What is your favorite classic? Why?
To be honest, there are several different books that come to mind when I am asked this question. Because I read so many different genres, there are many different classics that appeal to me for different reasons and in different moods. However, if I were to truly just pick one that meant the most to me the most consistently, I would have to pick the Anne of Green Gables books by L.M. Montgomery (Okay, okay, there are eight of them. But at least they all go together, right?).
I'm not sure exactly when those books developed from just really good stories to books that were formative and meaningful to me. I read most of them in elementary school. I had a good friend that also loved the books, and we would give them to each other on birthdays, while also maintaining kind of a silly competition as to who had more of them. For over a year, whenever I would take a trip to the bookstore, an Anne of Green Gables book was what I would choose. I also remember my mom bringing home books 3-5 from a used bookstore and being absolutely thrilled.
After reading all of the books for the first time, I went through a phase where I reread all of them every summer. They never grew old or repetitive to me -- I just felt warmer and more at home with every reading. I stopped those marathon rereads in high school, but in college I found myself reading the books that were most relevant to the phase of life I was experiencing -- I read Anne of the Island at the beginning of college, and Anne of Windy Poplars while I was serious with my husband. I suppose now I need to read Anne's House of Dreams and Anne of Ingleside now that I am expecting my first child. In every book I found lessons that were relevant to life, little gems of wisdom that helped me get through difficult experiences. In addition, I just love Anne. I love her curiosity and imagination, her fervor for life, her slow-burning but passionate love for Gilbert. I love the way having children is a priority for her, but that she still pursued her academic goals. Of all the literary "friends" I've met through books, Anne is the best, and I am so grateful that I get to go through the many phases of my life with her.
I love Anne Of Green Gables, such a fantastic book! My favourite classic would have to be Little Women though xo
ReplyDeleteThat was the other one I was considering! I feel such a strong connection to both L.M. Montgomery and Louisa May Alcott.
DeleteOh! I'm re-reading this series now, and am simply savouring each word! I don't think I appreciated Montgomery enough as a kid because I thought she was too long-winded with her descriptions. But I'm simply adoing it now. :D
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it is working for you now! I love how so many of L.M. Montgomery's characters who write are instructed to "cut out the descriptive bits." It seems that maybe she struggled with that advice as well. :)
DeleteGood choice! I love Anne. Who doesn't, though? Am I right? ;)
ReplyDeleteIt's true. I haven't met anyone who hates the Anne of Green Gables books.
DeleteWhenever I think of Anne of Green Gables I think of the woman crying in You've Got Mail towards the end when talking about getting the book as a young girl. I honestly haven't read the books, but I really need to. I've heard good things.
ReplyDeleteAlso, apologies for the advertising, but I see you're listening to Harry Potter at the moment. I'm hosting a read-along at my blog starting September 1st if you're interested. You can read/listen to the series or any Potter-related books. If you'd be interested in something like that, here's the link: http://lostgenerationreader.com/2012/08/15/harry-potter-read-along-sign-up-post/
Cheers!
Jenna
They are excellent books -- I hope you have the chance to read them sometime! And I will definitely look into your Harry Potter read-along.
DeleteMy favorite classic is REBECCA.
ReplyDeleteI just love the time period it is set in.
Elizabeth
Silver's Reviews
http://silversolara.blogspot.com
That is my sister's favorite classic as well.
DeleteI love how books really grow with you, and that these books meant something to you while you were young and you can still connect to them in a different way now that you are older. Great choice! -Sarah
ReplyDeleteThanks! I think that a book that can grow with you is one of the marks of a true classic.
DeleteI can't wait to have read all of these. Right now I'm slowly reading Book #2. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to your thoughts on these!
DeleteThis sounds like something I would have written! Anne has always been one of my literary best friends, and never ceases to teach me wonderful lessons about life and perspective. I too read snippets of the books when entering those life phases and I cannot wait to pass them on to my daughters (if I have any) someday. Everyone should get to know Anne.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the same boat! I'm expecting a son and while I definitely have books I am excited to share with him, I need some girls to read Anne to as well. :)
DeleteFor me it's also Little Women, but Anne was very close! I adored her as a child, especially being a redhead myself I can totally relate! And I know what you mean about reading different books in the series for different stages of your life - I feel like I probably need to re-read the later ones now also being pregnant with my first child. I know what you mean about boys, mine is also a boy and while that's brilliant and I've had a great time digging out books for him, I would like to have somebody to read Little Women and Anne to... Maybe next time? :-p
ReplyDeleteOh, you are having a boy too! How exciting! When are you due? You'll have to let me know some of the books you've been digging out for your son. Congratulations!
DeleteI did read something once about college boys writing L.M. Montgomery to tell her how much they loved the Anne books, so I suppose there is some hope, but I feel like these days boys feel the need to be more "manly" or something.
I read Little Women and Anne of Green Gables so many times during my teens and early twenties. Who wouldn't want to be like Jo and Anne? (even though I recognised I was probably more like serious, rational, cautious Meg and Diana). These 2 are my favourites from childhood, but I picked another as my all-time favourite in the end.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure who I would say I am most like -- I guess I am probably a composite of a lot of different characters. I definitely love the characters, like you. I can always find something to relate to every time I reread both books.
DeleteAdd me as someone who loved the Anne books growing up. Awesome choice and I loved your justification as well :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! Glad to find another fan of the Anne books!
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