Ana of California

Loosely based on the classic novel ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, this darker, contemporary version features Ana Cortez, a Hispanic orphaned teen from L.A. who is being sent to work on a farm run by brother and sister Emmett and Abbie Garber. Author Andi Teran narrates the story herself. While her narration lacks a bit of polish, it has plenty of charm. Teran engages listeners as Ana's troubled past threatens her place on the farm--which is her last chance before she's sent to a group home. Teran captures Ana's spunk and determination as she faces closed-minded adults as well as teen issues such as drug use, gangs, and sexual orientation. An especially nice touch is Teran's gift with Spanish accents and words. M.M.G. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine


Loosely based on the classic novel ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, this darker, contemporary version features Ana Cortez, a Hispanic orphaned teen from L.A. who is being sent to work on a farm run by brother and sister Emmett and Abbie Garber. Author Andi Teran narrates the story herself. While her narration lacks a bit of polish, it has plenty of charm. Teran engages listeners as Ana's troubled past threatens her place on the farm--which is her last chance before she's sent to a group home. Teran captures Ana's spunk and determination as she faces closed-minded adults as well as teen issues such as drug use, gangs, and sexual orientation. An especially nice touch is Teran's gift with Spanish accents and words. M.M.G. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

April 13, 2015
Comparing Teran’s debut to its inspiration, L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables, would do Teran’s novel a disservice, as this contemporary take has a much quicker pace and a unique protagonist. To keep 15-year-old Los Angeles native Ana Cortez out of a group home, she is sent to Garber farms in Hadley, Calif., in a work-based living arrangement. Fans of Montgomery’s series will appreciate nods to blackberry bushes, Ana’s uncontrollable mouth, and the farm setting, but not recognizing these references will not hinder other readers’ enjoyment. The novel skews to a younger audience, with tougher subjects (such as Ana’s parents’ ties to gangs and drugs) minimally explored. The gravitas of Ana’s situation, and the very real possibility that Ana’s placement at Garber Farms will not work out, is also kept at a surface level. Ana’s relationship with the Garber siblings—Abbie and Emmett—inspires a few cute moments, but it develops too quickly. Ana’s budding friendship with Rye Moon, on the other hand, is one of the most enjoyable elements to the story. Readers will appreciate the references to music, books, and art, and the way shared artistic interests can bring people together.