Kindred Spirits Book Club

Episode 21: Anne of Avonlea is Dazzlingly Clever

School may be out in your neighborhood, but it’s back in session in Avonlea with Anne at the front of the classroom. Anne continues on her path to becoming “dazzlingly clever” by embarking on her career as a teacher, and today’s discussion ranges from our own career aspirations to Avonlea school stories to the ambitious heroines of Little Women. 
Inspired by:
Ragon is inspired by:  the movie Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret
Kelly is inspired by celebrity memoirs written by women including:  We're Going to Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union,  You Got Anything Stronger? By Gabrielle Union,  Just Kids by Patti Smith, Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl by Carrie Brownstein, Open Book by Jessica Simpson, and Paris: The Memoir by Paris Hilton.
 

Episode 20: Anne of Avonlea is Angelically Good

Avonlea itself, full of big personalities and hilarious happenings, is practically a character in the Anne books. In this episode, we explore how Anne grows into becoming an active member of her community and all the different ways "goodness" looks in a small town. Topics include the Avonlea Village Improvement Society, Davy and Dora Keith, and how Anne of Avonlea fits into the North American regionalist literary tradition. 
Inspired By:
Kelly is inspired by local activities, like farmer’s markets so check out what’s happening in your neighborhood!  If you’re in the U.S. you can use National Farmers Market Directory to find a local one near you!
Ragon is inspired by the book Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree for a cozy fantasy read!

Episode 19: Introducing Anne of Avonlea!

Ragon and Kelly kick off season two of Kindred Spirits Book Club with a breezy recap of Anne of Avonlea. Kelly admits she likes Davy Keith after all, and Ragon wants the ladies from The Home Edit to help Green Gables organize. Come along as we discuss the enchanted picnics, fairytale romances, and childhood mischief that make Anne of Avonlea so much fun.
 
Inspired by:
Kelly is inspired by Enchantment by Katherine May.
Ragon is inspired by botanical gardens in the spring!

Episode 18: The Ultimate Anne Geek Out with Katie Stewart

For the Season 1 Finale of Kindred Spirits Book Club, we are excited to introduce you to a new kindred spirit, Katie Stewart, co-founder of Owl’s Next Publishing. Katie, Ragon, and Kelly have the ultimate Anne geek out session, discussing everything from quoting the books in wedding vows to what can you do with an English degree? We rank all the Anne books and fangirl about our other favorite L.M. Montgomery book. 
Inspired by:
Katie is inspired by the beautiful pottery of RBD Pottery
Kelly is inspired by The Belle of Belgrave Square by Mimi Matthews
Ragon is inspired by The Grace of Wild Things by Heather Fawcett

Episode 17: Anne Adaptations: The Graphic Novels

Some of the most exciting adaptations of Anne of Green Gables are illustrated! In this episode, we discuss three gorgeously illustrated graphic novels which bring Anne’s story to life, led by our graphic novel expert, Alice! 
Inspired by:
Alice recommends hair chalk
Kelly recommends Kindred Candle Company
Ragon recommends donating to organizations that help kids read like Book Aid International and Reading Is Fundamental and We Need Diverse Books

Episode 16: Anne Adaptations: Anne With An E

Anne With an E brought Anne of Green Gables to a new generation. Ragon and Kelly discuss how it differs from the source material, what they liked about the show, and where they thought it missed the mark. Come for the thoughtful discussions of childhood PTSD, stay for our dream adaptations of Anne! 
Inspired by:
Kelly is inspired by Marilla’s belts:  Whipstitch Corset Belt and Leather Corset Belt
Ragon is inspired by the Kindred Spirit sweatshirt from Splendid Bohemians on Etsy.

Episode 15: Anne Adaptations: The 1985 Miniseries

Anne of Green Gables has a long cinematic history but the adaptation we love best is the 1985 CBC miniseries starring Megan Follows and Colleen Dewhurst. We chat about our recent re-watch, how the movie strayed from the book, and the things we still love – the costumes! the scenery! Gilbert! Digressions include favorite movie musicals and how the kids are doing their hair these days. 

Episode 14: ”Carrots” and Slates; Anne’s Pride

Anne Shirley, “all spirit and fire and dew,” is notorious for her temper and her pride. Ragon and Kelly explore why this is such a challenging character trait for Anne, and how she overcomes it. Side quests include TikTok, duels of honor, and whether Jo March, Mary Lennox or Pippi Longstocking is Anne’s spiritual sister. 

Episode 13: Dryads, Ghosts and Lily Maids: Anne’s Imagination

Wherein our heroine invents ghosts and dryads, fairies and snow queens, and we discuss how her imaginings very likely saved her spirit. We talk about whether embellishments are the same as lies, which Romantic poets Anne was reading, and how Anne made Prince Edward Island iconic with her imaginative descriptions.  

Episode 12: Red Hair and Puffed Sleeves: Anne’s Vanity

New Year, New Anne! We discuss Anne’s preoccupation with her appearance – she’s perfect just the way she is and so are you, listener! – and why Marilla was so worried about Anne’s vanity. We discuss Victorian fashion as well as the terrible haircuts, skincare, and diets we tried in the name of vanity.