Without a doubt this classic piece of work shaped my life in various ways. I cannot emphasize how positive Anne Shirley is as a character. She is a heroine who is not only beautiful (spirit) but extremely intelligent. The most drastically different aspect of the novel is the fact that the romantic male character, Gilbert, gestures to the idea that being smart is better than being pretty. How often spoken or written are those words? I believe that phrase is something young girls must recognize as well as understand in life. For beauty is fleeting and knowledge is eternal. Timeless and pure, I suggest this novel for anyone who loves a bit of comedy, romance, intrigue, and pure fun.Enjoy! See if you can stop reading them once you have started!!! I asure you that youll spend hours of enjoyment with them.