C. (Comment, never msg).’s Comments (group member since Jan 30, 2014)

C. (Comment, never msg).’s comments from the Gentle SPECTRUMS group.

Kerri, I thought a novel about university would show a little classtime and think it was a missed opportunity that it didn't. It showed Anne and other girls enjoying independence, leisure, ambition, and romances in 1915 but without seeing some lecture hall, library, or campus scenes; it was only a backdrop away from Avonlea. I liked a break from Avonlea and also liked that Anne returned there off & on.

I dislike stories about uninvestigated misunderstandings but Anne wanted to avoid romance with Gilbert most of the time. She couldn't seek much clarifying about his female company. It was up to Anne to decide she wanted Gilbert but neither did she want an engagement. That was where couples took relationships, at a level more serious than sharing a kiss. Early courtship is different from living through difficulties with a partner, which is why I am glad we test relationships out nowadays.

I don't know if Lucy put less thought into her plots than she ought to have or if she had little faith in people's integrity and perseverance but I disliked that two important situations were left to chance.

I loathe the cruelty of trying to kill a cat and only God intervened in Rusty's survival. This, instead of anyone speaking up and saying "No!" was the only change that gave them the occasion to say "I don't like this. Let's give Rusty a home". Lucy lost me as a fan then and there. I could almost excuse killing Anne's white birds as an unpleasant factor of a farm lifestyle.

Anne was going to marry her boyfriend because they had courted long enough that it was the logical step and she did not believe she could love anyone better. Only in this event, did Anne shake herself awake and decline his proposal.

After this, Anne must have imagined she loved Gilbert. She could have asked him if he was romantic with Christine, to open the way to socializing with him; even if she didn't want to get serious. I love that we will probably see them dating without obligations for awhile, as we do in our generation.

However, it pissed me off that when his temporary sickness made Anne certain of her devotion to Gilbert; she didn't rush to him as soon as he had survived. To me, it was weak that it took a letter from a friend to coax Gilbert to seek Anne out again; instead of either of them making a decision by themself to sort it. Even as a life long friend, Anne could have fondly run to visit Gilbert as soon as the illness was beaten.

I hated the dig, of which there were too many, that Marilla would dislike cats. What Canadian or country person would find a cat difficult to love and care for! Dogs have to be kept quiet and take more work. It was plausible without that remark, for the Aunt to take all three cats home who had bonded nicely. Maud was supposedly a cat lover and didn't please readers, by proposing that a main character disliked these dear animals.

I have critiques in a few places and I see Kerri too graded this novel with four stars. From me, that is a fortunate grade, after deciding that I like it much better than most novels that receive three stars. Two new characters and storylines were superfluous;
the bitchy Aunt of Diana's Dad's and the pathetic romance at the place where Anne substituted as a teacher. However, I enjoyed this overall novel, world, and most characters immensely. Like before, it made pleasant reading and I like its ending.

Yes, Diane's wedding was beautiful and introducing her first born. I thought they were too brief and should have received more page space, like showing the wedding vows and detailing Diana's first look at her baby. I don't think Paul's imagination needs to leave; Lavendar's needs to curb more than his. However, it is nice to see humanity grow and maintain a balanced centre of who we are.

I am glad you loved the story of our romance and how other necessities changed the plan for a traditional marriage. We have a twenty-year union either way with ups & downs, which everyone prays with high hopes comes out on top. Anne was wise to take her time, especially so young, in a century that expected marriage or parenthood to stop carefree and other goals.

I want to discuss the book. Thus, I'll leave this as a spoiler alert for Shirin and Leeanne, allowing us to discuss whatever we like as it comes to mind. I finished the novel about a week ago and am on my second since then.

I am glad Kerri has "The Alpine Path" autobiography. I like a break from authors and will wait a few months. We happened to leave four months between this whole triology.

I am glad to have a political conversation! It is nice to know that New Zealand has four or more feasible, real choices too. I did try to say clearly that Canada had only the two major parties, until the Green Party and New Democrats came along.

I tried conveying that most people voted the same way, no matter what the platform or who the cadidate was; a bad habit that exists now among old-timers but which was worse 100 years ago. I didn't find it quaint that Anne emulated Matthew's view, because he had none. He was a sheep if ever there were one; the trait I disliked about him. We could understand a child emulating parents before character finishes forming but I was young, when I disagreed with my parents on some things. We know the roots of ourselves at young ages.

I looked our other parties up. I knew the Greens in Canada were founded recently but goodness, 1983, is in our lifetime. Tommy Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland's Grandpa believe it or not, founded the NDPs in 1961. He is responsible for our health care. We pay into it but the result is that consulting doctors and using hospitals is unlimited.

There is a funny "Corner Gas" episode featuring him, in which he is in Canada visiting his Mom's house. He keeps answering crank or misdialed calls, going "Yes, this is Shirley's place"! FYI, I wasn't referring to those videos in e-mail. There is no rush on exploring the television series, which is not so personal as the gems I added. :)

Message #32 proposes a political observation about Anne and a little lesson about how Canada has four party choices. I would love a contribution to it if you can, before we are done with both books. Questions to discuss are fun, as opposed to summarizing story contents.

Kerri, I am glad I gave you a laugh about Meryl Streep. The film is all I know of that series and was my introduction to John Krasinski's wife.

Shirin, is there any other observation about "Anne Of Avonlea"? We don't want to rush you in talking about it. How did it compare for you to "Anne Of Green Gables"? I liked many things better. However, the jarring note about killing birds reduced my grade to four stars and even in the third book, I find Dora is not discussed and highlighted enough. Otherwise, this second story was wonderfully exciting. Josephine Baker, Diana's aunt and Paul are my favourite external characters.

I have stopped before page 240, chapter 29. Ah, I see it is going to be Diana's wedding. That will be poignant.

Popping in every chapters, or making notes to share later, really reflects our shifting impressions. It is ncie to record them because our final impression of finished stories will be cemented, won't they? After two objectionable chapters, I was sure "Anne Of The Island" could do no better than 3 stars. Now I am unsure. There is a chance for 4 stars.

I will never care for Phillippa because of cat chlorophorming willingness and disliked her weak character anyway. However, I am glad she has grown; in part thanks to unexpected attraction to an unhandsome minister trainee.

I admire the twist that Anne & Gilbert are not automatically together and that each are giving someone else a try! I don't believe Anne should rush but neither liked the idea that she could never fall for him, which is all Gilbert had asked. It is the best thing for her that she is dating another guy. Meanwhile, Gilbert dating Christine is the only way for Anne to be certain her heart would leap for him. We never want to feel we fell into a relationship and grew complacent. I think if townspeople and friends would shut up, nature might have taken its course for them. You defy assumptions; I find them rude.

Ron & I were good friends first. During dating years, relatives annoyed me with inquiries about a future. I don't mind initial inquiries but after I have answered, shut up. We did become engaged, stemming a wave of questions about time and details. We wanted to enjoy that stage and had earned it. Once is enough, people.

A funny story: right after we got engaged, we who seldom travel, ended up taking 3 trips and airfare ain't cheap, even within Canada! Well, thankfully the world quarantine has lowered the prices. We accepted an invitation to visit Scotland and England in July 2009, flew to my brother's Ontario wedding in October 2009, and flew back to Ontario, to behold A-ha in concert in May 2010!

We found out our apartment building would ban pets after major rennovations. We bought this house and land before August 2010. By September 2010, we agreed to foster a pregnant Mother cat (Marigold). We fell in love with all 4 of her newborns (Angel, Love, Petal, Conan), and kept them all, in addition to McCartney & Spirit (rest his dear soul). By March 2011, we got our city vet as low as possible on spaying & neutering all 5.

After money had been tight, temperaments gradually grew strained. Marriage isn't presently on the radar, even if we had the dough! With my Mom gone, at least in this first mourning year, I don't feel like having that tradition without her. Stabilizing Spirt in illness last month, cost a lot. Marigold needs dental work. Lottery winnings, please! That is the story of why some people don't marry. I hope the digression was enjoyed. :)

I look forward to conversations with you, Shirin! I am going to give you my e-mail address: RiedelFascination(at)Gmail(dot)com. Sometimes we get to know each other, discussing things we don't want public. We might exchange birthday / Christmas cards, or help each other find books. Of course, mailing addresses are private. :)

Leeanne, this started out as a second paragraph about your review. I would like to stoke up our "Avonlea" conversation instead. Shirin has just finished the novel and is joining us on the third. :)

Well, Miss Lavendar is preferable to Phillippa, isn't she? I love Miss Lavendar's imagination. However, like me, no doubt Leeanne wanted to see her get off the couch in reality. Fancy imagination is great but let's step outside our door. I find it offensive that she doesn't learn all the names of the family of sisters who live in her home. You can see that I don't let anyone so much as nickname me as "C", even though it means asking people to remember that it stands for "Carolyn"!

I prefer first names: what is Miss Lavendar's? She certainly has the time and should use some brainpower to respectfully learn the names of "Charlotta" sisters living with her. A million interactions a day would cement it for the most forgetful human. I wonder if that is what got to Leeanne, too. It was scarcely excusable, at first, when Miranda did that in "The Devil Wears Prada".

Hi Shirin! I have been watching for more comments from you about "Anne Of Avonlea". I am sure Leeanne and Kerri will answer your reflections, too.

Please read "Anne Of The Island" with us. It is worth it and we see the continuation of Anne Shirley's life, with many important updates of other characters. I will help you by telling you what happened regarding animals. Then, you will not be shocked by the objectionable parts and will know which part to bypass.

You can read chapter 17 but avoid a letter from Davy that Anne reads to the roommates. It is a short part but he wrote that Mr. Harrison decided he didn't want a dog any longer and killed and buried it! Skip all of chapter 16, unless it is okay with you, that the cat named "Rusty" lives and becomes respected.

It infuriated me that the chapter was about the girls choosing and trying to kill a cat! Rusty is lucky about the miracle that it did not work but I was unhappy about this terrible attitude. They left the cat overnight in a box, to breathe chloroform but thankfully, there was a hole in the box! Only after the miracle, Anne says "Don't do that again" and decides to keep the cat.

That was terrible but I assure you, dear kind-hearted Shirin, that the rest of this book - before and after - is beautiful. Your cat Mother friend, Carolyn.

I loved chapters 1 to 15. I thought, here is a novel that receives 5 stars again. It will be my favourite thus far. Heavily shifted impressions illustrate the value of sharing feedback with small progress. I understand snatching time to read. The book will be lucky to have 3 stars. It was beautiful everywhere else, so I will speak to those.

I am shocked and sorry about Ruby because she was young and Aunt Josephine, because she was so dear and lively. Anne can afford to finish her degree and possibly buy Patty's house. Unlike Leeanne, even though films and television programs were mashups; I avoided them, to read my book collection in the future. My sole hint was from "Canadian Pickers" in PEI, when the Cavendish museum was cleared out. The duo asked the owner for a few items fans would recognize, even all the way in Calgary.

They were shown ceramic dogs, whom I had been awaiting at Green Gables. As soon as they were mentioned in this third novel, I exclaimed: "Aha, there they are"! The names "Grog" and "Magog" were immediately familiar. I had only heard them once. That was fun for me because my only impression of this famous series finally showed itself.

The foreshadowing has been obvious from the "love/hate" of book 1, that Anne will probably marry Gilbert. I believe I have seen the "Blythe" last name as a future chapter heading in this or other novels, however I avoided looking. I know 20 is considered acceptable even today. However, Anne so much wants to enjoy being a girl, studying, and travelling, let her have that wish!

I thought both her proposals were lame because no matter what the timeline, you don't ask marriage of someone you have not dated and acquainted thoroughly. The Lord knows living common-law is hard, in the terrible week I have had. I wanted comfort last night. I tell you, animal-killing chapters were poor timing.

I hope we hear more about Aunt Josephine. Anne's comfort of Ruby and Ruby's heartfelt and soulfelt appreciation of her guidance were so special, it gives readers peace on her behalf. My Mom and Spirit wanted to live longer if it were possible and fought all the way. But they accepted the hand they were dealt and encourage our peace. I understand Heaven is great and the world and universe wouldn't work right, if loved-ones ascended at the same time but that separation is hard.

To finish with with a light note, I don't think the last book or this one made Radcliffe's location clear. I don't recall why the kids chose it and imagined it would be in Charlottetown. It is in Nova Scotia! This book finally described PEI like an island and spoke of the red shores as Anne and friends left by boat.

It is memorable that it was the first time she left since she was adopted. I thought she would be keen to be on home soil and explore her birthplace: I would. A fan website said Kingsport represents Halifax, where Maude studied. I have been to that beautiful city and believe I know the nearby lighthouse and little island that were mentioned! I am glad Anne is seeing the country, especially in a 100 year-old decade.

I am nearly in Chapter 21. Kerri, I saw your "Chapter 27" heading, avoided it, and wondered why I only saw coverage of 1 to 10. I am glad I peeked at your paragraph and saw that it was fine to read it all the way through. Please do say what you think of 10 to 20, if that is how you like to organize your notes.

If you hated 16 and 17 too, maybe Leeanne will speak for us. It doesn't matter if there was no spaying & neutering in 1915. There is never a justifcation for killing kittens! There is never a justification for killing cats! It is a cinch to post a note at the university and ask hundreds of kids and longtime millionaire neighbours, where Rusty is from!

There is never a justification for killing dogs or animals, except in self-defense! The Harrisons live in a village of kids where they know everyone. It is not hard to ask farmers and villagers if they would like to have a dog. How dare Anne and company laugh at Davy's letter as if it were cute and contained acceptable acts. How disgusting to commit them in front of a child.

Rusty's near escape was intended as an unlikely bond story but Maud, supposedly a cat fan, failed to consider one big thing. How fucked-up is she, to consider killing a cat in the first place and putting that mindset in a children's book?! How little do I respect the four girls for trying it! The Aunt had a chance to win back some relief and commonsense by exclaiming that no one should dare kill a cat.... but my jaw crashed back open at that comment about infant kittens being disposable. Before I swear anymore, I'll close this part of my comments off.

I hope no one waits for me to start. We don't want conversations to comprise answering my questions. Please do propose something new for me to enjoy as well. :) I am past page 100 and chapter 11 but would love for either of you to lead.

Our phone line was down for 24 hours, our sole connection to the internet. We do not have cell phone plans for talking or text-messaging, nor internet. They are merely phones. I did finish several 2020 reviews, which I am posting.

I found that Anne got into no "scrape" on purpose. There were misunderstandings by Marilla and once, Diane's Mother. I was just revisiting your "Anne Of Green Gables" review, Shirin. It is dated April 2020 but you clarified that it was a year ago. For me, it is entirely new; including watching no TV shows, films, or plays.

Hi Shirin! Wow, you are motoring through this; your first visit already in chapter 11! You will join Leeanne, Kerri, and I in "Anne Of The Island" quickly. Was it long ago that you read "Anne Of Green Gables"? Are you reprising Anne's progress easily?

Yes, I too, love that Anne is still exactly herself; only more mature and much more free and independent, from ages 16 to 18! Yes, when it comes to the common expression "Don't do anything I wouldn't do".... If Anne were to say it, it would leave naughty Davy with a lot of leeway nonetheless. [shudder}

I don't like him because he is usually mean and disruptive on purpose, with no better excuse than being bored. Dora is wonderful and not given enough credit. Just because she doesn't demand attention by being a "shit head", doesn't mean her personality ought to be underestimated, nor her need for company, guidance, and learning ignored.

~Group reading proposals~ Kerri, Leeanne, and I are reading "Anne Of The Island" and conversing about "Anne Of Avonlea". Shirin and I discussed in messages #6-8, that we have 4 other books handy to enjoy soon. Patricia, in message #4, is keen to accompany me with the last 2 shown and seeks buddies for dark fantasy. Reply if you will join us. Add anytime to any conversations in our folders, about books you know.

"The Murder Of Roger Ackroyd" Agatha Christie
"The Diary Of A Young Girl" Anne Frank
"Cover Her Face" P.D. James
"Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone" J.K. Rowling
"The Starless Sea" Erin Morgenstern.

Hi Kerri! You know my story: I meant to start the first story of my "Anne Of Green Gables" set last year, especially knowing of several international Goodreads peers who adore it as a favourite. I could not remain a Canadian who had not read them. :) Hearing that my niece and brother wanted these directly from me, for which I hope they have waited; I decided to indulge in all three novels of this set. I think our savouring breaks in between have been just right: June, October, February.

After this, I could wait a year to continue, unless we find an irresistible, crazy cliffhanger in "Anne Of The Island". Since this is from 1915 and Maud's brief "The Alpine Path" autobiography is from 1917, I would read that next. If you and Leanne could acquire it, I would love to share that in unison, as usual.

I feel sacrosaint about not writing in books, in case someone should choose to give them to someone else. However, in certain instances it is special. In a revered or antiquated situation, I too love the personal treasure of someone's handwriting and message, evidenced and preserved before me across time.

I have begun Anne's third story but she is home in the first two chapters, not at her new university yet. I propose another "Anne Of Avonlea" topic that came mind while I was reading its portion about politics. First, here is how we are in Canada.

It is my suppositition that many countries have two major choices, "liberal" or "conservative" (also called "tory"). While leaders are the most important factors; the general idea is that party viewpoints are similar: liberals for dreamers and forward-thinkers and conservatives liking old status quos. I am very glad Canada has four realistic choices, especially if neither leader of the common two parties is appealing: the Green Party and New Democrats included.

The Green Party is still tiny but has over the last decade, under Elizabeth May, finally gained seats in the House Of Commons. We favour them and wish the new, black leader well. We certainly witnessed Jack Layton and his MP wife Olivia Chow, grow the NDPs. He very nearly got elected this decade, before dying of cancer. Even when they were small, the NDPs were responsible for getting us nationwide health care in the 1960s. We truly have four major options and I love it.

It occurs that based on Anne's personality and beliefs, she would not be a conservative, like this novel has her being! I wonder if you, Leeanne and Kerri, thought the same thing. I was also disappointed that Anne rather blindly asserted this keenness only because her dear Matthew had supported that political party. And we know Matthew was not a thinking, decisive person. It is obvious, just like a lot of farmers and other old folks do in Manitoba today, that they don't make a study of the leader who has a better platform each time. They keep repeating the seletion of the same political party.

I wonder if Anne will broaden her views once she is in the free-thinking of all places: university! However, in 1915 the old folks who stuck to one party were in their modern day and there were only two choices, a hundred years ago. I am interested in knowing if, like my parents, there were always people who looked at the best candidate in every election, or if it is a modern scrutiny that developed later. Automatic repeat voters chose where they stood the first time, unless they followed relatives. I am glad we changed, to examine the person for the job. The conservatives are one party that will never suit me. But there are three others at every election from whom to choose.

Dearest Shirin, your care meant a lot, in my update when I made the sad, hard accouncement about our Spirit. Thank you for that. We begin in this community with books. However, many of us become friends and what that really means.

Yes, please jump into any conversation about any books you see here, that you have read. If you read the second and third Lucy Maud Montgomery novels a little later, there is no time limit to coming and speaking your mind, my friend. I am very happy this group has conversations of all kind lately. Animals, plants, music, movies, world news.... anything.

Good! Let me know which one you are in the mood for, Shirin. We are still discussing "Anne Of Avonlea" in the folder by its name. We slowed down a lot before Christmas. Then certainly, when I was taking care of our dear Spirit cat full-time; then the hardship of having lost him 3 weeks ago.

Therefore, if you do read the second novel soon, jump in and reply to our conversation.... and the same with "Anne Of The Island" when you are ready. Add to conversations of any books you have read, no matter how long ago our reading or yours.

Welcome, Shirin! I am happy you are here! Feel free to add your ideas, or make a folder for yourself in your name. I am glad you have "Anne Frank" and access to "Roger Acroyd". Do you own "Knots & Crosses" (Ian Rankin #1) and "Cover Her Face" (P.D. James #1)? I will read any of these anytime you like. I added "The Angel's Game" in message #3. Three of us are starting the 3rd "Anne Of Green Gables" tonight.

It is nice to hear from you, Patricia! Not one for Kindle or libraries, I draw from the glorious stock I have gathered at home over the years! If it is paranormal, mystery, Canadian, and a broad variety of non-fiction and classics; there is a good chance I own it, Patricia! Everything I list "to-read", I own.

I dislike war, evil, or sad and refuse anything portraying sexual assault or animal harm. I love the magical, mysterious, and quests. Your favourites might appeal to others who have slumbered in our group. :) I don't know a bigger YA fantasy fan than my wonderful young friend, Darce. She doesn't monitor the group but you could certainly visit her.

I have a good mix of fantasy: Daving Eddings, Guy Gavriel Kay (from Winnipeg!), Isaac Asimov, Ursula LeGun, Monica Hughes, Vicki Blum, Jodi McIsaac (all three Canadian).

Lists are fun and handy to make and need never be concrete. Many of mine are pushed back for years. They are nothing more than what I think I am in the mood to read soon. If I change my mind, I do. :)

I will be pleased to let you know about "The Philosopher's Stone" and "The Starless Sea" as they come up. Later this year, since they are hardcovers that I am rather savouring!