I first discovered her journals (available in five volumes) with my dear friend, Jamie C. Martin, back when I was teaching, was a soon-to-be mama, and was pursuing the writing life with as much vigor and passion as I was able to muster while figuring it all out alone.
If you've read any of Maud's books, the journals might come as a surprise. Much of the sweetness you'd expect from the author of Anne, Emily, Pat, and the Story Girl isn't present. Her life was a challenge in many ways. But for me, seeing Maud's daily struggles made her somehow more real and made her hopeful books that much richer.
I have always felt an affinity for this woman. We share a lot in common as teachers, mothers to two boys, pastor's wives, authors, women who have lived with depression. These journals are insightful, funny, painful, full of longing, and brimming with the anecdotal stories you'd expect from an author of over 500 short stories. Through these books I've learned about women's schooling in the late 1800's, a bit of Canadian history and geography, societal norms, women's fashion, beginning and sustaining a writing career (in the midst of babies and a male-dominated publishing world), advancements in technology, the impact on the individual of the first and second World Wars.
One thing I've learned in my years of writing is how solitary this profession is. Sure, we have our critique groups, online friends, agents, editors, and blog buddies (hi, Mayhemers!), but the daily work is something done largely alone. These books offer an amazing glimpse into the life of an author and provide an opportunity for rich study, deep reflection, and a whole lot of satisfying reading.
It has been some time since I've picked up these journals, and I've found myself longing to re-read the books that so deeply spoke to me over a decade ago. I'm inviting anyone who's interested to read along. This is one of two reading goals I'm setting for myself in 2013.
Our own Marissa Burt, a big LM Montgomery fan, is reading along!
Want to join in? Here's what you need to do:
Find the books
Try your public library, or order through your local indie, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble. Now that they're available in paperback, they're more affordable and easier to track down.
Save the dates
Volume I:
introductory post - Friday, February 1
discussion - Monday, February 25
Volume II:
introductory post - Monday, April 1
discussion - Monday, April 29
Volume III:
introductory post - Monday, June 3
discussion - Friday, June 28
Volume IV:
introductory post - Friday, August 2
discussion - Friday, August 30
Volume V:
introductory post - Wednesday, 2 October
discussion - Wednesday, 30 October
Read to share
Jot down anything that sparks your interest and join the discussion at my personal blog, Caroline by line. And please spread the word.
Twitter hashtag #lmmjournals
I'll be sharing favorite quotes while reading!
L.M. Montgomery is one of my favorite authors! Anne of Green Gables and Anne's House of Dreams are my two favorite in the series. I love all her books, though! I haven't read her journals and I definitely want to.
ReplyDeleteLaura, you must read along then! I've already started volume one, and there are a lot of Anne-isms you'll see in Maud herself.
DeleteSo interesting, Caroline. I haven't read her journals, though I feel I should have since I'm Canadian. I'm going to try to track them down.
ReplyDeleteRequired reading for Canadians, for sure. ;) They shouldn't be too hard to locate in Canada, I'd think? Hopefully your library would have them.
DeleteI'd love to hear what you think!
I'm so looking forward to this. I've been tracking down used copies of the volumes I didn't have...just looking for Volume V now. :)
ReplyDeleteMe too! I've picked up volume one early (in order to write that first introductory post), and it has been such a delight to jump back in to Maud's world. I had a hard time finding my copies -- all were used hardbacks expect for number four, which I was able to find new in paperback.
DeleteGood luck and happy reading!
Good times. I'm not sure I'll have time to join as I'm planning to do something similar. But Marissa will be at my place tomorrow facing the 7 Questions:)
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear what you're doing! Also, feel free, all to lurk during conversations if you don't read but are interested in learning more. That's the beauty of the Internet.
DeleteLove this! Her journals are some of my prized books. Enjoying it already!
ReplyDeleteAnd I love that we share this in common. :)
DeleteUtterly fascinating!
ReplyDeleteEspecially if you're a self-proclaimed nosey person, like I am! (Does this explain why I write historical fiction?)
DeleteI second James - these sound absolutely fascinating.
ReplyDeleteI may have to do some rereading of Montgomery, but they take me back to 7th grade in such a vivid and painful way! I had the first book practically memorized-- gave a book report on it when I was completely unprepared for the assignment!
ReplyDeleteYes! I'm reminded of middle school, too. And high school, when I learned from a friend there were many LM Montgomery books I hadn't read. This prompted me to spend the entire summer on the couch, catching up.
DeleteSounds like a wonderful project. Hild read Ann to her twins while in utero and her eight year old, Victoria (a pen and Ink guest blogger) is starting Anne now.
ReplyDeleteI have reread all of her books so many times I can't count them.
I think Hilde and I have to get these diaries.
Yes, you must! They are a delight on many levels.
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