I don't know how it is that I never read the Avonlea books as a youngster, but here I am. This is the first book in the series, in which Anne Shirley ("spelled with an 'e', please") comes to live with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. The brother and sister had thought to take in a male orphan to help on the farm, but due to a misunderstanding, they receive red-haired Anne.This book covers eight years, ending when Anne is 16. Over the course of the tail, her precocity and competitiveness (and ability to get into scrapes) are shown in an entertaining fashion. To be quite honest, I was reminded somewhat of myself at a young age; like I did, Anne likes to escape into a world of her own making.I look forward to reading the remainder of this classic series.
 - L.M. Montgomery)
