In this continuation of the Anne of Green Gables series, Anne’s true love, Gilbert Blythe, is finally a doctor. In the sunshine of the old orchard, among their dearest friends, they are about to speak their vows. Soon the happy couple will be bound for a new life together in their house of dreams, on the misty purple shores of Four Winds Harbour.
But a new life means new problems to solve, and new surprises. Anne and Gilbert make new friends and neighbors: Captain Jim, the lighthouse attendant, with his sad stories of the sea; Miss Cornelia Bryant, a lady who speaks her mind; and the tragic beauty Leslie Moore, into whose dark life Anne shines a brilliant light.
This is a book of joys and troubles, changes and revelations. Anyone whose heart has been captured by the beloved heroine of this series should not miss this installment.
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"This book had me rolling on the floor, laughing. Dave Barry has been one of my favorite authors of all time for a long time now, and I think this books is him at his funniest. I don't even mind him taking a jab at some of my favorite songs, such as "Never Been to Me," because he's right, despite the beautiful melody, I still can't quite figure out what the lyrics are about, either. One of my particular favorites in this book is the section about songs with lyrics that are hard to decipher--funny, funny, funny! This book was published sometime ago; shouldn't it be time he comes up with a sequel commenting on songs that have come out since?"
— Lulu (5 out of 5 stars)
“Anne’s new exploits have their own special brand of poignancy, humor and drama. Read with great sensitivity by Susan O’Malley, this audiobook carries us into Anne’s seaside home to such great effect that we can almost see Captain Jim smoking his pipe by the fireplace.”
— Through the Looking Glass Children’s Book Review" Less funny than usual. Shame on you, Dave. "
— Architeuthis, 2/15/2014" Amusing little book for which Dave Barry used a couple previous newspaper columns and the many, many letters he received in response as the main text. There's all sorts of popular songs that have made these lists. Only a couple I didn't recognize at all and some are personal favorites. I think some of the songs it depends on what's going on in your life when you first here them, because I have happy memories associated with some titles that made the "bad song lists" but if I'd just heard them on the radio over and over I might think they were annoying too. "
— Tammy, 2/14/2014" Love Dave Barry he's hilarious. You have to read this book aloud and yet can't...if you love music you must read. Also...I always thought it was "Hold me closer Tony Danza..." "
— Erin, 2/11/2014" Critics call this the best Anne book, I guess because it has more mature (read: darker) themes, but I don't know. As Montgomery focuses on new characters, we don't see Anne as fully as we used to. It has its moments, of course - it's LMM, after all - but it's not my Book of Dreams. "
— Shoshana, 2/4/2014" I loved this book. Captain Jack was a fabulous character. Great read! "
— Ali, 2/2/2014" This is the book I always wanted to write but never got around to. Dave Barry beat me to the punch, fortunately, because he's much more humorous than me. But he hit on so many songs that I had always thought about that were so bad... and a few that weren't! "
— Samuel, 1/30/2014" I read another of Dave Barry's books about Economics or Money and it was hysterical and when I read that book I laughed so hard about a few things in that book that I almost peed my pants. This book was a lot shorter and not quite as funny though still funny. If you were born between 1960 and 1980 you will probably enjoy this book. "
— Chris, 1/28/2014" I gave it 3 stars because this one had one particular very sad part that I thought was well done, but not as fun to read. "
— Pamala, 1/25/2014" As always, charming and winsome. "
— Andrew, 1/25/2014" kinda lost its excitement now that she's with Gilbert "
— Brooke, 1/21/2014" contains spoilers. anne is now married to her beloved Gilbert Blythe, and they now reside in Four Winds in Prince Edward Island, 60 miles away from her hometown and her friends. in it we find how anne is able to make new friends and break barriers in between them. "
— Jtz, 1/21/2014" No matter how many times I read this book, it just makes me laugh out loud (for real ... not just some texting acronym!) "
— Beth, 1/20/2014" Gilbert + Anne = Finally!! "
— Joelle, 1/17/2014" I love this book. I read it at least once a year, when I want to be helplessly giggly, and be reminded of the best birthday card I ever bought. (It had a cake. In the rain. If you're old enough, you understand.) Weenie Songs, Teen Death Songs, Songs Women Really Hate . . . there's something for everybody. "
— Sarah, 1/17/2014" My FAVORITE Dave Barry book of all. "
— Deborah, 1/16/2014" This is my very favorite book in the series. "
— Stephanie, 1/14/2014" Miss Cornelia is not a favorite of mine. But there is something so sweet about Anne and Gilbert here, and Leslie and Captain Jim make up for the acrid Miss Cornelia. "
— Mary, 1/11/2014" Bought this for my dad and then read the whole thing before giving it to him. Short and highly entertaining. "
— Emily, 1/8/2014" Hilarious! Anyone who has ever been made to listen to Barry Manilow or Neil Diamond for hours on end, or questioned some of the stranger lyrics in popular songs or questioned the popularity of certain songs, or even the sanity of certain individuals who like said songs, this is for you! "
— Miss, 1/1/2014" very funny, yet some (to me, German) obscure songs "
— Eva, 12/27/2013" Hilarious. I was compelled to make the Book of Bad Songs Album and pass it around to family members after I read this and Napster was still around. You may judge me now. "
— Leah, 12/27/2013" Another wonderful installment to Anne's life. There are so many great characters in this one. I absolutely loved it. Now that I see how the true Anne character develops and matures, the Continuing Movie they made is highly unsatisfying. "
— Julie, 12/25/2013" Made me laugh out loud! "
— Anne, 12/23/2013" This book was great. It was fun reminiscing about all the bad songs there are -- Horse With No Name is one of my least favorites. However, I actually like Macarthur Park -- the cake out in the rain song! "
— Mary, 12/11/2013" This book makes me wish I lived in a little house by the sea and a neighboring lighthouse! "
— Laura, 11/28/2013" One of the few Anne books I actually owned, so I remember it well--and fondly. "
— Wendy, 10/22/2013" I love the entire Anne of Green Gables books. There were times when the story was a little slow, and I did find myself always wanting more of Anne and Gilbert, but I think that in a way is part of the reason I love them. "
— Corinne, 10/22/2013" Virtuous, lovely and of good report. I love the Anne books! "
— Rebekah, 9/25/2013" A good recovery from the fourth book (which was just ok) "
— Alison, 9/14/2013" I feel especially attached to this phase of Anne's life. "
— Bonnie, 6/26/2013" This is the beginning of the true-Anne demise. "
— Amy, 6/20/2013" My favorite in this series! The best part: Anne and Gilbert finally get married and move to her House of Dreams. They meet an array of characters like Captain Jim and Lesley Moore. This book combines the drama and romance one would expect from Montgomery with a bit of mystery. "
— Brandy, 6/15/2013" As the last in the series, this was a pretty good ending. "
— Lorie, 4/29/2013" The only thing is it could've been longer...a lot longer. Except I guess that would've just served to prolong the agony. :) Glad to see "Playground in My Mind" get a mention (my own personal...er, favorite). "
— TrumanCoyote, 4/12/2013" I learned that I am not the only person fascinated with terrible lyrics. Do it to my one more time. Muscrat love. I sincerely hope that if I am ever in a coma, someone will read this out loud to me because it will still make me laugh. "
— Kathy, 4/7/2013" So good, just like the others. This was much more melancholy which surprised me. I love the series, Anne is such a wonderful, strong character. Definitely worth reading. "
— Candice, 4/5/2013" The fifth book of Anne's series, where she starts her own family. I've noticed how romantic Anne's life is becoming.... "
— Mady, 3/23/2013" I may not agree with Barry's criticisms of some of these songs (some of them are among my favourites!) but I thoroughly enjoyed the book anyway. Besides, I think he must secretly like the songs as well, so it's all in good fun. "
— Rachel, 3/3/2013" Wow! This is written by a true cheapskate. Clark Howard is my hero. He even said he wants his ashes scattered at Costco when he dies. There are good ideas in here for anyone who wants to hear real ways to save money. "
— Kristen, 1/9/2013" Very Jane Eyre-y... I liked it a lot, but it was't my favorite Anne. "
— Shayla, 12/10/2012" I really liked this book. Of the series, I think it is my next favorite one after the first. I love the wit and humor that L.M. Montgomery mixes in with very descriptive & real emotions. And I love the little tidbits of spirituality that I found within these pages. "
— Lynae, 10/29/2012" I read this book in bed on a Friday night in August five years ago and laughed so hard I shook the bed and woke Jason up...the next morning, I went into labor. Coincidence? I think not. "
— Toni, 10/7/2012" I forgot just how much I love and adore this book. Anne has really grown up in this one, but she's also made some incredible friends that keep the story young and fun. It amazes me how she can surround herself with people that are so dear. I will read this book again and again. "
— Becca, 9/27/2012" I enjoyed this book and finally reading about Anne's wedding and her newly wed life in her House of Dreams. Some really great characters appear in this book. Anne still has a great outlook on life, but also has to face reality. "
— Tia, 8/31/2012" Another delightful story in the Anne of Green Gables series. L.M.Montgomery is a literary genius. How I wish that modern writers still created novels like this! "
— Charmaine, 8/7/2012" Awesomesauce. I couldn't stop giggling. "
— Rebecca, 7/15/2012" Laugh out loud funny. I actually had to go into my room to read during SSR (silent sustained reading) time with my girls because my laughter was disturbing their attempts at reading. Not to mention my bursting into song regularly - a bit much for them. :-) "
— Laura, 7/6/2012" Fun little take on musical taste and the embarrassingly simplistic bad songs we've all loved and enjoyed, in spite of ourselves! "
— Brent, 6/28/2012" This is really good for a lot of laughs, especially if you grew up in the 60s and 70s and know most of the terrible songs he writes about. A nice change from "serious" rock criticism, too. I've read it several times just because it's so fun. "
— Betty, 6/4/2012" I've read this before but just finished re-reading it. It makes me laugh so hard I cry! "
— Allison, 5/12/2012" So, why am I still reading this series? Although I really liked the character of Captain Jim. "
— Maren, 12/19/2011" I can't really recommend this book. It reads,at best, as an extended newspaper column. Maybe that's the intention, I don't know. But as a book,it left me feeling rather cheated. I expect more from Dave Barry. "
— George, 12/5/2011" This is my favorite Dave Barry Book. The shrines to Barry Manilow and Neil Diamond is so funny. "
— Liann, 12/1/2011" What I think is that this is the funniest book I have read for a long time. You may not agree with all his choices, but you won't care because you're laughing so much. "
— Keeko, 10/14/2011" My favorite Dave Barry writing ever! "
— Lesley, 10/12/2011" This was a little harder to get through but enjoyable. "
— Katrina, 9/27/2011" Dave Barry expands on 2 columns he had previously written about "bad songs"... songs that get stuck in your head and drive you crazy even though they aren't a favorite. "
— Corey, 9/23/2011" Fun little take on musical taste and the embarrassingly simplistic bad songs we've all loved and enjoyed, in spite of ourselves! "
— Brent, 5/25/2011" It's very, very funny. <br/> <br/>Note to Neil Diamond fans - I LOVE Neil but the book is still funny. Note to Barry Manilow fans - See note re Neil Diamond. "
— Mel, 8/20/2010" I maintain that this is my favorite book of all time! "
— Natalie, 6/8/2010" Reading in bed, I woke up my husband laughing so much! "
— Jeanie, 5/21/2010" I've read this before but just finished re-reading it. It makes me laugh so hard I cry! "
— Allison, 4/14/2010" Totally outdated now-but this book was pretty rad when I first got it. Clark really helped me get my sh-t together as a young-un starting out. "
— Jillian, 12/12/2009" I read this when I was young... I loved it when I was younger, but my tastes have changed so it gets a 3. "
— Alicia, 12/1/2009" i just really like all of the books in this series "
— Maija, 8/22/2009" Yummy, yummy, yummy, I've got love in my tummy! <br/> "
— valpal, 7/20/2009" Good for someone who is already money conscious and is looking for affirmation of their penny-pinching ways or is looking for some great tips, but there are other better books around for those who are curious about the world of personal finance and investment. "
— Voracious_reader, 6/21/2009" This is really good for a lot of laughs, especially if you grew up in the 60s and 70s and know most of the terrible songs he writes about. A nice change from "serious" rock criticism, too. I've read it several times just because it's so fun. "
— Betty, 4/30/2009" My FAVORITE Dave Barry book of all. "
— Deborah, 4/6/2009" I really like Dave Barry's humorous Christmas Book....but this book about music and lyrics wasn't very good and a bit too silly for me. "
— 3/30/2009" My favorite Dave Barry writing ever! "
— Lesley, 2/27/2009" Thanks mom, it made our day great. "
— Eliana, 2/15/2009" This book made me laugh so hard I couldn't breathe. "
— Adela, 1/13/2009" oh. my. gosh. hilarious. provoked such intense emotions from his column -- he had to write a book. truly funny. my daughter even read it & found it funny. who says you can't share something intellectually with your nine year old? "
— Corina, 11/24/2008" Hilarious! Anyone who has ever been made to listen to Barry Manilow or Neil Diamond for hours on end, or questioned some of the stranger lyrics in popular songs or questioned the popularity of certain songs, or even the sanity of certain individuals who like said songs, this is for you! "
— Miss, 10/30/2008" I loved it just as much as the first two, but I missed the spunky character Anne had in the beginning. She is much more mature in this book. "
— Mallory, 10/1/2008" Wow! This is written by a true cheapskate. Clark Howard is my hero. He even said he wants his ashes scattered at Costco when he dies. There are good ideas in here for anyone who wants to hear real ways to save money. "
— Kristen, 4/3/2008" When I was a child, my mum had all the Anne books - except this one. This one I could only ever read when I went to my aunt's house during the holidays. Eventually, she bought me it for my 21st. Thanks!! "
— Maria, 1/13/2008" Sadly, not nearly as engaging as the first three. Anne's character and spunk seemed to get a bit lost amidst the other characters, although it was fun seeing her with Gilbert and flashes of her as a mom. "
— Preethi, 5/6/2007" One of the few Anne books I actually owned, so I remember it well--and fondly. "
— Wendy, 12/9/2006" middle few books of this series were a little slow, but worth reading. Fun characters. "
— Katie, 6/10/2006" I read the whole book this afternoon while Ben was taking a nap. I love this book. We had to wait five novels for Gilbert and Anne to finally get married. "
— Rebecca, 2/28/2006" Do I have to tell you? It was delightful. "
— Cara, 12/2/2005" Really sweet story about Anne as a newly wed and new mother. It's a pretty little story, and for any true lover of Anne you'll want to check this out and give it a read. "
— Annemarie, 10/31/2005" Anne is happily married to Gilbert, and they settle in as Gilbert takes his relative's place as the new doctor. Their new friends include the unhappily married Leslie Moore, the hilarious "old maid" Miss Cornelia, and the sailor Captain Jem. "
— Caroline, 9/21/2005" In this novel Anne marries her beloved Gilbert and they move into a dear little house, which Anne considers her "house of dreams". Some interesting new characters are introduced in this book, which adds to the drama and humor of this sweet story. "
— Jzcotter03, 6/21/2004Lucy Maud Montgomery was born on November 30th, 1874, in Clifton, Prince Edward Island, Canada. Although she lived during a time when few women received a higher education, Lucy attended Prince Wales College in Charlottestown, PEI, and then Dalhousie University in Halifax. At seventeen she went to Halifax, Nova Scotia, to write for a newspaper, the Halifax Chronicle, and for its evening edition, the Echo. But Lucy returned to live with her grandmother in Cavendish, PEI, where she taught and contributed stories to magazines. It was this experience, along with the lives of her farmer and fisherfolk neighbors, that came alive when she wrote her Anne books, beginning with Anne of Green Gables (1908). Anne of Green Gables brought her overnight success and international recognition. It was followed by eight other books about Anne and Avonlea, as well as a number of other delightful novels, including her Emily series, which began in 1923 with Emily of New Moon. But it is her delightful heroine Anne Shirley, praised by Mark Twain as “the most moving and delightful child of fiction since the immortal Alice,” who remains a popular favorite throughout the world. She and her husband, the Rev. Ewen MacDonald, eventually moved to Ontario. Lucy Montgomery died in Toronto in 1942.
Susan O’Malley (a.k.a. Bernadette Dunne) is the winner of numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards and has twice been nominated for the prestigious Audie Award. She studied at the Royal National Theatre in London and the Studio Theater in Washington, DC, and has appeared at the Kennedy Center and off Broadway. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.