Probably the most influential and loved book of my childhood. I was probably about 8 or 9 when I first read it (I wish I could remember!)--it was part of a two book set from the book sale leaflet, and what I really wanted was A Little Princess (Shirley Temple movie!). Never heard of that Anne girl!
When I first read it, I remember falling completely in love. Here's a girl who talked too much and had a big imagination and was smart and wanted to be a writer. My love began right when everything was being republished, including all of the short story collections, so every time I went to the bookstore, I got a new LMM book. I can trace so many of my interests (and so much shelf space in my apartment!) back to Anne Shirley.
On rereads, I'm still captivated by the story and the emotion and the writing.
2008 is Anne's 100th birthday--will probably celebrate with a reread at some point this year!