Kindred Spirits Book Club

Ep 10, S1: The Girls of Avonlea

It turns out that kids are kids even a century apart: opaque social hierarchies, dares gone wrong, mean-girl passive aggressive relationships, gossip and dramatics!  We talk about Anne’s friends and their antics, what we all got wrong about The Lady Of Shalott and how we are coping with the holiday season.  

Ep 9, S1: Miss Josephine Barry, Rich Auntie Supreme

Everyone knows that single, child-free, and mysteriously wealthy woman with immaculate clothes and a gorgeous home – and for Anne, it’s Diana’s Aunt Josephine! We tag along with Aunt Jo and the girls on a lavish trip to the big city and speculate about where her money came from.  Bonus content includes Aunt Jo fan fic!

Ep 8, S1: The Ladies of Avonlea

Upsets, accidents, and apologies – how do the adult ladies of Avonlea respond to Anne’s escapades, and what does that tell us about who Anne is becoming? We discuss busybodies, eating medicine flavored cake to be polite, and politics in Avonlea.

Ep 7, S1: Miss Stacy and Education

How do you educate a whole village of children in one room? Why was Mr. Phillips such a creep and Miss Stacy so wonderful? We ask these questions and share some embarrassingly hilarious stories from our own school days in this episode.

Ep 6, S1: Matthew and Masculinity

Do you love Matthew Cuthbert as much as we do? In this episode we celebrate this legend of gentle masculinity, and talk about how his capacity for unconditional love nourished and sustained Anne. Digressions include: why gifts are our favorite of the five love languages, fatherly pride, the delight of grubs in the cucumbers, and David Lynch.  

Ep 5, S1: Diana and Friendship

What is a bosom friend, exactly? In this episode, we take on that question and talk all about the wonderful girl who became Anne’s dearest friend and most ardent supporter. Come for the raspberry cordial, stay for our thoughts on long-standing childhood friendships, Diana’s “dark side,” and whether Anne and Diana’s intimacy can be read as something more.

Ep 4, S1: Marilla and Motherhood

We start our series of character studies and dive deep into Marilla Cuthbert, her journey in non-traditional motherhood and how her sarcasm covers up her inner softness.  We explore how Marilla's religion has shaped her parenting and give our own Marilla inspired recommendations!

Ep 3, S1 Plot Recap Continued

In this episode, Kelly and Ragon discuss the second half of the book, how Anne's hair dyeing incident affected them, and one of the saddest death's in children's literature.  

Ep 2, S1: Anne of Green Gables Plot Recap

In Episode 2, Ragon and Kelly begin our plot recap of Anne of Green Gables, taking us through the first year of Anne's life in Avonlea, her many iconic scrapes and encounters, and share some "Inspired by Anne" recommendations!  

Ep 1, S1: Introduction

Welcome to Kindred Spirits Book Club!  In this episode your hosts Ragon Duffy and Kelly Gerner introduce themselves, discuss why Anne of Green Gables is so influential in their lives, and talk about what makes a kindred spirit!