Emily... ah, Emily

I was an adult when I discovered that L.M. Montgomery had written more than just Anne of Green Gables and its sequels.

She also wrote this:



Emily of New Moon

And this:



Emily Climbs

And this—the best of the three, probably because it's the most romantic and thrilling and painful all at once:

Emily's Quest

These books are lengthier than the Anne books, and they are full of lengthy description, which is sometimes still wonderful, and sometimes—just too much. But once you assure yourself or your daughter who is giving these books a try that it's okay not to read every word, you are transported into a tangible world of friendships and heartaches and passions and loves. A world you wish you could inhabit.

I remember feeling giddy the first time I read these, not wanting to go too fast because there would only be one first reading of these books, but dying to know if Emily ended up with... the boy I wanted her to end up with.

Mary is reading them now (while skipping unnecessary description at times) and really loving them. Yesterday, I perused the new YA section at the library and found this on the shelves (and pretty much only books like this):

   

Pause for several moments of deep thought.

Please. Please. Okay, I won't beg. But give Emily a try if you want to find true, lasting satisfaction in your reading.