Anne of Green Gables: A Book Review

I am on a "books I should have read" kick. Though I am an avid reader now, I didn't enjoy reading as a child until my sister gave me a Harry Potter book in the third grade. And from that point on I was always reading, but always books by modern authors, never taking wisdom from historical authors. Therefore, I am seeking to make up for it now.

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery would have been the perfect book for me when I was young. Anne would have been the perfect match for a young me. She is full of imagination, much as I was, but she always has the best intentions in mind and is always trying to be a good person. I could have used her as a role model and I recommend the book to any high spirited girl trapped in their own imaginary world.

The book starts off right away as a humorous adventure. It begins with an older couple Marilla and Mathew Cuthbert deciding to get an orphan boy to help them run their farm. Mathew, a shy, introverted man, who was never known for his social skills, ventures off to retrieve the boy, but is caught by surprise when a little girl is waiting for him. Being a man of very few words, he takes her home so his wife may explain the situation. But, on the journey to Green Gables, Anne talks his ear off and wins his heart. When they both arrive at the farm, Marilla, a strong-minded woman, is none too happy with this turn of events. She plans to return her in the morning, but Anne's pleas eventually get the better of her and she is allowed to stay, as long as she listens to Marilla and tries to be "inherently good."

Anne does her best to do as she is told, only wanting to remain at the beautiful Green Gables and finally have a family. Though her heart is set on staying, her wandering mind and endless imagination often takes her on seemingly glorious adventures, while getting her into trouble along the way. It is a delight to listen to her monologues as she tries to show the world her way of thinking and it is hilarious all of the misadventures she gets herself into. Just as Anne manages to win over the sensible Marilla, Anne works her way into any readers' heart.

I recommend this book to any aged reader. It is wonderful to teach young readers about moral lessons, while still encouraging them to be creative. And it warms even the oldest reader's heart while little Anne grows up and learns about the world around her. It is a story about growing up, being good, finding a home, and being yourself.

Easy Pumkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

I made these as a quick thank you to my friend for pet-sitting while I was on vacation.

They may not be the prettiest, but they are delicious! My elementary school lunch ladies used to make them in fall and I never forgot them. I finally found a recipe that suits my quick paced lifestyle.

 

Ingredients

 

1 (15 oz) can of pumpkin

1 box of spice cake mix (or yellow cake)

Chocolate chips or any other additions you want!

 

It is seriously that simple. I was hesitant to trust it, but it works!

 

Preparation

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

 

Mix together the pumpkin and the cake mix until the cake mix is absorbed. It will be runny, but don't worry. These are more muffin textured than cookie, they are meant to be very soft.

 

 

Mix in your chocolate chips (or white chocolate, or butterscotch). I used mini chocolate chips and they just did not make enough of a visual impression, so I suggest a  medium to large size.

 

Place spoonfuls on a wax paper covered baking sheet. Don't make them too big, they fluff up quite a bit.

 

Bake for 20 minutes. Test with a fork to make sure they are cooked all the way through. If it comes out clean, they are ready to cool. Let sit for 5 minutes and then enjoy!