I love the way this book is a classic without the "difficult" factor. Many classics that I read are just hard to plow through, honestly. Our attention spans are shorter now and our language has changed enough that you really have to WANT to read many of the classics (Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, I'm looking at you!). The Anne books aren't that way. They just flow, and they're a pleasure to read.
Since I was already familiar with the story, I just let myself enjoy many of the phrases in the book - not surprisingly, all of these are from Anne:
Isn't it a splendid thing that there are mornings?
Mrs. Lynde says, "Blessed are they who expect nothing for they shall not be disappointed." But I think it would be worse to expect nothing than to be disappointed.
(This last I find interesting because I have attributed much of my happiness to low expectations. Anne feels just the opposite - but I am touched by her idea and love the thought of it!)
I'm so glad I live in a world where there are white frosts, aren't you?
The list could go on and on - I find myself feeling happier just reading about Anne and her cheery outlook. Even her "tragedies" are made bearable by her wonderful imagination.
I was sadly surprised to read that Montgomery had committed suicide - to think that the author of so many lovely books could have felt so much inner turmoil.
Most of all, this challenge inspired me to read more of Montgomery. You know, as Anne would say, Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive - it's such an interesting world.
