Thursday, June 30, 2011

Weekly Blog Hops

Current Giveaway on Alison Can Read 

GIVEAWAY: Win a copy of Walk The Wild Road by Nigel Hinton

It's time for the weekly book blogger hops again! A great opportunity to meet new bloggers and say hi to old.

Crazy For Books' Book Blogger Hop

Book Blogger Hop

Parajunkee's Follow My Book Blog Friday.



I'm Alison. I've been blogging for a year. I review mainly YA with a few MG books and a weekly manga feature.

On the blog this week:

Discussion Post:

-Leaving the link up for a second week.

The Case For Mind Candy

Reviews:

Glimmerglass by Jenna Black
Shadowspell by Jenna Black
Original Sin by Lisa Desrochers

Manga Mondays

Chibi Vampire vol. 3 by Yuna Kagesaki

Questions of the Week:

Blog Hop: What keeps you reading beyond the first few pages of a book, and what makes you want to stop reading a book and put it back on the shelf?

It depends on the book. Sometimes books have weak starts but I keep with it because the synopsis sounds good or I've heard great reviews (actually, a lot of books have weak beginnings). Other books capture me right away. There's no tangible formula for what makes a great beginning. Sometimes it's writing that flows well. Other times, the book starts like a Viper (think Karen Marie Moning's Fever series) - 0 to 100 mph in 7.6 seconds. Or perhaps the book makes me laugh immediately. So many different ways to start a book well.

Follow Friday: Your favorite book/movie character (example Hermione Granger played by the Emma chick) just walked into the room! Who is it and what would be your first reaction? You get extra points if you include visual stimulation.

Okay - I sort of misunderstood this question. I'm re-interpreting it as "Which movie character bets fits with my visual idea of the character? (Although if I answered Rachel's question properly, I'd still be super thrilled if Anne and Gilbert walked in the room)

The first people that pop into mind are the cast of Anne of Green Gables, particularly Megan Follows as Anne and Jonathan Crombie as Gilbert Blythe. Jonathan is so handsome! And Megan went from an awkward redhead to an elegant auburn-haired beauty in Anne of Avonlea (not going to mention Anne: The continuing Story - not a fan).





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84 comments:

  1. ParaJunkeeJune 30, 2011 at 9:23 PM

    I just read Anne of Green Gables to the little chick. Now I might have to break out the movie again. My mom actually named me from that book - not the best character to be named after, but hey, she liked the name (Rachel BTW)

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  2. Rose MayJune 30, 2011 at 9:42 PM

    Hi! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and following! I've never read Anne of Green Gables, which is a tragedy. I'll have to stop by my library and pick up a copy soon. Just as you commented on my blog that you mostly use the library, these days I do too. Some unexpected technological and automobile repairs have left me more than a little over-budget so I've been biking to my local library to check out books!
    Thanks for stopping by!

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  3. ErikaJune 30, 2011 at 9:45 PM

    Thanks for stopping by my blog. I have not read Anne of Green Gables but I will definitely put it on hold at my local library.
    Have a great weekend!

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  4. UnknownJune 30, 2011 at 9:56 PM

    The COntinuing Story is something most Gilbert and Anne fans would rather forget. But I comfort myself that it's not canon!

    -Tiger Holland

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  5. AnneJune 30, 2011 at 10:01 PM

    Great pick! I love Anne of Green Gables, both the books and the movies. I have never seen the Continuing Story, I did hear it was pretty bad.

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  6. Jennifer @ BookShelferyJune 30, 2011 at 10:11 PM

    Would you believe I have never read that series?

    Jennifer @ The Bawdy Book Blog

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  7. UnknownJune 30, 2011 at 10:13 PM

    Loved this!!! New Follow from Follow Fridays.
    Siren's Song Reviews!!!

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  8. JadeJune 30, 2011 at 10:14 PM

    Coming through on FF. Although I could have sworn I was already a follower. Anywho I am now! And I LOVED the Anne of Green Gables series. I used to tell people, my middle name is Anne with an E...like Anne. I was damn proud of that e too!

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  9. Lea ChristineJune 30, 2011 at 10:16 PM

    I LOVE THESE MOVIES!! Great choice! Gilbert and Anne... what an amazing story, brought to life by amazing actors/actresses! Thanks for reminding me just how WIN this series was :D

    ~Lea @ LC's Adventures in Libraryland

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  10. Grace FonsecaJune 30, 2011 at 10:27 PM

    Oh I haven't seen this in years. I loved them. They are so good. Gilbert was so awesome. Anne was pretty good too. Good choice. Come visit me as well.

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  11. ValJune 30, 2011 at 10:39 PM

    Oh, nice choice. I love this book.

    Here's mine: http://www.stuckinbooks.com/2011/06/follow-friday-3.html

    Follower

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  12. JennyJune 30, 2011 at 11:14 PM

    Happy Friday Alison! I so adore the Fever series. I don't think I have to tell you that again, but I can't help it. That one does hit the ground running and just sucks you into its vortex and you can't escape till you make it all the way to the end:) Did you finish Shadowfever?

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  13. Obsession with BooksJune 30, 2011 at 11:35 PM

    Hi & Happy Friday!

    I LOVE Anne of Green Gables, a wonderful choice.

    My FF, http://obsessionwithbooks.blogspot.com

    Have a nice weekend.

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  14. Nick SawatskyJune 30, 2011 at 11:55 PM

    Hey there! I just started following you from the Follow Friday blog! Love the flowers.

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  15. JezJuly 1, 2011 at 12:31 AM

    Never watch the show but sure must dig it up somewhere.

    Jez

    http://jezsbookcase.blogspot.com

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  16. JulieJuly 1, 2011 at 1:25 AM

    Great answer to the book question. I think it's important for books to have solid beginnings. That's the first rule as a writer...to hook the reader. There's a book I just received for review that I feel has a terrible beginning. I don't know how I'll continue. I hope it gets better...but that's another writing rule..never say as a writer it gets better! Ha! Have a great weekend :)

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  17. Kyanara_BJDJuly 1, 2011 at 3:16 AM

    Hi,
    Stopping by for the friday madness.

    have a wonderfull weekend
    Kyanara

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  18. Lauren BJuly 1, 2011 at 5:00 AM

    Absolutely agree about Megan Follows being the perfect representation of Anne and Jonathan Crombie was such a cute Gilbert.
    Have a great weekend.
    Lauren's Hop

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  19. AnonymousJuly 1, 2011 at 5:55 AM

    Old follower. Hopping by.

    Wow. Did your answer take me back. Now I want to re-read the books and watch that movie. Have a great weekend! :)

    ♥ Trish

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  20. UnknownJuly 1, 2011 at 6:10 AM

    Hi there,

    Great blog, I love your background. I'm a new follower and I hope you can spend a few moments checking out my blog: http://shadowsireview.blogspot.com/ I'm new to FF.

    Char =)

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  21. AnonymousJuly 1, 2011 at 7:47 AM

    I haven't read or watched Anne of Green Gables in SOOOO long! I used to love it.

    Thanks for stopping by mine. :)

    Amanda @ Letters Inside Out

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  22. Jessica @ a GREAT readJuly 1, 2011 at 7:55 AM

    Haven't seen that movie. But the girl looks like Anne from what I know.

    Here's my Friday Hops

    Have a GREAT weekend!

    Old Follower ;)

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  23. SavannahJuly 1, 2011 at 8:04 AM

    Hey Allison Happy Friday! Have a great weekend :)

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  24. NinaJuly 1, 2011 at 8:12 AM

    Have a great weekend!

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  25. Jo KJuly 1, 2011 at 8:20 AM

    There are many reasons for keeping reading a book, I agree, and just as many for stopping you. Have a great weekend!

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  26. DarkfallenJuly 1, 2011 at 8:33 AM

    Just stopping by to say HI! An those pics are cute:)

    Just hoping through, have a great weekend! Come see what we've been up to this week HERE! And while your there don't miss out on a one of a kind GIVEAWAY!!

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  27. Jennifer G.July 1, 2011 at 8:33 AM

    Its been a while since I read Anne of Green Gables. I'll have to check it out again sometime. New follower!

    http://www.booksandbarks.com/2011/07/follow-friday-1.html

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  28. AnonymousJuly 1, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    Hi Alison,
    Hopping through...I'm going to have to get a copy of Annie of Green Gables!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Christy @ TheReaderBeeJuly 1, 2011 at 9:52 AM

    I don't think I've read Anne of Green Gables yet. (Gasp, I know!) Or seen the movies. I'll have to make sure to do that soon!

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  30. TeeJuly 1, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    Hee Hee I totally answered mine describing the time I met a person who was a character in a book- so hey we added some spice to the question!

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  31. Bijou-HeartJuly 1, 2011 at 10:37 AM

    O: Great choice! Thanks for the visit on my blog! ^^ I haven't had the chance to watch or read 'Anne of the Green Gables' yet ; I'll check it out as soon as I can ;D Have a happy friday!

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  32. KristenJuly 1, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    Hi, old follower stopping by! Happy Friday and check out my blog hops post on my blog!

    Kristen @suchateenagebookworm.blogspot.com

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  33. Jenni ElyseJuly 1, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    I had a huge crush on Jonathan Crombie when I was younger. I really loved him in Anne of Green Gables.

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  34. SarahJuly 1, 2011 at 12:43 PM

    I haven't ever read Ann of Green Gables, but I like your interpretation! That would be a great question for another week as well. :)

    I agree about the weak beginnings of books as well. Lots of great books start out weak. A lot of times it seems like it's because the author is doing a lot of the "maintenance" like world and character building. I'm pretty forgiving of that. It's just when the whole book is slow is when it becomes an issues for me.

    Thanks for stopping by my follow friday and book blogger hop as well!

    ♥ Sarah

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  35. EmilyJuly 1, 2011 at 1:25 PM

    I'm stopping by from the blog hop- Happy Friday!

    I'm ashamed to admit I've never read Anne of Green Gables. I should though, since I've heard so many good things about it!

    I also wanted to personally invite you to the 2011 Declare Your Independence Indie Author Giveaway Carnival at my blog, What Book is That?. A different indie author will be featured every day in July and new giveaways are going live almost daily- today's giveaway is for a $25 Amazon gift card!

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  36. jeanette8042July 1, 2011 at 1:47 PM

    Never seen Anne of Green gables but read the book. Happy Friday!

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  37. SophieJuly 1, 2011 at 2:05 PM

    Hi Alison! I'm a new follower from Parajunkee's Follow Friday Blog Hop.

    I haven't read Anne Of Green Gables yet so it's going to have to be added to my list! :)

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  38. TCJuly 1, 2011 at 3:12 PM

    Old follower just hopping on by to say Have a great weekend.

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  39. pussrebootsJuly 1, 2011 at 5:40 PM

    I watched Anne of Green Gables as a teen but I don't think it holds up. For the books that I'm stashing in rooms, I read in short bursts. To keep reading them I must be able to remember where I am even if I've only read a couple pages or haven't been able to read in days. Come see how I decide what to keep reading and what to stop.

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  40. Girl Who ReadsJuly 1, 2011 at 8:48 PM

    Thanks for stopping by my blog! I'd be pretty excited too if Anne and Gilbert showed up in real life.

    Girl Who Reads

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  41. BethJuly 1, 2011 at 8:56 PM

    great answers!
    bethfred.com

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  42. AsianCocoaJuly 1, 2011 at 8:56 PM

    Thanks for stopping by Alison. It's been years since I read this series.
    ~ Monique

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  43. Nicki J. Markus / Asta IdoneaJuly 1, 2011 at 11:13 PM

    Great answer and thanks for stopping by my blog, Alison!

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  44. BrookeJuly 1, 2011 at 11:22 PM

    It's far more common for me to stop a manga series in the middle than a traditional book. Usually, it's because the drawing style isn't to my liking or the story just doesn't grasp me.

    Thanks for hopping by my blog last week!

    ~Brooke
    http://brookesboxofbooks.blogspot.com

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  45. JennieJuly 1, 2011 at 11:50 PM

    Hi Alison! Thanks for stopping by my blog!

    I agree with you on books and the beginnings. A lot of my favorite books have had weak beginnings, but the rest of the content is so amazing that I forgive it.

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  46. AnonymousJuly 2, 2011 at 12:09 AM

    Anne of Green Gables has always been one of my favourite movies!

    Thanks for stopping by Book'd Out earlier!

    Shelleyrae

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  47. Vicki S July 2, 2011 at 12:51 AM

    I've seen the Anne series on the shelves since forever but never actually picked one up. I dunno, maybe I was done with that thing after I went through the Little House on the Prairie books... Maybe one of these days. Have a great weekend!

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  48. Marjie PrideJuly 2, 2011 at 1:13 AM

    Thanks for stopping by.. I agree the Fever series does start like a Viper!

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  49. Annette MillsJuly 2, 2011 at 7:54 AM

    Thanks for commenting on my blog. I LOVE Swim the Fly too -- We were talking about juvenile humor. The one I couldn't get through was Carter Finally Gets It. I don't know what the difference is. I think maybe Swim the Fly's characters are high school, and a bit more relatable to me (you know, since high school was only 30 years ago for me....)

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  50. JacobTealJuly 2, 2011 at 7:59 AM

    Hey I found your blog through Parajunkee's Follow Friday, and I'm your newest follower. I love your blog!

    Be sure to stop by Teen Fiction Centre for the latest news, reviews, and author interviews!

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  51. Beth D.July 2, 2011 at 8:07 AM

    Hopping back at you! I love your blog, it looks so beautiful. I will keep on following! Have a great weekend!

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  52. joyh82July 2, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    Anne of Green Gables is such an awesome series..can watch it over and over again. Love the books too. Happy Holiday weekend to you and thanks for visiting me!

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  53. Shalena @ Writer QuirkJuly 2, 2011 at 10:48 AM

    I've never read the series or seen the films, so I never would have thought of them. Great answer though! It looks like a reader would have a lot of fun with those two. Thanks for stopping by my blog!

    ~Shalena @ Writer Quirk

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  54. SusanJuly 2, 2011 at 11:15 AM

    I remember watching this version of Anne of Green Gables with my kids and being hooked. I read the books with my daughter too. It's not often that we find film versions that we enjoy as much as the books, but this one was great.

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  55. AnonymousJuly 2, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    Hello! Thanks for stopping by my blog!

    Anne of the Green Gables is on my TBR list. I missed out on it as a child. Let's see if I can make up for lost time.

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  56. Dani @ Refracted LightJuly 2, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    Here for the Hop! Thanks for visiting over on my blog! I agree, a book needs to be strong right out of the gate for it to catch my interest, but nevertheless I'll try and stick it out.

    Oh Gilbert Blythe.......he is a good choice :)

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  57. testJuly 2, 2011 at 11:56 AM

    hi alison! when i saw gilbert blythe's photo, i knew right away who he was! he is perfect for the role (as young un and i love the movie ... so funny!)

    guiltlessreading.blogspot.com

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  58. barmybexJuly 2, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    Thanks for stopping by my blog,

    I've never read or seen Anne of Green Gables, might be worth checking out though - thanks. :D

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  59. Maria BeharJuly 2, 2011 at 1:29 PM

    Hi, Alison! HAPPY FRIDAY!! (Actually, it's already Saturday, but I didn't get to this yesterday...lol.)

    Thanks for commenting on my hop, and now I'm commenting back!

    Great choices! I've been meaning to read "Anne of Green Gables" for a long time now. Somehow I never managed to do so when I was a kid...

    And yes, Jonathan is REAL cute!

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  60. kathyJuly 2, 2011 at 1:39 PM

    Thanks for hopping by my blog. Fun answers! I confess I used to have the biggest crush on Gilbert when I was younger. :)
    Have a great weekend!

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  61. JenJuly 2, 2011 at 2:03 PM

    Interesting answers!! I like that description of a book starting like a Viper.... :)

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  62. AnonymousJuly 2, 2011 at 2:52 PM

    Good answer; I prefer when a book captures my attention right away and I know it's going to be an awesome read. But even if it starts out slow I always keep reading, at least 1/3 to 1/2 of the book because I've found a lot of times books will really pick up later on and completely redeem themselves.

    Jamie @ Bookerella

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  63. Cathy KeatonJuly 2, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    Thanks for stopping by my blog! I know this is going to be one book blog I'll want to follow if you have a weekly manga feature. I review graphic novels and American manga, myself and I adore Japanese manga!

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  64. YvonneJuly 2, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    I agree, it really depends on the book and so many other factors. If it doesn't grab me right away, it doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad book. Some books get off to a slow start and sometimes it's a mood thing.

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  65. AnonymousJuly 2, 2011 at 5:48 PM

    I had anne of green gables back when I was in middle school I think I borrowed from my english teacher, but never got around to reading it. (I don't think I ever gave it back either.)

    Happy 4th weekend!

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  66. Lisa JoJuly 2, 2011 at 6:06 PM

    Hey! Thanks for stopping by my blog!

    I've never watched Anne of Green Gables! :-O Hmmm...I'll have to put it on the wish list to view!

    Happy Blog Hop!

    Lisa @ Once Upon A Chapter

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  67. GraceKrispyJuly 2, 2011 at 6:35 PM

    Great movie choices! I think I misunderstood the question in a different way- I thought book OR movie character! Have a great weekend!

    GraceKrispy@MotherLode blog
    (already a follower!)

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  68. AnonymousJuly 2, 2011 at 6:37 PM

    Hey Alison,
    Thanks for stopping by my blog! I sadly, have never read or watched Anne of Green Gables but it is something that I will definitely get to one day. Have a great weekend,
    Jayne

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  69. Jessica L. TateJuly 2, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    OMG Gilbert!!! I thought of him too... ^_^ I know EXACTLY what you mean by The Continuing Story.

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  70. AllisonJuly 2, 2011 at 7:40 PM

    Thanks for visiting! It's refreshing to see Anne and Gilbert- great choices!

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  71. Small ReviewJuly 3, 2011 at 9:37 AM

    Oh yes, they are the best cast ever! They ARE Anne and Gilbert for me. I also love Marilla and Matthew.

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  72. DJLJuly 3, 2011 at 10:32 AM

    It's good that you're so willing to stick with a book even with a weak beginning. :) Also, I so miss the Anne of Green Gables series. Thank you for visiting and happy reading!

    ~DJL

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  73. AnonymousJuly 3, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    Nice picks! Thanks for stopping by!

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  74. JoleneJuly 3, 2011 at 4:55 PM

    Thanks for dropping by my blog! I love the design on your blog. So pretty. I used to be a big fan of anime!

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  75. Book SakeJuly 3, 2011 at 6:58 PM

    I've got to read the Fever series!!! I keep hearing how great it is and knowing that it starts off so well, that's great.

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  76. Chelsey @ Starry Sky BooksJuly 3, 2011 at 9:07 PM

    I haven't seen Anne of Green Gables in ages, I think I'll need to soon. Also, I picture Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy myself, but McFadyen is a close second!

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  77. Danielle ZappavignaJuly 4, 2011 at 2:30 AM

    Thanks for hopping by my blog, I agree, lots of books start quite weak but can build into something really great.

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  78. Alyssa (Hesperia Loves Books)July 4, 2011 at 10:06 AM

    Thanks for stopping by my blog & following, I returned the favor.

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  79. SweetMarie83July 5, 2011 at 8:30 AM

    I love, love, love Anne of Green Gables! The actors are so perfect in it that I picture them whenever I read the books.

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  80. Juli RahelJuly 6, 2011 at 5:33 AM

    I always wanted to see Anne of Green Gables and still haven't!! Thanks for reminding me I finally have to go and watch it!
    Hop you have a great week,
    Juli @ Universe in Words

    ReplyDelete
  81. IngaSilbergJuly 6, 2011 at 8:16 AM

    What a great answer! I have both read and seen the series of Anne of Green Cables!

    Thanks for coming by my blog!

    inga from http://www.ingasilbergbooks.com

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  82. SaraJuly 6, 2011 at 9:48 PM

    I love Gilbert, he's awesome.

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  83. Alyssa NelsonJuly 7, 2011 at 2:17 PM

    I grew up on these movies -- I swear, I watched the first two once a day every day for a year. I agree -- not a fan of The Continuing Story. :/

    Alyssa (Reader's Refuge)
    http://readersrefuge.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  84. DawnJuly 28, 2011 at 8:41 PM

    I'm actually reading Anne of Green Gables right now! I loved Megan Follows!

    ReplyDelete

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