Book Review - Emily's Quest by L.M. Montgomery

Rating: 10/10

Emily Byrd Starr is all grown up and it's high time she marry! At least, that's what the Murrays want. But what does she want? To publish her own novel, of course! But in the course of her literary adventures, Emily encounters love in its many forms and, as her relationship with her childhood friend, Teddy Kent, blooms, will she be ready?

This is the last in L.M. Montgomery's Emily trilogy. Actually, I liked these novels better than the Anne of Green Gables series. It was more entertaining and more personal, I guess, for Montgomery. In some of the articles I've read about her, all of them say that the trilogy was more like her life story. Maybe I am reading Montgomery's biography, and that's what made it better than the Anne series.

Again, L.M. Montgomery works her wonders. She can make her characters dance right out of the page. They are so real that I want to strangle a few Murrays right now. Emily is still lovable (and, sometimes, hate-able) as always. Her adventures never fail to amuse. Montgomery can make the reader laugh and cry. She truly is a wonderful writer.

Book Review - Chronicles of Avonlea and Further Chronicles of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery

Rating: 10/10

Chronicles of Avonlea and Further Chronicles of Avonlea are set in the Avonlea where the likeable Anne Shirley grew up. These two books consist of stories about the people living in that place. Humorous, refreshing, and lively - the way every L.M. Montgomery novel is - Chronicles and Further Chronicles makes a reader see the good in life, love, and everything under the sun. They will make anyone fall in love all over again.

If you're looking for a pick-me-upper kind of book, then check these two out.

Book Review - The Golden Road by L.M. Montgomery

Rating: 9/10

The new year is almost upon Beverly, Felix, Dan, Felicity, Cecily, Sara Ray, Peter, and the Story Girl. They can't hep but wonder what surprises the new year will bring them. Little do they know the many changes that would come to them. The Golden Road is the sequel to the equally delightful The Story Girl.

I didn't really like The Story Girl as much as I liked the others. But this one's pretty interesting because they put up their own magazine called Our Magazine. I think it's genius. Haha!

The changes that came into the children's lives are many and varied but, I think, the hardest that hit them is the realization that people have to grow up. Change has to come. It's something that we all learn some time in our lives and I'm not really sure whether I accept mine with happiness or regret. But, it's there and we've got to do what we could to cope with it.

All in all, The Golden Road is an interesting read, with an equally sad ending.

Book Review - A Tangled Web by L.M. Montgomery

Rating: 9/10

A Tangled Web is one of L.M. Montgomery's many novels. It is set on Prince Edward Island and tells the story of two families - the Darks and the Penhallows - who have always intermarried for a long time. Now, the most prized possession - Harriet Dark's jug - is about to be bequeathed to one lucky person. Who is it going to be? Only sick and dying Aunt Becky knows and she's not about to let it off easily.

I had much fun reading this book. First of all, it's a novel by L.M. Montgomery! I haven't read one for, like, a long time (two or three months is a terribly long time...). Second, it's an exciting read. L.M. Montgomery retained the playfulness of her writing since Anne of Green Gables. It's always nice to read her books and, after reading one, I feel this sort of lightness and happiness about life. :D

The only thing I didn't quite like is that I had a little difficulty keeping up with the history of the various characters. There were a lot of them that I haven't had time to take note of them all. :P

As for the stories in general, I liked the bit about Brian and Cricket. I was really heart broken when his uncle wrung the kitten's pretty little neck. It's like I could feel a part of what Brian felt, having the only thing that ever loved him murdered. It's really sad and it's the one scene in the novel that really stood out to me. I also liked the bit about Walter Dark's black cat falling in a gallon of gasoline and coming out white. I think it describes the entirety of the novel - that a seemingly unfortunate circumstance could come out as fortunate in the end, after some trial (gasoline = fire; that Eng 11 stuff from last semester really worked. Haha!).

All in all, I liked A Tangled Web (not just because L.M. Montgomery used my nickname...). :D

Book Review - Emily Climbs by L.M. Montgomery

Rating: 10/10

Emily Climbs is just as delightful as the rest of Ms. Montgomery's works. Written mostly in diary-fashion, it is both charming and easy to read. The story of Emily Byrd Starr is deeply endearing that you find yourself attached to her and to her many misadventures. Her escapades with Ilse, arguments with Aunt Ruth, talks with Dean and Cousin Jimmy, literary ambitions, and her odd attachment to Frederick "Teddy" Kent will thrill readers of all ages. Ms. Montgomery packs her books beautifully with laughter and exquisite wonder.

It's been a long time since I have read Ms. Montgomery's books and Emily Climbs is a relief from the academics. Additionally, I find it close to my heart because our star has entered school in Shrewsbury and boards with her eccentric Aunt Ruth! Plus, she goes home on the week ends! How pretty, no? We are so much alike: in ambition and circumstance. This second novel contains so many lessons we all must learn.

(I only wish that I could have such nice experiences as hers. Oh well. Studying here, I think I might just have some...)

P.S. That is not the cover of my copy. I do wish that is the cover of mine. It is so nice and ornate and Emily-ish... But the Emily in my copy is more beautiful and womanly. ;)