Okay, I’m starting a young adult literature class next week (which I’m excited about), but it got me wondering. What makes a book a classic? Our first assignment is reading Anne of Green Gables. I’ll admit to a short sense of hesitation as I cracked the pages of my book (literally) since it’s been gathering dust on one of my selves since, well, childhood? I guess one of the things that makes it a classic for me is that it’s managed to make the “cuts” eight times as I’ve moved from place to place. Now that I’ve started the book I cannot tell you how much I’m enjoying my experience. I’m delighted…simply delighted by Anne’s sense of imagination. That said, why are people still drawn to her story? Is it the struggling orphan who finds a home? Her delightful exuberance (otherwise known today as attention deficit disorder–HA!)? Or just her infectious spirit? I’m certain it can’t be her dresses (I’m sure they’d be itchy), so I’ll settle on the universal appeal of her zest for life. Who doesn’t like that?
{January 11, 2008}
“It’s a Classic…”
