third person and there is broad cast of characters to give outlook onto..." Read more

"...What a beautiful story, so sweetly written. I am sorry to have finished it. I recommend this to anyone who needs lovingkindness in their lives" Read more

"...is professionally formatted and helps to read with comfort, the typography is modern and the always helpful X-Ray function is there to check..." Read more

"...All are wonderful, but hearing the original book read by a gifted reader was a delight during a western road trip. Hope to do more of the books." Read more

193 customers mention "Imagination"184 positive9 negative

Customers appreciate the book's imagination, describing it as captivating with a landscape of unparalleled wonder, and one customer notes how it brings the story to life without being overly animated.

"...The way Montgomery writes is carefree, light, and fun. She makes Green Gables feel real and the characters feel like real people that I could’ve had..." Read more

"...But then there are the wonderfully touching scenes when Marilla apologizes for refusing to believe Anne about her broach, when Mathew goes to town..." Read more

"...The plot is simple, focusing on Anne’s growth and her adventures in Avonlea...." Read more

"...She is kind, considerate, with a startling imagination. She wins over the good people who adopt her...." Read more

166 customers mention "Ages"161 positive5 negative

Customers appreciate this book as a coming-of-age story that appeals to both children and adults.

"...Twain described Anne Shirley as "The dearest and most moving and delightful child since the immortal Alice," and nobody has been able to top that..." Read more

"...I wish I'd read it as a child it's still a classic that can be enjoyed by all ages...." Read more

"...of all the trouble they got into, while also being fun and showing a real childhood...." Read more

"...Editions my favorite is that the book has no studies, prefaces or introductions: it is as pure as the author intended it, as if it had been..." Read more

137 customers mention "Character development"133 positive4 negative

Customers praise the character development in the book, particularly noting the life-like portrayal of Anne and the sharp nuances throughout the story.

"...Matthew is awkward and clumsy at times, but he has a sweet connection with Anne and it’s obvious that she has stolen his heart...." Read more

"...Most everyone she meets is a well-developed character as well, and even the ones that seem completely unlikable or set up to be antagonists at..." Read more

"...Avonlea is charming, and the small-town atmosphere perfectly complements Anne’s vibrant personality...." Read more

"...This is an excellent and book about a wonderful character; there is not cruelty or suffering to spoil her search of happiness, Anne is unforgettable..." Read more

122 customers mention "Humor"122 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, describing it as lighthearted and witty, making them laugh and cry while reading about Anne's beautiful life full of joy.

"...The way Montgomery writes is carefree, light, and fun...." Read more

"...But what sets Montgomery's creation apart is her ability to provide of laughter and tears, what with her vivid imagination and her great desire to..." Read more

"...It balances out moments of sweetness and pathos with plenty of humor, and while more of a slice-of-life story than anything with a firm story arc it..." Read more

"...The writing is lyrical, with Montgomery’s vivid descriptions bringing the setting to life...." Read more

96 customers mention "Outlook"93 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the book's positive outlook on life, noting that it teaches great life lessons and is filled with inspiration, with one customer highlighting its ability to find good in everyone.

"...book about a wonderful character; there is not cruelty or suffering to spoil her search of happiness, Anne is unforgettable and, as her adoptive..." Read more

"...the book was written over 100 years ago, it was a delight to read how problems were solved, the obstinate set of minds of an older generation...." Read more

"...It reminds me, as an adult, to keep an inquisitive mind and a positive attitude!" Read more

"...vocabulary is precocious upon her arrival, and that intelligence serves her well in school, as does a willingness to set goals for herself and work..." Read more

77 customers mention "Heartwarming"77 positive0 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming, making them feel good and providing comfort, with one customer noting how it makes people around Anne feel alive.

"...The Family Dynamic- Marilla and Matthew have a good sibling bond and as they begin to raise Anne, it becomes obvious who has the upper hand...." Read more

"...This is a book about finding your place in the world, building relationships, and holding on to what makes you unique." Read more

"...The first book in this series is a sad little reminder of what we lose when we grow up, when we understand the world is bigger than we think it is...." Read more

"...Instead of a boy they find a small girl, a fantastic chatterer with so much fantasy and creativity in her head...." Read more

Great recording from an awesome bunch!
5 out of 5 stars
Great recording from an awesome bunch!
This is a great reading of a great book. It's completely unabridged, so the whole story of Anne and Marilla's beginning is there. The CDs came in a litte mini binder case - the case had small binder rings that held the pages with the CDs in place and in order. Overall, I highly HIGHLY recommend this version of the Anne of Green Gables audiobook over any other. Flo Gibson, the woman who leant her voice to this audiobook, is a lady more of us should know about! She recorded over 1,100 books in her lifetime for the love of reading, can you believe that? And she didn't record just anything - she chose books that she herself liked to read. (And mostly books that were in the public domain, as they came with no royalties to record!) Her love for reading and desire to share it led to her starting the company that this audiobook is sold by - Audio Book Contractors. She recorded for them up until she passed in 2011. I learned all this by having a conversation with the current owner of the company. This isn't a paid endorsement or anything, not at all. Rather, I bought this audiobook and then reached out to Audio Book Contractors about the other Anne books - in that email exchange the owner, he told me about his work with Ms. Gibson. That being said, I do recommend buying from Audio Book Contractors! They are a super tiny company and have a great deal many audiobooks for sale. Aaaaand if you order direct from their website (just google "Audio Book Contractors") you get free shipping over $25 and they send it out to ship faster than Amazon. So yeah. Do the thing - support the small guys!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Sarah Johnson
    5.0 out of 5 stars So Beautifully Sweet
    Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

    First book in the Anne of Green Gables series

    5 stars

    Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert were hoping that the boy from the orphanage would be a big help around Green Gables, but they are in for a big surprise when Matthew finds Anne Shirley. A red-headed girl with a pension for speaking in flowery prose, dreaming big, and talking whenever she feels like it. Matthew is taken aback because he isn’t comfortable around the opposite sex and Marilla is a strict and stern woman who adheres to rules and reason. Anne slowly melts their hearts and finds her home in Green Gables all the while causing trouble, making friends, and experiencing new adventures. I remember when I first started listening to this audiobook. I wasn’t expecting much or exactly sure what to expect for the story of Anne of Green Gables. I had seen it mentioned every now and then around the blogosphere as a childhood favorite among readers, but I had never personally heard of Anne until I was sixteen and I expected that because I’m older it would be hard to read about such a young girl. That isn’t the case. This story is transcendent. Anne is character not like any other and the interesting thing about this novel is that it is told in third person and there is broad cast of characters to give outlook onto Anne.

    The writing in this novel is beautiful. The way Montgomery writes is carefree, light, and fun. She makes Green Gables feel real and the characters feel like real people that I could’ve had tea with. I loved the time hops that were involved in the pacing. It paved Anne’s story out nicely and didn’t go through continuous everyday things.

    Whimsical Writing Scale: 5

    The main female character of this novel is Anne. Anne is an enduring character. She has a lot of deep thoughts for girl who is such a “kindred spirit”. I truly adore her narration and feel that she is a character that is just easy to instantly love. If I knew Anne personally she would probably be one of my favorite people because there is never a dull moment with her around. Anne is also a bit a trouble maker, but not intentional. She’s always getting into shenanigans in the oddest little ways, but I think that’s what makes Anne so much fun. She is a kid, but also she has the heart of a growing young adult and it can get Anne caught up in situations that she wouldn’t have expected to be in. Anne as a young adult is also one of my favorite things because it’s so amazing to see the metamorphosis from gangly, awkward girl with knobby knees and a loud mouth who takes no BS to a woman who fights for her goals and aspirations with confidence.

    Kick-Butt Heroine Scale: 5

    The main male character is Gilbert. Gilbert and Anne do not get off to a good start. In fact, she absolutely hates him while it’s obvious that Gilbert has a crush on her. It’s just so cute. As they grow older and experience life’s hardships, their interaction becomes difference and once they reached a truce and become friends my heart soared and I was ready to plan a wedding. Seriously, I just adore the development of this relationship and it brings a smile to my face.

    Swoon Worthy Scale: 5

    The Family Dynamic- Marilla and Matthew have a good sibling bond and as they begin to raise Anne, it becomes obvious who has the upper hand. Marilla is a stern woman, but she is an amazing mother figure to Anne and by the end of this novel I absolutely adored her. Matthew is awkward and clumsy at times, but he has a sweet connection with Anne and it’s obvious that she has stolen his heart. While Anne and Matthew aren’t Anne’s parents the dynamic that they bring into her life fill any holes she didn’t have growing up.

    Character Scale: 5

    The ending to this novel slowly ripped my hearts to pieces. When I listened to emotional scenes on audiobooks I become a blubbering mess. I definitely became a mess, but I also felt hopeful about where Anne’s life could go. There is no question that I’m going to continue on with this series. Mainly because I NEED to know how Anne and Gilbert get together. They are just so cute and I love them. I have since bought a box set of this series on my Kindle and will be rereading Anne of Green Gables this year because I LOVE it and want to feel happy innocent joy again.

    Plotastic Scale: 5

    Cover Thoughts: My cover of Anne doesn’t do justice, but I love the simplicity of it. I’m also planning to buy pretty editions for my book shelves because I need them in my life.
    24 people found this helpful
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  • Lawrance Bernabo
    5.0 out of 5 stars The imaginative Anne Shirley comes to live at Green Gables
    Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2004
    Verified Purchase
    In 1985 when I stumbled upon Kevin Sullivan's wonderful production of "Anne of Green Gables" with Megan Follows as Anne, Colleen Dewhurst as Marilla, and Richard Farnsworth as Mathew, it was my introduction to the Lucy Maud Montgomery's red-headed orphan. Like millions of others, I fell in love with the production and then proceeded to read this novel, the other seven books in the Anne Series, and then "The Chronicles of Avonlea," "The Story Girl," the "Jane of Lantern Hill" books, and every other thing written by Montgomery that I could get my hands on (and this was before all of those paperback collections of Montgomery's short stories were published).

    In 1904 Montgomery had written down an idea for a story in her notebook: "Elderly couple apply to orphan asylum for a boy. By mistake a girl is sent them." In what must be heartening for many would be authors, Montgomery's manuscript for "Anne of Green Gables" was rejected repeated by publishers before it was finally accepted. The book was a bestseller from the moment it was published in June 1908 (I have a 19th impression printed in September 1910), although a critic in "The New York Times" complained that, "there is no real difference between the girl at the end of the story and the one at the beginning of it." Readers of the book would quite happy with that fact, because the reason we love this story is not that the talkative, red-haired orphan girl with her big green-grey eyes changes during the story, but that Marilla and Mathew Cuthbert, the elderly sister and brother who wanted to adopt a boy and got a girl instead, have changed profoundly.

    Mark Twain described Anne Shirley as "The dearest and most moving and delightful child since the immortal Alice," and nobody has been able to top that statement. Supposedly Montgomery's description of her famous literary creation was based on a photography of Evelyn Nesbit, the notorious American beauty who was the mistress whose husband, Harry K. Thaw, shot and killed her love, Stanford White, in the first scandalous murder trial of the 20th century. I suppose there is something archetypal about stories about orphans, that allows young readers to identify with such characters and explains why generations of children have responded to such stories. But what sets Montgomery's creation apart is her ability to provide of laughter and tears, what with her vivid imagination and her great desire to be loved. You laugh over Anne's over wrought apology to Mrs. Rachel Lynde and how her introduction to Gilbert Blythe ends with her breaking a slate over his head. But then there are the wonderfully touching scenes when Marilla apologizes for refusing to believe Anne about her broach, when Mathew goes to town to get Anne a dress with puffed sleeves, and when the Reaper whose name is Death comes to visit Green Gables. There are just so many wonderful moments in this novel, which is the best in the series. When you read the rest of the books in the series, this is the one you will keep coming back to again and again to read once more your favorite parts (I just did).

    I have two daughters and despite my best intentions I have never been able to persuade them to read "Anne of Green Gables." But given how long it took me to get around to them they still have at least a decade to beat me to the punch in relative terms, and I have the Sullivan productions on DVD so that I can use the same hook that worked so well one me. Once they do I am sure they will be just as captivated by all of the others who love the Anne-Girl and who have traveled to Prince Edward Island to see all of the sites that Montgomery translated into the world of Anne Shirley.

    My favorite memory is when we went to "Green Gables." You go in through the front door and follow the way around the first floor and then up the stairs to the second floor. As I was at the bottom of those stairs the young woman watching the door had momentarily stopped the line entering the site. In this case that person who had to wait was a young Japanese girl, who looked to be about eight years old, and who was shivering in delight at the fact that she was standing on the threshold of Anne Shirley's Green Gables. That is how beloved Lucy Maud Montgomery's creation is almost a century after she was first set down on paper.
    41 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Joceline
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cute!
    Reviewed in Canada on March 23, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Love my new copy!
    Report
  • Ana Avila
    5.0 out of 5 stars Hermosa historia acompañada de una hermosa edición.
    Reviewed in Mexico on August 29, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    La editorial lanzó esta colección de libros de tamaño bolsillo (o hasta un poco más pequeños), de pasta dura con cubrepolvo, separador de tela y hojas delgadas pero resistentes. Tiene un aire a libro "oldie" pero bien cuidado. La letra es bastante pequeña pero no tuve problema con eso. El inglés es un nivel intermedio por las diversas descripciones de los paisajes.

    Respecto al la historia:
    Directo a favoritos. Me hizo reír, llorar y añorar Tejas Verdes. La autora crea un personaje tan sincero, original y risueño que es muy difícil que no te agrade; Ana tiene un pasado bastante triste y a pesar de ello siempre trata de ver el lado bueno de las cosas, sin negar que hay tiempo para estar feliz o para estar triste. Al llegar con los hermanos Cuthbert su vida cambia totalmente ya que no es precisamente una "niña deseada", pero conforme pasa el tiempo se va ganando el corazón de estos hermanos y de todos nosotros.El final fue la cereza del pastel, hermoso, desgarrador, en donde se establece una conexión especial entre la historia de Ana y el lector. Me dejó encantada.
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  • 原園富子
    5.0 out of 5 stars 届いた本を見て、可愛い本にびっくり。
    Reviewed in Japan on June 22, 2021
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    英語の大きさが程よく、読みやすかったです。紙のクォリティーも高く満足してます。
    欠点は、重いくて持ち運びが大変です。
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  • Silvia. P
    5.0 out of 5 stars Libro para niños y no tan niños
    Reviewed in Spain on August 2, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    En un principio compré esta edición por su portada, es una edición sencilla, de bolsillo, bastante normalita. También habría que tener en cuenta que en esta edición tan sólo existen los dos primeros libros, es decir Anne of Green Gables y Anne of Avonlea.
    Lo que realmente importa es la historia que cuenta, es un libro entrañable que nos cuenta la historia de Anne Shirley, una huérfana que es adoptada por Mathew y Marilla Cuthbert. Anne tiene una imaginación desbordante que hará disfrutar al lector con sus locuras. Libro divertido, entretenido que sin duda recomiendo a niños y a mayores que quieran pasar un buen rato.
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  • Veronica PJ
    5.0 out of 5 stars As good as I remember
    Reviewed in France on January 28, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I purchased this book as a potential tool for ESL classes, to introduce a bit of Canadian culture. I re-read it for the first time in many years, finished it in a couple days at most and fell in love with the world of Green Gables all over again.
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