Why I Love Anne Shirley: Then and Now

I remember the first time I met you.  As a shy, red-headed girl, about 8 years old, I vividly remember viewing the PBS special on a tiny twelve-inch television in our cozy living room.  As the story began I had no idea of the delightful treat I was in for.  Right away your story captivated me and I. WAS. HOOKED.

Anne Shirley, though only a character, you were an instant kindred spirit.

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Why I loved Anne THEN

As a young girl I immediately connected with Anne.  There were the obvious reasons – the red hair and the name (my MIDDLE name is Anne with an “e”- close enough, right?!)  And the not so obvious reasons – I had a love for writing, active imagination, and was a hopeless idealist.

Despite the similarities, there was one big difference between Anne and myself.  Anne was endlessly uninhibited with a fiery spirit (which admittedly didn’t always serve her well.)  I think it was her lack of inhibition that really drew me in.

Why I love Anne Shirley NOW

Recently, the kids and I had a chance to read Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery.  As a self-proclaimed Anne of Green Gables mega-fan (um hello – I watched the movie while I was in labor with my first child!), I’m a little embarrassed to say, this was my first time reading the book!

Actually, we listened to the audiobook (we love audiobooks and YES they do count as read-alouds!)  We used this version, and hit the jackpot because the narrator sounded so much like the characters from the movie.

Unlike many movies and books, I thought the book was very similar to the movie (at least the Megan Follow’s version, which is frankly THE BEST!)

As we were listening, it was nostalgic for me thinking back about why I loved Anne, and I realized there are so many more reasons I love this story now.

Anne is an overcomer.  She is an orphan who finds her way and makes an impact on so many, despite her tragic background.

She is fiercely loyal.   This is perhaps what stood out the most to me when contemplating Anne’s character now as an adult.  In her friendships and her relationship with Matthew and Marilla, she is a steadfast companion.

Anne and our Outside the Box Kids

Though exasperating to the adults in her life, it is Anne’s intensity and drive that allows her to succeed.

This actually made me think of so many of our “outside the box” kids.  They can drive us crazy with their intensities that are often frustrating.  But those intensities may be the very thing that sets them apart as leaders.

I know viewing my own intense children through this lens can be helpful.

How about you? Are you an Anne Shirley fan?  What do you love about Anne?