If you loved Pollyanna as a kid, you'll be thrilled to catch up with her in this sequel. It picks up a few years later, with our heroine leaving the familiar comfort of Beldingsville to live with her wealthy, but rather miserable, Aunt Ruth in Boston. This isn't just a visit; it's the start of her adult life.

The Story

The book follows Pollyanna as she navigates young adulthood. She makes new friends, gets tangled up in other people's problems (some things never change!), and even finds herself caught between two very different men who care for her. She faces genuine sadness and loss that her childhood 'Glad Game' struggles to fix. The story isn't about a perfect, always-happy woman. It's about someone trying to apply her childhood philosophy to adult-sized problems, and sometimes stumbling along the way. We see her grow, doubt herself, and ultimately redefine what it means to be glad.

Why You Should Read It

I'll be honest, I was worried this would be too sweet. But Porter gives Pollyanna real depth. Her optimism isn't naive; it's a conscious choice, a hard-won battle some days. Reading her story as an adult hit differently. It’s less about ignoring problems and more about finding the strength to face them. The book quietly asks: What if choosing to see the good isn't foolish, but incredibly brave? It made me think about my own outlook on life.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect comfort read for anyone who needs a little literary hug. It's for fans of the original book, of course, but also for anyone who enjoys character-driven stories about resilience. If you like classic authors like L.M. Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables) or Louisa May Alcott, you'll feel right at home here. Just be warned: you might finish it and feel inspired to look for your own silver lining.