I read this book as a teenager, and wanted to revisit it. I loved it once again, and understood so much more about the book and it's message. I remember crying when I read it the first time. The book has always been looked at as causing the beginnings of awareness of the wrongs of slavery. Something I realized as I read the book, is that in today's times, I've heard blacks call other blacks "uncle Toms" when they think they are bowing down to whites. However, if they've ever read this book, I don't think they would look at Uncle Tom as a submissive doormat. He was brave, longsuffering, and very strong in his beliefs, even when put through some mental and physical trials. He always upheld what he believed in. How many of us could do the same? I think he would be a great example to all of us, even today. The book is a wonderful look into life in America's early history. There are some redeeming characters - black and white, in the book, that make this a very good read - and a classic. Ms. Stowe does tend to get a bit preachy in various passages, but we must remember the time period this was written. And....maybe we all need to be preached to sometimes anyway! All in all, I enjoyed it just as much the second time around.

A wonderful classic. The story beings with orphan, Jane, being raised by an Aunt (by marriage) who has taken on her raising due to a promise to her deceased husband. However, the aunt, nor the cousins ever accept Anne as one of theirs. Anne is shipped off to a religious girl\'s school, where she is half-starved, and taught religious extremes. However, one teacher takes her under her wing, and Jane thrives, to even later become a teacher at the school herself. Jane eventually leaves the school to become a governess, and the rest of the story, is the romance that grows between her, and her master, Mr. Rochester. There are some parts of the book, especially as Jane grows older, that get lengthy, and difficult to read. However, the story line is wonderful, and the twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat. A great classic book - a must read.

If I read this book as a child, I don't remember. However, I recently read it, and enjoyed it immensely. The 5 children (Pepper is their last name) are being raised by a single mom. They struggle with poverty, with each working so hard to contribute to the well-being of the family. This book ends happily, with the family discovering a wonderful suprise regarding their new friends. It is an endearing book, and I look forward to reading the entire series.

As a child, I guess I missed reading this book. I recently got Amazon's Kindle, and I'm loving the chance to read so many of these "childrens" books I missed on my new e-reader. This book is classified in the "young reader" catagory, but I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and the second one "Anne of Avonlea". I have laughed out loud at the mishaps that happen to Anne Shirley, because they are things that could happen to any of us. It's very well written, and you can't help but fall in love with Anne. She's an intelligent, curious, plucky little orphan that captures your heart right from the beginning of the book. I plan to read every one of the "Anne" books in the series. This one was an absolute pleasure!

Reminded me some of the Anne of Green Gables books. Heroine has red hair, very industrious, etc., It was a fast read, and the story line was very good, and kept your interest. Amarilly is the oldest of 8 children, being raised by a single mother. Amarilly is in a way, almost the mother to the children, and one of the principle bread winners. She wins friends whereever she goes, and finds fortune in ordinary things. It's a very endearing book, but it ended before I was ready. I would have liked to see what happened to her. Maybe there are more in a series? I'll read them if they should appear on this site.