The Jane Austen Book Club: Introduction
I have, as you all likely know, resolved to read the six major novels of Jane Austen in 2010. I will be reading one novel every two months. I will also watch the BBC film/series that accompany the book once I have finished reading it.
I will go in order not of publication but of when each book was written: thus, I begin in January with Northanger Abbey. I understand that it was not started first, but that it was the first ready for publication, although it was not published first. I will follow Northanger in this order: Sense and Sensibility in March, Pride and Prejudice in May, Mansfield Park in July, Emma in September, and, finally, Persuasion in November.
Alright. Who's with me? I am declaring 2010, the year of the Jane Austen Book Club.
Note 1. I am finishing reading Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand right now. I will very likely be done with it by the new year. I will be posting my thoughts on that book on my other book club's web site: http://drama.abinadi.net
Note 2. I am aware of Lady Susan by Jane Austen. I do not include it in my reading for two reasons. First, it is not really a full-fledged novel, and second, it didn't really fit into my one-book-every-two-months schedule (especially since I understand there is no accompanying film).
posted by: | comments: 11
26 Dec 2009 10:37 pmcategories: Entertainment | Books
I might read them with you--even though I've already read all of them before, several of them multiple times. They are incomparable works of literature. And none of the men cry, so you should be okay with them.
I will also be reading your thoughts on Atlas Shrugged, having recently read The Fountainhead. I am trying to decide if I want to invest in reading another of Ayn Rand's works. That is one long book. Is it the longest book ever written?
I'll be with you part of the way--at least for Emma and Mansfield Park. Oh and by the way, the author's name isn't spelled like the capital of Texas.
Everyone I know is reading Ayn Rand right now! I need to jump on the bandwagon.
I know I've stated this before, but I have in fact never in my life read a book by Jane Austen. I've been avoiding her books for the same reason I avoided watching The Notebook. Now, even though I recently relented, I was right about The Notebook. It is a cliche riddled piece of cinematic fluff regardless of what anyone else might say. But maybe I'm wrong about Jane Austen. Besides, my summer tenants left a couple of her books behind, so it's convenient.
I'll keep to the schedule as best I can, but it may not be easy as English books aren't cheap and certain titles are hard to come by. I'll start off with Northanger Abbey while I'm in the states though. If I do not enjoy myself, I shall hold you and the other ranters that have so thoroughly endorsed her books personally responsible.
p.s. your book club site looks fantastic!
For the love of your Man Card, don't do it.
Oh my. How embarrassing. I spell her name right in the post but not in the title. I will correct it immediately. Thanks for pointing that out.
Green, having read The Fountainhead and most of Atlas Shrugged, I heartily recommend Atlas Shrugged. Not only is it a better read (although I like both), but there isn't an atheist theme in Atlas, so it is much more palatable.
Giullieta, trust me, Austen is nothing like The Notebook. Personally, I can't stand The Notebook. I am confident that you will identify with Austen's characters, humor, and charm. It is high time you found out what you've been missing out on. I feel comfortable being held personally responsible for endorsing this book selection.
Giullieta, I don't know whether you would like Jane Austen, but I completely understand what you mean about the Notebook! I have deliberately never seen it either. Of course, I also take great pleasure in a lot of cinematic fluff that is simply less mainstream.
Jane Austen compared to The Notebook? Ouch.
I understand that some people think that Jane Austen is only for girls. I would like to take this moment to say that Jane Austen is only for intelligent girls, and people who want to better understand the taste of intelligent girls.
Not to imply that if a girl doesn't like Jane Austen it automatically follows that she is not intelligent.
I'm in. I've been assured by a friend of mine that Northanger Abbey is much more preferable to Sense and Sensibility (which I never finished).
I never actually intended to compare The Notebook to Jane Austen. Rather, I was implying that I have in the past thrown them both into a category which I've always tried to avoid. That of romantic escapism that tends to encourage women to develop false ideas and expectations about romance and men.
But that's pre-embitterment. Now, be it realistic or not, I say bring on the sap. I should find out for myself who this Mr. Darcy is that I've heard so much about.
This is a cool idea. I think I may join you.
I boycotted The Notebook too