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Ana of California by Andi Teran is one of those books that is perfect for a lazy afternoon in the sun. In a new spin on an old favourite, Andi Teran has created an updated version of Anne of Green Gables that includes a spunky main character and oozes in diversity.
Title: Ana of CaliforniaAuthor: Andi Teran
Publisher: Penguin Books
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: June 30, 2015
Rating:
A modern take on the classic coming-of-age novel, inspired by Anne of Green Gables In the grand tradition of Anne of Green Gables, Bridget Jones’s Diary, and The Three Weissmanns of Westport, Andi Teran’s captivating debut novel offers a contemporary twist on a beloved classic. Fifteen-year-old orphan Ana Cortez has just blown her last chance with a foster family. It’s a group home next—unless she agrees to leave East Los Angeles for a farm trainee program in Northern California. When she first arrives, Ana can’t tell a tomato plant from a blackberry bush, and Emmett Garber is skeptical that this slight city girl can be any help on his farm. His sister Abbie, however, thinks Ana might be just what they need. Ana comes to love Garber Farm, and even Emmett has to admit that her hard work is an asset. But when she inadvertently stirs up trouble in town, Ana is afraid she might have ruined her last chance at finding a place to belong.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: Ana of California by Andi Teran
❀ Entertaining Retelling
Ana of California is an entertaining retelling of the classic Anne of Green Gables. Andi Teran has kept the main ideas from the classic, but retold the story in a way that is modern and full of energy. Like Anne, Ana is a feisty foster child that is sent to live on a farm with a new foster family. The story, however, turns upside down with a new set of friends and experiences that a teenager 100 years later would be faced with.
❀ Fearless and Sarcastic Main Character
As any fan of the classic story would expect, Ana is the ultimate protagonist for the book. She brings humour to the storyline with her fearlessness, sarcasm and wit. Readers will easily find Ana both loveable and flawed. Ana stirs up quite a bit of trouble everywhere she goes, however it is easy to forgive and find her hopelessly adorable. This makes for a relatable and believable main character.
❀ Lots of Diversity
Chock full of diversity, Ana of California definitely gives a new perspective on the older version. Ana is Mexican and has to deal with some racism that is extremely unnecessary. She is also a foster child, which makes her life even harder, especially with her poor behaviour and track record. Ana isn’t the only diverse character, though. Her best friend, Rye, is a lesbian and is constantly bullied by classmates.This book definitely raises awareness about these topics in a unique way.
❀ Perfect for Anne of Green Gables Fans
Ana of California by Andi Teran is a perfect read If you are a fan of Anne of Green Gables. It is very similar to the original and it is interesting to compare the two books. This book is such a sweet story that is sure to become a favourite read this summer.
Playlist: Ana Of California by Andi Teran
About Andi Teran
Andi Teran is a writer and performer originally from the deserts of West Texas. She has written about fashion, film, and culture for Vanity Fair, MTV, New York, and Monocle, as well as written and performed for various New York stages. She lives in Los Angeles. Ana of California is her first novel.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.