Just finished reading this gem….
Many of you know how much I adore the Anne of Green Gables series. A well-known author just recently took on the task of writing a PRELUDE to the series. That's right folks! The story of Anne's life from the day she was born up until she arrives at Marilla & Matthew's home. It is SUCH a good read. I was crying (real tears and everything) throughout a few parts of it. Very, very well-written.
Admittedly, I was a bit skeptical at first about someone trying to "compete" with Lucy Maud Montgomery's original works, but this book is so FABULOUSLY well-done, it is a seamless transition. I highly recommend this as a gift to either yourself or a friend that you know is a fan of all things Anne! Just had to pass this little tidbit along!
ETA: Many of you have asked what I suggest reading first, the prequel or the original series. I would actually read the original series first THEN the prequel. I feel like you "get" the prequel more if you know what is going to happen in the future! The prequel does a lot of "explaining" that you might not otherwise grasp! I hope you enjoy!!!!
Thank you so much for suggesting this book! My daughter just finished reading the Anne series of books, and this would be a perfect Christmas gift for her.
I was so surprised to see you mention your adoration of Anne! I’m from Nova Scotia Canada, so Anne was a kindred spirit growing up. Being so close to Prince Edward Island geographically, I was fortunate enough to spend many summer vacations on Anne’s Island. It’s great to see someone ‘from away’ appreciate something we locals might take for granted!!!!! 🙂
Oh get out of town! I have to buy that for my daughter for Christmas, she’s going to love it! I’m so glad you posted this, I never would have known about it otherwise.
I have adored Anne (with an “e”) and all things Avonlea since my 6th grade teacher introduced her to me. I own every book in the series and have read each one at least 8-10 times. I was first stunned, then skeptical, to see that a prequel has been written, but based on your recommendation, I think I’ll be running to the bookstore! Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention!
Coooooooool! I loved Anne of Green Gables when I was a kid and enjoyed the movies as an adult with that lovely actress Megan Follows. Thanks for cluing us in to this book’s existance! 🙂
Thanks for the tip! Always looking for a good read.
Hmm… I’ll have to see if my library can get that. I have to read it first before seeing if it’s worth adding to my collection. I don’t think anyone can quite measure up to L. M. Montgomery though. Thanks for the heads-up!
Well, Nicole…here I am age 65 and I have never read Anne of Green Gables….BUT…I just ordered the series from Amazon plus the Before Green Gables…should I read the Before Green Gales first then the series?
I am excited to read them all..just like a kid…I don’t think I am too old to enjoy.
Thanks for the critique.
Hugs, Deanna
SHUTUP!! I bought the DVDs a few years ago to the amazing movies!!! My daughters (even my hubby) and I {{{LOVE}}} these stories! I am shocked and thrilled all at the same time! Thanks for sending the note! Have a happy Thanksgiving to you & your family! ~Michelle Polizzi
Thanks so much for the tip! I’m getting it ASAP for my sister-in-law for her birthday. She’s a HUGE fan of Anne!
So now you also delight us with ideas for good, wholesome books! What a gal!! I tell ya, it was a good day when I found Papertrey and Friends ^j^ Happy Bird day, Sharon in NJ
I checked out this book about a month ago at our local library and LOVED IT!! Anne went through soooo much before she reached Green Gables and it was so well written. I would also recommend this book!
My question is should I read this one first? I havent read any of these series.
OMG who would never have guessed that there could ever be another book about Anne. I loved those books so much that in 1993 when I got married we went on our honeymoon to Prince Edward Island. I had to go there… Loved the books, will have to pick up the book. Thanks for the review. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
OH my!!! I’ve always love Anne of Green Gables. My sister & I have read the entire series over & over. We’ll not even talk about how many times we’ve seen the PBS movies take on it. Well that is until they messed up with the last one. SO going to have to read this now
oooohhhhh, I LOVE Anne of Green Gables…this is a must read for me! Thanks for sharing!
thanks so much for the heads up! I also LOVE Anne….got the boxed set of books as a young girl….bought the movies as an adult – am excited to read this one!
Thanks for the recommendation, Nichole! I’m a huge Anne fan and I can’t wait to read this one!
Books were my first love and they still are. The books I own outnumber my scrap and card making supplies (just). I loved Anne of Green Gables when I was young and I’ll try to get a copy of this book. Thanks for the tip.
Eveline.
I looove Anne of Green Gables! Thank you for this tip – have to get it!
I hadn’t heard about that book yet! Thanks so much for sharing that with us. Anne of Green Gables was by far my favorite book series growing up! I used to watch the movie series with my siblings. I will be sure to read this and pass the info along too. 🙂
Thank you Nichole for giving us the heads up. I would never have known that a prequel was out. Im even happier to have a such a glowing recommendation for the book since Anne was such a memorable character. Can’t wait to get to know more about her!
Thank you so much, Nichole, for this. My oldest DD and I are huge fans of Anne. I will definitely get this for her for Christmas. I assume it’s child-appropriate? My DD is 10.
How exciting. I love sequels (if they are good ones). I have read all of the books and have 3 sets of series. It will be so exciting t0 get a new book in the series.
Cowbelleru@sbcglobal.net
I am so glad I read this – I have been a fan of Anne’s from the time I read the first book, and then saw the movies….thank you so much for letting us know that this book is out – I can hardly wait to purchase it, read it, and enjoy more of Anne…ahhhh….
I didn’t realize so many people were into the Anne books, I’ve never read them myself but I live an hour and a half away from Cavendish PEI where the Anne of Green Gables house is. If you ever want to vacation in Nova Scotia and take the short trip over to PEI I would l would be delighted to show you around, PEI is a really fun province as is Nova Scotia. I hope you get the chance to visit some day!
Yes I agree it is a fabulous read – took it to my daughter in Australia as she is Anne of Green Gables fan – she read it and then I was able to read it also. A keeper!
Kindred spirits, indeed! Anne with an “e”, Matthew, Marilla, Rachel, Diana, Gil and all the rest slipped into my heart many years ago. I shared these characters with my students every year by reading the books, watching the Kevin Sullivan videos, performing reader’s theater scripts, and more. Everyone knew how much I loved Anne. One year, a special friend handstitched an Anne-doll for me. It’s a gift I treasure. She’s on my blog: http://lifemomentswithrita.typepad.com/life_moments_with_rita/
Thanks Nichole…kindred spirits are all around us!
Thanks for letting us know about this – I am a huge Anne fan but didn’t know about this book. Nice to know you are a kindred spirit (always kind of thought so).
Thank you so much for posting this. I had no idea that another author created a book like this. I have read every book on Anne and simply can’t get enough! I’m adding it to my Christmas list right now!
I loved the Anne of Green Gables books! It has been YEARS since I read them. Thanks for letting us know about the prelude book!
Happy Thanksgiving!
I have to get this book for ME!
Not only do I adore the books, but have MEMORIZED the PBS series…I saw it on PBS and taped it around the commercials so many times, that my DH bought me the Videotapes (that’s all they had then!) until they ALL broke from watching them over and over….then he bought me the DVD’s-a new fangled thing then…my now 18 year old daughter used to have marathon 12 hour Anne Saturdays…one MUST watch them back to back!! Sigh…I too am skeptical, but I’m willing to try! Oh! I collect Anne dolls…just a few special ones…of course, my sister has always said, “Kim, you ARE Anne.” Could be the red hair! Thanks so much for sharing, Nichole!
Kim Marie
So excited to get this book…I didn’t know a prequel was being written. I am a bit skeptical about it being up to par with the series but will definitely give it a try as I am a huge fan of all things Anne!
Charmaine
A BIG fan of Anne. I will most definitely check it out. I probably would have not know otherwise, so thanks for the heads up.
Thanks for the recommendation – I’m another Ann’e’ lover here 🙂 I never, ever, ever would have read this book without a recommendation (another skeptic) – so now I’m truly curious! Off to check it out!
As some folks may know, the Montgomery family was heavily involved in choosing the author who would be entrusted to write this special book. No “daring” was required! I read several articles about this lady (a very experienced author) when she was taking on the project. She felt very honoured and just a little nervous!
I would suggest to anyone that you read the original series first, and get to know Anne first as the she was originally introduced (and to get the feel of her impact on the family and community that would become her true home). Then the back-story will be that much more resonant.
Glad to hear all this excitement about a classic Canadian treasure!
What a tasty morsel this is. I can’t wait to get my hands on it. TFS x 3!
I hope your Thanksgiving was as much a blessing to you as you infomation is to me.
Thanks so much, Nicole! We have always been HUGE Anne fans here, and I just ordered this book for my daughter for Christmas! I’m sure we will BOTH love it!! 🙂
I LOVE Anne of Green Gables, especially the movies with Megan Follows. Thanks for the tip on the book. I will have to check it out 🙂
Hello…Do you recommend that I read the series first or can I start with this book?? Thank you!
Thank you for the recommendation! Please post more book reviews, okay? I’d love to know what you love to read!
And thanks again 🙂 !
Thanks Nicole – I have been a fan since I was about 10 and wish that I could marry Gilbert. I will definitely be looking this book up.
I’m a HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE fan of Anne! I will certainly be looking for this book!
This is great news!!! Can’t wait to read it and share it with my mom and sisters!!! Will be buying several of these for Christmas gifts now!!! I’ve been in LOVE with all things ANNE for over 20 years!!!
Nicole, Here in Canada last Christmas they released the mini-series. It was amazing!
http://www.tickledorange.com/LMM/2008AoGG.html
I’m so glad you posted this….my sister is a die-hard Anne of Green Gables fan and I’ve been trying to think of something to get her for christmas…this is perfect! I’ll probably read it before I give it to her. ha ha. 🙂 Thanks!
Hi, Nichole! I read this not too long ago and truly adored it. As a girl, I read the entire Anne series 7 times, so it felt like visiting with an old friend. Are we kindred spirits? 😉
I have loved the Anne books (along with every other L.M. Montgomery book I can get my hands on) since I was about 9 years old – I’m 29 now & still re-read them every couple of years. There’s just something about them! Thanks for the tip on the prequel – I’ll be buying myself a treat very soon!