Whenever someone asks me what my favorite book is I ALWAYS say Far Pavilions. I read this book over 15 years ago and still remember the vivid scenes like I read it yesterday.

So why write this now? Well, my favorite books are almost all referred by someone else and I don't mean Oprah. In turn I like to share special reads with others. Like some other reviewers, I have wanted to go to India ever since I read this. I can picture the mountains, I can smell the back streets, I can feel the tension and I can't even remember the entire plot.

I'm a visual kind of guy. If the author describes it and I can see it I will remember forever. This happened over and over again in FP. The visual images are burned into my brain. I love them.

I first read Far Pavilions as a teenager and it is still my all time favorite. I remember my sister drove me 40 miles to a book store so I could buy it-in hardback no less. I don't know how many times I have read the saga of Ashton and Anjuli, but each time I find myself carried away and unable to put it down! M.M. Kaye develops characters so completely, and somehow immerses the reader in the story. It's amazing! Other sagas worth reading include the Shadow of the Moon and Trade Winds. For some lighter fare, try her Death in... series. They are short, intense, and keep the reader guessing.

The Far Pavilions is not a fairy tale. Too many people die for it to be called that. But if you have ever believed in a love that conquers all, and a life of glossy glamour, with the exotic backdrop of silks and snakes, you have to read this book. Kaye has a talent for bringing you close enough to the main character that you can feel the heat of an Indian summer, and the sting of the cold wind in the Himalyan mountains. I read this book when I was eleven, and in the seven years that followed I collected a copy of every fictitious book she wrote. I searched many different countries, all around the world, and they were worth it, because no matter how many times you read it, the magic in any one of M.M.Kaye's books never fades away. And The Far Pavilions is her best work.

I am a "part-time" fan of Star Trek, having always been interested in the world, but not exactly a know-every-registry-number-of-every-ship kind of fan. But, having bought this very rich and detailed book, I must say my interest in Star Trek has multiplied tremendously. As an encyclopedia, it doesn't quite bear reading page-to-page, but flipping through it makes for very interesting reading. I am grateful to the authors for additional notes made to many entries, attempting to explain side-points or discrepancies; also, the many diagrams, pictures, dates, episode references, and even the occasional off-beat entry like, well... "mashed potatoes" for one! The appendixes, including gorgeous pics of the ships of Star Trek, episode timelines, historical timelines, and so on, are absolutely wonderful.

The best way I can summarise my rating is: the dedication and love for Star Trek demonstrated by all the writers/contributors in this book is ample and obvious. Congrats.

I can't imagine being a die-had Trekker without this book: the ultimate reference to people, places, things, events in the entire Star Trek universe from the original series of 1966 through all the movies and series right up to Voyager. This updated edition is not quite as smoothly integrated as previous updates--the last couple season's worth of shows and Star Trek: Insurrection are all treated in a separate (but extensive) section at the back, but a decent cross-referencing system lessens the inconvenience. I find it the ultimate can't put-down book-start to look up a subject of interest and you'll find yourself drawn from entry to entry until you've forgotten exactly what it was you were looking for but find yourself seized with the intense desire to rewatch several episodes. Unless you're the most serious Trek fan, you probably don't need the updated edition if you have an earlier one...but for those who do, it's a wonderful guide.

As the Star Trek Universe got bigger, with more spin offs, movies, books, and alien races, so did the base for its Star Trek fans, so it is no surprise that the standard and definitive one volume work on the subject should get bigger too. The newest edition of THE STAR TREK ENCYCLOPEDIA is a monumental reference book that is as comprehensive as it is physically imposing. In its more than 700 pages of a continually snowballing phenomenon that was the birthchild of the late Gene Roddenberry, the rabid Star Trek fan (who else would read this?) can cross-reference every human, alien, planet, creature, ship or any other proper noun that was mentioned even once in any of the Star Trek series or its descendants. Michael and Denise Okuda, the married duo who did most of the writing acknowledge in the Introduction that a large cast of helpers were required to painstakingly find and correct errors from past editions. This book is loaded with hundreds of beautiful photographs and drawings, each of which illustrate one item in the Star Trek universe. As in most encyclopedias, this one is in alphabetical order, with each entry given a complete description/analysis. Bold-Faced terms indicate they are further defined under their own names elsewhere. For example, do you remember the episode from the original series about the mirror universe with an evil Kirk and bearded Spock, where unreliable crew members were put in the 'agony booth?' Well, the term 'agony booth' is listed and fully described with appropriate cross-references. Unlike other reference texts, this one has a separate supplement to include references to episodes in the various ST reincarnations after the 1996-1997 seasons. Finally, it contains additional helpful sections on historical timelines of major events, complete listing of all episodes from each spinoff, and a cast of all characters who ever appeared in any show.
Exactly, what is the purpose of such a text? I know why I use it. When I see an episode that mentions even off-handedly a minor reference to a singular event, I flip open this book to see if it is there. And it always is. Now if I could only be so motivated about the mundane details of my non-Star Trek life. And that perhaps best defines who likes Star Trek and why.

I was introduced the the Dragonlance books by accident about a year ago, when I was given the Chronicles Trilogy as a present by someone who, knowing I love dragons, saw the titles and took a chance. I practically got down on my knees and thanked her. I loved the Chronicles and wanted to read more. I have to confess that even then Raistlin was my favorite character(or, at least, as Tas might say, the most interesting), though I was firmly attached to the others as well, especially Sturm and Tanis and Tas.

I made the mistake, after seeing the list printed inside the book, of reading Dragons of Summer Flame next (DO NOT do this if you are thinking of taking up the series, it spoils a lot of surprises and is very confusing!), so steered in the right direction by a horrified friend, I proceeded to read the Legends series.

It takes place a few years after the end of the War of the Lance and the most prominent characters are Raistlin, Caramon (the Twins!), Tas the kender, and Lady Crysania, the cleric of Paladine, lost in her own goodness.

The Test of the Twins has some very wonderful scenes, the best in the series, with the possible exceptions of the Raistlin/Fistandantilus flashback, Raistlin and Crysania alone by that stream, and Raistlin and Caramon with the rabbit scenes in the War of the Twins. But the last, say 50-100 pages of The Test of the Twins have me jumping up and down every single time I read them! And I have read them, perhaps four or five times now. I have that habit though, rereading books I really love until I can recite them. In The Test of the Twins, we get the culmination of the trilogy (and no threat of those terrible cliffhanger endings that plagued the other two). We get Raistlin and Crysania in the Abyss. We get a fabulous Raistlin versus the Dark Queen scene. A great Lord Soth monologue. Dalamar and Kitiara get warm and cuddly... Caramon and Tas travelling through time. A wonderful resurgence of Tanis Half-Elven(how happy!!) And, what we've all been waiting for, a final showdown between the Twins! I get chillbumps, it's so good!

Anyone who is fan of fantasy and is interested in Dragonlance should get to reading them. It's really worth it. At the risk of sounding a little annoying, though, I have to say that, as far as my taste for writing style and quality goes, The Test of the Twins, The War of the Twins and The Time of the Twins are, by far, the best of the lot. And wouldn't they make the most incredible movies?(wistful sigh...)

When I started this book I had already read all the past books, so I knew the history of the characters. However, I did not think that it really mattered; Weis and Hickman fill you in very well. I think you should read the other books simply because they are extremely good as well. Introducing Tanis was a very good idea; I don't know about others, but he was one of my favorite characters. Dalamar was an odd mix of fleeting glimpses of caring through the somewhat cracked mask of evil he wears. Caramon had changed a bit- he wasn't the slobbering fat fool I thought he was in previous books- instead he was a quiet, thoughtful, determined man. All in all, the characters were quite well developed. *applause* By the end of the book, in the last desperate meeting between Caramon and his beloved twin, I was almost crying. I found Raistlins soul not to be gone, forever turned from the world, but instead to be hiding within him, reaching out his hand for help. I shall not give away the ending, but the dramatic conclusion to my favorite series of books made my eyes feel all misty. Amazing book Ms. Weis and Ms. Hickman!

This books was amazing. It was filled with humor, excitement, adventure, and some tragedy. It is the final book in the twins series, and what an end it was. The whole book kept me at the edge of my seat the entire time, i couldnt put this book down until i had finished it. I am sure most dragonlance fans have read this book, but if you havent, you are really missing out. This book brings to life the final struggle between the two twins, as well as their half-sister Kitiara, and even dalamar the dark elf. There is plenty of humor with Tas, full of excitement with all the characters. It is definately a good book, and a must read for all fantasy fans.

Daughter Anna (now 19 years old) loved this book. It was her favorite above all others. As we sorted through some old kid things for give-away purposes, we stumbled upon this old, well worn copy of "The Velveteen Rabbit." She insisted we keep the book for HER children.

This was her book that Mama (me!) had to read to her again and again and again. As soon as the last word was read on the last page, it was "Mama, please read it again!"

(how I miss those days, by the way!)

The book also has a powerful message about Love that children understand and cherish.

This is a wonderful book. No child should be without their own copy of "The Velveteen Rabbit."

It's a sweet story of a 'simple' stuffed rabbit amidst the more 'complex' modern toys in a boy's "toy collection". The rabbit starts to believe that in order to get the love of the boy, he needs to appear 'real', or be able to zoom about like the motorized toys...
(And I'm not going to tell you the end hahahahaha!!!)
It was great having that read to me, while I was hugging my stuffed animals in bed.
But -- in a way, at first glance it looks like a simple story, but it is actually a surprisingly complex story. Leave it on your child's bookshelf as he/she grows up and he/she will reread it again and again as he/she questions issues such as "who am I?", "what does it mean to be 'real'"?, "what is my role in this world?", and even "what is death"?

I seldom write reviews on children's books, although I love them with a passion. My children are now mothers and my grandchildren are past young childhood. However, I believe that somewhere deep inside each of us remains a small child that still loves fairy tales, cotton candy, and walking barefoot in the grass. This book was one of my children's favourites, along with "Charlotte's Web;" both were also my own personal favourites. When my children were six years old reading this book became a nighly adventure until I knew the words by heart. For the reviewer who rated the book with a one star due to a spelling error, my heart goes out to you; you have sadly missed something very important - the message. The book is not about spelling, editing or lack thereof; it is about encouragement and love.

The book tells the story of a toy, sawdust-filled rabbit who wishes with all his heart to become real. The message contained in this book is poignant, heart-warming and touching, and one that you will never foreget as long as you live. It is a story of beauty, wonder and love. Any child who misses out on "The Velveteen Rabbit" is missing out on one of life's greatest lessons. I cannot say enough good things about this wonderful, wonderful book and highly recommend it to children...and the grown-up child in all of us.

I really enjoyed this book, as I enjoyed all the Dragonlance books I've read to date. There's something special about Soulforge(and its sequel Brothers in Arms) and I think it's because of Margaret Weis' devotion to the character of Raistlin and the effort she puts into making him believable, frightening, but at the same time, heart rendingly sympathetic.

Soulforge is the story of Raistlin's childhood in Solace and follows him on his adventures with his friends until the test in the Tower of Sorcery at Wayreth. It portrays him as a gifted, yet tortured young man, quick to learn yet hemmed in by his physical frailties. Yet, in spite of his tendency to say and do hurtful things, he still tries to do what he considers right, though things are confounded by his own ambitions, his own jealousies and the cruelty of the world around him. Despite this, his growing magical power does not go unnoticed by those who have an inkling of the war that is to come...

The narrative is great, detailed and often very funny. It goes into a lot of detail and a lot of really great emotional perspectives. After the Chronicles and the Legends, in which Raistlin tends to be slightly horrifying and really mean (though still just so...awesome), it's great to have an account from his pov where you can understand and feel bad for him as a child. It's also great to see what he thinks of certain characters before his, shall we say, cynical and ambitious adulthood, especially Caramon and Kitiara.

In short, this is a must for all Dragonlance fans and hopefully all the rave reviews I've read on this site will provide motivation for those who have not yet experienced the singularly engrossing scope of the Drangonlance series, especially the books by Weis and Hickman. Really, Raistlin is quite a cool character...and so are all the rest. They're all great reads, but the Soulforge stood out as one of the best, in terms of quality of writing, plot, and intricacy of character development. Read it!!!

what can i say?? this is a great book. i (being a huge raistlin fan)wanted to read this book as soon as i found out it exsisted. i rember reading chronicles, looking at raistlin and going 'here is the most intresting charicter i have ever read about.' the soulforge is about raistlin growing up as a child to taking the test in the tower of high sorcery. in this book u realize that that even as a child raistlin's best friend was his ambition. u could see how and why he became so.. dark.. in chronicles and legonds. u also see that raistlin wasn't always as dark-hearted. he wasn't born wearing the black robes, despite what many may think. in this book u see him as a, all arond ok person. he's not a saint or anything, but he isn't a bad guy either. i highly recomend this book to any dl fan, but i dont segust that any1 new to dl should read this. start with chronicles, and then legonds. that way u get to know raistlin, so to speak. i think that this is an exelent book. enjoy.

From what I've experienced, a lot of books are able to make the author sympathize with the character--but it's rare for books to be able to make the reader empathize with the character, to actually be the character. Soulforge, honestly, is successful on that very plank.

In this book, you'll be given a chance to view the life of one of the most intriguing characters in fantasy fiction, Raistlin Majere of Dragonlance fame. Often times, when we meet a particularly bitter, angry but likeable character we ask "What makes them like that?" and even if the Legends Trilogy gives you an understanding, Soulforge will pull you deeper into the heart of Raistlin and you'll be able to comprehend why he is who he is.

But I guess we all understand his nature by now. We understand he's envious of his brother. We understand his ambitions. Now what's so special with Soulforge, for me, is the fact that I was able to feel Raistlin's anger. I was able to understand and perhaps, perceive, that if I were in Raistlin's situation, I'd do the exact same thing. Raistlin wasn't just a 'character', he became someone akin to a real human person.

We'll get all the huge doses of Raistlin fame we want from Dragonlance in Soulforge. And if you want more, there's still Brothers in Arms, which is the sequel to this book.

This is the 4th novel I've read by Margaret Johnson-Hodge. A New Day is an excellent sequel to The Real Deal in that we find out what happens with Samone and Jeff, yet still leaves the focus on Max and Carol-Anne. I found myself really feeling the pain of Carol-Anne's struggles and the evolving relationship with Nadia. She was so used to making a way for her child and didn't truly know how to accept Max's help and his lifestyle/expectations. She ultimately learns how to get the best of both worlds, but not without going through hard times. The relationship between Carol-Anne and her mother was very intense. A New Day will make you laugh, think & it will tug at your heartsrtings. I couldn't put it down. When you read MJH, its like being right there with the characters. She writes beautifully. CLB.

I enjoyed this book immensely! All of the characters, especially Carol-Anne, Max and Nadia were so real. I could relate to almost every aspect of Carol-Anne's life. Margaret Johnson-Hodge truly captured what a single mom sometimes has to go through juggling her own peronsal life and her child/children. I wholeheartedly recommend this book. I hope there will be a sequel to Carol-Anne and Max's relationship!

A New Day the sequel to The Real Deal starts like a story book, two souls looking for love. But Max and Carol-Ann bring so much baggage to the table, they had me wondering 'who's zooming who'? Max Scutter, 36, single, very successful, is lost and hurting. He is afraid of marriage, children, and has "I'm not ready", engraved on his forehead. One mistake cost him the love of his life and his unborn child. He meets Carol-Ann and her eight year old daughter, does a 360 degree turn and wants to be their Knight in armor, but Max still loves Samone. Carol-Ann is 38, a single mother, has always lived in the basement of life, has never felt loved or needed, all she's ever felt, is not good enough. She learned from her mother that children out of wedlock was ok, so Carol dates her boss, gets pregnant on purpose and quits her job. For eight years she's lived in Spanish Harlem between condemned buildings, struggling to make ends meet. But, Carol never brought closure to her relationship. Then, she meets Max and when he offers a solution, she accepts and moves in with him. She soon resents Max for trying to make her fit his life style and she's on the move again, she just can't get it right. Max has now decided to be a player, and Carol is prostituting herself with her ex, for child support. But they both know their lives can't live here, they need to take a timeout, take a nap and wake to a new day.

Ms J-Hodge, creates her characters with such realism, you don't just read the story, you share it. I love that she doesn't take her characters back, she allows them to look back, but with a gentle hand, she pushes them forward. Some books tend to linger, for me, A New Day is one of them.

aNN Brown
The RAW Reviewers

I bought the 1st novel in the Dragonlance Chronicles. I read it. I became the biggest fan of Dragonlance and now I try to keep up with every new book Weis & Hickman writes. They're just GREAT!!! I never enjoyed so much reading a book! I LOVE this series! You start reading and get into a so magical and exciting world... you'll never want to stop reading! It has what every book should have: beautiful descriptions of places, characters.. it is EXCITING... it is funny... I just wish Maragaret & Tracy will keep writing great books as the Dragonlance Chronicles. By the way: if you play AD&D and haven't read the Chronicles yet - be ashamed!!! It's the mother of all fantasy books! Tolkien has some serious competition here! I TRUELY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. Email me if you have doubts..

When I was in 5th grade, I picked up my first DL book, Dragons of Autum Twilight. I wasn't much of a reader, meaning I thought books were boring. Then came my friend and suggested that I read these books. Needless to say, I couldn't put them down. Now some 12 or 13 years later and after countless hours of reading, I still have to find a book that even comes close. I haven't read these three books in a long time, but now that I have found this site, you can be assured that I will read them once again and agian. I myself have turned many people on to these books and they all feel the same way that I, and many other people do. If you are reading this and have not yet read the trilogy, stop right now and go to your nearest bookstore and try to find them, or order from here. You will not regret it.

Dragonlance is by far the most obsessively wonderous and complex series I've seen. It was (and still is) a great honor (saluris?) to experience the environment of Krynn. I found myself reading the entire histories of all the characters (just finished tying Theros in with Chronicle I) and staring at the atlas, making minor additions such as Mudhole in the East Warrens of Thorbardin. My compliments to Fonstad, by the way. This series, in its entirety, is a must read for anyone who has imagination enough to dream. I can never type the words to do this story justice, however, I will say that the words flow like thought, the depth of characters is unbelievably accute, and in the books that branch off from the Chronicles, so far, I have only found one singular disparity in the entire series. Chronicle I, page 317, lines 9-11. (refer to Kindred Spirits, Meetings Vol.1.) That's probably sad to be able to spot that, but that is how this compelling story grips and doesn't let go. Thank you Weis and Hickman.

I have read many books by Margaret Weis, but I was skeptical about the idea behind this book. I heard it was about a bunch of draconians, and I thought it sounded boring. Well, I finally got around to reading it, and am I ever glad I did! The draconians came across as interesting and believable, and I actually found myself rooting for them from time to time, a thing I never thought I would find myself doing. These ARE draconians, after all!

As an added bonus, this book was hilarious! Very few books actually make me laugh aloud, but I was practically rolling around on the floor. If you are a Dragonlance fan who is used to reading dark, serious, dramatic novels, there is not a lot of that here. But there is enough action and humor to keep you turning the pages. I mean, what other book has the commander of an army telling his men, "As you know, we're on the verge of a crisis situation. Our supply of dwarf spirits is running low." (p. 33, paperback edition) If you want a good laugh, and/or you are interested in the draconians during the Chaos war, read this book!

"The Doom Brigade" by the husband and wife team of Margaret Weis and Don Perrin features the life and times of an eccentric group of Draconians during the same time period as "Dragons of Summer Flame". These draconians have made a small little settlement, and have managed to live a reletively peaceful life in the mountains. They only have to deal with a dwarf raid every once in a while.

The authors of this book do an amazing job portraying Draconians as more than just the killers they were portrayed like in the first Dragonlance books. It is nice to read a book from their point of view, seeing exactly what they feel and think about the other races on Krynn.

This books has an amazing storyline, and is full of enuogh action and adventure to keep any fantasy reader hooked. There is tons of humor in this book. All of the characters have their own personality which is nice to see. The main characters in this book, including Kang (the lead Draconian), and his right hand man..err..Draconian, Slith, are all nicely developed and portrayed well.

The story and characters keep this book a fun read all the way though. It is one of the better books in the Dragonlance world. Not only are the characters fun to read about, but it is also fun to read from the other side for once. Seeing the story through the eyes of Draconians and not through the eyes of the "Good Guys".

Have to give the authors credit, this is DEFINATELY a great book. At first i thought draconians were kind of boring to make a book about, but i was wrong.. this book centers on a community of draconians, sustaining themselves on brew and Dwarf Bashing, until they learn of a secret treasure(one that could mean the life or death of the draconian race). Unfortuantely, a group of wayward hill dwarves(who are also main characters) also know of this treasure, leading up to a thrilling race to the bowels of Thorbardin(where draconians and hill dwarves aren't exactly welcome). along the way, the dark queen sets the commander of the draconinans on a mission to help save the world from chaos, which happens to go hand in hand with his treasure plans.. Though the dwarves presented interesting characters, I was really cheering for the draconians through this one, they were portrayed in a humorous and intelligent manner, and I have the sudden urge to get my hands on some Dwarf Spirits.. at any rate, a wonderful book for any reader of fantasy novels!

The saga of Raistlin and Caramon continue in this outstanding novel. The relationship of the twins is studied more and more as Raislin's evil slowly becomes more apparent to the good-hearted warrior. Lady Crysania's struggles to answer the questions of her faith as Raislin attempts to reel her into his darkness. Tas appears less in this book that in the first but he still makes major contributions and of course adds some fantastic humor. Caramon superbly commands an army during the Dwarfgate wars, and we find out maybe Caramon isn't as dumb as we all thought. This story is told with a stirring narative that, at times, makes you feel like death is walking on Krynn. One warning make sure you have the third book in the trilogy on hand, because you will by dying for it when you finish this one. Also, all hail to Rabbit-Slayer.

It is simple. Either you have read the earlier books and liked them enough to continue, or you haven't read them yet.

If you have read all the earlier ones (including the first book of the series), then I highly recommend this book and the final, concluding, work. The story is quite good and the rest of the dragonlance stories (Summer Flame) hinge on what happens in "Legends."

If you have not read the first "Legends" book, but you have read the "Chronicles," then I recommend reading the first book in this series "Time of the Twins" unless you absolutely had no interest in Raistlin (in which case I wonder if you breath oxygen).

If you have not read _any_ dragonlance books, then the question of whether you should start is a bit of a more complex one. The truth is that the writing is not that great (especially those parts dominated by Tracy Hickman). The charactes are simple and do some pretty stupid things. However, the actual story is excellent, and for many people that is enough. I have read the entire saga twice and can appreciate the interesting story while only cringing a bit at the characters.

I simply could not put this book down! The way you cannot get Raistlin, the evil (evil or just misunderstood?) twin mage to Caramon, the hero of the story, quite figured out is a fantastic twist to the story. There are battles of raw emotions, battles of magic, and battles of sword-on-sword in this book. The plot is: Raistlin, the Master of Past and Present, wants to challenge the Dark Queen Takhisis. To do this, he needs a pure cleric, specifically Crysania, daughter of a rich and pampered family. Caramon, Raistlin's twin and the hero of the story, wants to stop Raistlin. Caramon cannot figure out whether he loves his brother or hates him. Memories of the past happy times clash with the reality of what Raistlin is now, and Caramon must make a tumultous decision that ends the book with a BANG!!! and leaves you slobbering and panting for more. Who could resist this book?

If you were an orphan and all your life you continued to move from house because no one wanted to keep you,then finally,all of a sudden you find someone who actually likes you and wants you. That's exactly what L.M. Montgomery's novel Anne of Grenn Gables is about.

Anne Shirely is a smart talkative,very imaginative little girl who lived all over until one day the Cuthberts of Avonlea,Canada adopted her. Deciding to kepp her didn't come easily. They finnally did decide and she was so happy about it. During her stay she got into lots of trouble. Anne then has something that happens that is very nice but sad. In order to find out whatg happened,you will have to read the book.

I liked Anne of Green Gable because the character was very smart and had a big imagination. I also liked it because the plot was excellent. I recommend the book to anyone who is into reading stories with lots of plots and if so you will sure love this book!

A few weeks ago, I got really sick of today's children's literature. I had read enough mysteries and trashy books about romance to last me a lifetime. So I wanted something else to read, something well-written with a good plot and lifelike characters. I had to look no further than the first book I picked up- Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery.

Anne of Green Gables is the first book in the Anne of Green Gables series. It takes place, as most of L. M. Montgomery's books do, on Prince Edward Island in Canada. This particular story takes place in the town of Avonlea. It follows young Anne Shirley, an orphan brought to Green Gables to help Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert on their farm. Much to Anne's dismay, Marilla tells her that they wanted a boy to help around the farm, not a girl. However, Marilla changes her mind and decides to keep the dynamic young girl who would become Anne of Green Gables.

This novel is incredibly written, with well-developed characters and an intricate plot. I absolutely loved it. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great example of children's literature at its height.

first of all, let me begin with I LOVE THIS BOOK! I have read this book more times than I can remember...easily more than a dozen...thus, I am going to set my mind to write a glowing review of it.

This book portrays a stunning sketch of Canadian History and Culture in the late 1800s to early 1900s. The character personalities are so real and so amazingly "human" that one cannot help but fall in love with them. You really get a taste of PEI in its glory.

This story is set in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island (Canada), a fictional settlement which is really Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, the place where Lucy Maud Montgomery, the author grew up.

The main character is Anne Shirley...and eleven year old, enigmatic, imaginative, sparkling, highly intelligent orphan who is sent to Green Gables, a farmhouse in Avonlea, under the impression that she was to be adopted by a pair of elderly siblings, Matthew and Marilla Cuthburt. But, apon arrival to Green Gables, Anne discovers that there had been a horrible mistake...the Cuthburts never wanted a girl...they wanted a boy who could do the chores and help Matthew with the farm. Anne was was in the "depths of dispair". Matthew, on the drive home from the train station had taken a great shine to Anne and had his heart set on keeping her, regardless of any mistake. Marilla, however, was not so easily enchanted. She agreed to let Anne stay at Green Gables on trial, to see if she would behave herself and lend a helpful hand to Marilla. After the trial, Anne is welcomed to Green Gables and flourishes under the love of the Cuthburts and all Avonlea folk. Anne, however, has one big problem. Her Hair. It is a hopeless shade of carrotty red and Anne felt that it was the ugliest hair anyone could imagine. She was extremely sensitive about it and she was horribly embarrassed about it. On her first day of school, Anne's hair was made fun of by Gilbert Blythe, the smartest and handsomest boy in school. "Carrots! Carrots!" he said. Anne's temper got the better of her and she was so angry she broke a slate over his head. After that, for many years, she snubbed Gilbert every time he spoke to her and he developed a boyhood crush on her.

Ah, but to keep this review interesting and the book mysterious, I will stop telling you the story and begin reviewing. The characters in the book are so well-defined that it seems to you that you know every character personally, like an old friend or neighbour.

And by all means, don't let the age recommendation fool you either...this book can be read by all ages alike...and I have no doubt that this book will still be my avid favorite at the age of 85.

The book is not boring, contrary to many opinions of those who read the first chapter of small print and historical settings. The discriptions will place you right into the heart of the story and you find you will laugh and cry while reading this story. Every time I read it I cry at a certain part which I'm not sure if I should reveal to you for fear of spoiling the good parts in the story, but it is dreadfully sad. If you read the book, then you will know what part I am talking about. The one saddest part in the whole story.

Although this book has some old ideas and ways of expressing them, you will learn a great deal of Canadian history through them and there's no doubt in my mind that this book will still be popular decades and most likely even centuries to come.