There's a lot to love about this book. The characters are written with the same heart as the previous books, and even Marilla has an outwardly loving moment. Davy is not as terrible as he was in the previous book, though Dora is still basically nothing. I will say that there has become a kind of repetition among the characters. Many newly introduced characters seem a lot like those that were larger in previous books. Phil, for example, is a lot like Ruby (and wow with what happened there). Even Patty's Place has some similarities to Echo Lodge. However, the charm is still there.

There are some things that happen in this book that seem like a cliche, but I can forgive that, because this book was written before they became such cliches. Anne has started to become a little too perfect and loved by all, but it seems kind of natural, rather than forced. There are quite a few romances going on in this book, which I personally enjoyed quite a bit.

Because of how quickly these books speed through time, I echo Anne's sentiment that it's sad people have to grow up. Characters come and go so much, it's hard to get attached to any of them. Still, there are a few permanents, and at the end of this book, because of the writing and dialog style I was so immersed in by then, the word "sweetheart" seemed like a whole new word when it was used. I'm a little less excited about continuing the series than I was up to this point, but I'm still looking forward to seeing what happens to Anne next. ( )

It Is no surprise, but the later "Anne" books fail to live up to the first two. ( )

Another lovely story. I enjoy Anne more as she gets older and more mature. Her adventures away at college help her appreciate her island home even more. ( )

I enjoyed reading about Anne's further studies. ( )

Once again, L.M. Montgomery continues to delight us with the further adventures of Anne Shirley. In this installment, she's growing up. She's on her way to pursue a college degree. Naturally, she is homesick for Avonlea. (I am, too.) However, there is college life and a whole bevy of new friends to look forward to.

I continue to be in raptures over Montgomery's writing style. It suits me to a "T". One of the things I disliked about this book (and I adjusted my ranking by half a star) was the animal killing. Anne and her group try to euthanize a cat. Luckily they fail. However, one of Anne's Avonlea neighbors succeeds in hanging his dog because it is no longer wanted. These passages made me both angry and sad.

My character favorites continue to be Mrs. Rachel Lynde and Davy Keith. I smile every time they are mentioned. We are "kindred spirits". ( )