Packing up the books today.  I have just SO many.  One of my favorites, even after high school, was Anne of Green Gables, by Lucy Maud Montgomery.  I read the entire series and saw the movies.  The movies are not like the books (except the first one).  I read Anne in 11th grade.  I was on my second of three schools.  I was depressed about moving.  I spent a lot of time in the library that year after lunch.  I started going to read Anne.  This book changed my life because I saw some of the pain I was experiencing in Anne’s life.  Anne’s life was much harder than mine.  Anne was born to two loving parents, but they were killed when she was about three.  She went to an orphanage and then to several foster homes (a lot like your biological mother did).  Those foster homes were not kind places.  Anne took to talking to herself in the mirror and calling this person “Katie.”  When she is adopted by Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, they almost take her back because she is not a boy.  What wins them over?  Anne tries to see the best in things.  She tries to be positive. She has a rich fantasy life that is beautiful, but also destructive.  Matthew and Marilla realize how much she needs them AND how much they need her (magical way of seeing things). Once adopted, she lives like most teenage girls do: finding/losing a best friend, being concerned about her looks, finding love.  Here is a brief video about finding that love: Gilbert Blythe.  Gilbert loves Anne from the get go, but he makes a few mistakes and Anne will not forgive him for them — for a long time.  But it’s fun to watch their love story unfold once again.  I’d REALLY love to travel to Prince Edward Island someday and make a pilgrimage to all the Anne sites. Anyone who goes with me MUST read at least the first book!  I know Bea has read it. And that brings such joy to my heart.  Purity, I’m telling you, this book is no Hunger Games, but give it a chance! You gotta admit, the love story looks interesting.