Anne of Green Gables

The challenges and changes associated with coming of age are represented well in this book. Anne is a precious little orphan who is mistakenly taken to a place called Green Gables when the persons there had requested a boy. It isn't long before she becomes very special to the hearts of her adopters, Marilla and Matthew. Anne claims Matthew is a kindred spirit. Marilla is doing her best to bring Anne up right, but there are issues she has to overcome in Anne's personality. It's not long before she begins to appreciate Anne's bright, youthful , imaginative spirit.

Anne is a very special girl. She is talented, and smart. Her biggest downfalls I can relate to so very well. She has a HUGE imagination, and she talks too much. Her imaginings often distract her from the realities of chores, and life in general. She seems very absent minded; unable to concentrate on the task at hand for a much more fanciful thought that pops into her mind. And the gift of gab (or the curse of blab) is one that is very difficult to tame. Oh, how I understand the frustrations of such issues. And of course she loves to tell others the stories of her imagination as well as the great things she sees and experiences. You see, everything on this beautiful Canadian island is simply grand to our little orphan, Anne. Her life has not been so fine as yours and mine. But her past experiences, however unpleasant, come to serve her well here on Price Edward Island.

Something that strikes me about this book is the good quality of education expected of the students at Avonlea School (where Anne attends). These ten year olds are learning to spell words that I don't even recognize. Now there's a lofty goal. I hope that my daughters will receive an education that is superior to the typical American Education. Not so much that I can teach them better than anyone else teaches, but that they will come to love learning so that they will seek knowledge for themselves, and do so for the rest of their lives. That is a good measure of success.

Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne

Yes, I read an antiquated book just for fun. I will admit that there were words every few pages whose meanings were unknown to me. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

The traveler, Phileas Fogg, wagers half of his fortune that he will be able to go around the world in eighty days. The year is 1875. That is not so easily accomplished. Along the way he and his servant, Passepartout, encounter many impediments and predicaments. There are also some very interesting methods of transportation used as well as a great deal of money spent.

The thing that impresses me most about this book is the character of Phileas Fogg. Through all the delays, and dangers, Fogg never betrays any emotion. He is extremely gifted in stress management or else he is cold and heartless. (But, several instances in the book will lead one to believe that he is a generous, kind-hearted man.) There were times when Passepartout was beside himself with distress over various problems that were slowing the travelers down. Through it all, Phileas Fogg shows no signs of frustration, even though it is his fortune at stake.

If I learned anything, it is that worry is not worth the time. I hope I can use a little of the calm, confident self-control that was displayed by this character, Phileas Fogg.