I’ve been a die-hard Anne of Green Gables fan since elementary school — I devoured the book, watched the movie countless times (oh, Gilbert *sigh*), and was lucky enough to visit Prince Edward Island as a 9-year-old — but hadn’t read it in ages. So, when my dad asked for my help with an Anne-themed presentation he’s giving on a cruise traveling through Nova Scotia and P.E. Island, I was thrilled to help. It was lovely having an excuse to ignore my TBR pile and reread one of my favorite books of all time.
I admit I was a little afraid that I wouldn’t like the book as much this time around, but I needn’t have worried. I loved it all over again and reading it as adult allowed me to truly appreciate Montgomery’s lush language and touching portrayal of an untraditional, but incredibly loving family. I also enjoyed the understated humor more fully as a grown-up reader. Anne is beyond hilarious and I desperately want her to be my BFF, or shall I say BBF (best bosom friend)! This got me thinking: what would it be like having Anne as a close gal pal today? How would she respond to situations that come up in modern daily life?
Using quotes from Miss Shirley herself, here’s what I came up with:
Situation: The Starbucks barista has butchered my name once again. Should I say something?
Anne’s response: YES! The way a name is spelled is of utmost importance.
“When you hear a name pronounced can’t you always see it in your mind, just as if it was printed out? I can; and A-n-n looks dreadful, but A-n-n-e looks so much more distinguished.”
Situation: A truck has just cut me off and there’s a Trump sticker on its bumper.
Anne’s response: No cursing or angry hand gestures – just utter despair at the current state of U.S. politics and today’s drivers.
“My life is a perfect graveyard of buried hopes. That’s a sentence I read in a book once, and I say it over to comfort myself whenever I am disappointed in anything.”
Situation: For me, high-waisted jeans = 1980s mom, but they’re what’s in right now. Do I get pair?
Anne’s response: Duh. Following fashion trends, whether it’s puffed sleeves or jeans that come up to your boobs, is a must.
“…I’d rather look ridiculous when everybody else [looks ridiculous] than plain and sensible all by myself.”
Situation: I haven’t finished the most recent season of Game of Thrones, but really want to know how it ends.
Anne’s response: Hurry and up and binge watch. No spoilers!
“Wild horses won’t drag the secret from me … How would wild horses drag a secret from a person anyhow?”
Situation: I have a girlfriend whose boyfriend is super clingy and wants to join us during our Outlander marathon-watching sesh.
Anne’s response: Bleh. This dude needs to learn that sometimes women just want to hang with their girlfriends (and enjoy Jamie’s lovely physique together).
“Young men are well in their place, but it doesn’t do to drag them into everything, does it?”
Do you need Anne’s advice or insight for an issue that’s plaguing you? Post in the comments and I’ll see if my BBF can help you out!
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