Jane, anyone? « Simply Serina

Jane, anyone?

January 16, 2008 by serinat

I heart Jane Austen. Who was it who recently blogged that she’s reading Persuasion? I was shocked when I realized I’d never read it. (And I call myself a fan. Sheesh.) I’ve got it on hold at the library right now…

So, what’s your favorite Jane Austen novel, and why? I can hardly conceive of picking a favorite, but I’ll try. I love Pride and Prejudice. Love it. Mostly because Mr. Darcy is the most perfect male romantic character, ever. (PBS special, anyone? I have to admit that when I think of Mr. Darcy, I always picture Colin Firth. Not a bad thing at all.)

By the way, you Austen fans should park yourself on the sofa with your husband, best girlfriend, and/or dog for the next few Sundays: For the first time on US television, Masterpiece (PBS) presents adaptations of all the Jane Austen novels and a new biopic of her life. I just found out about this at the library, and kicked myself for missing Persuasion last week. But then, it’ll give me a chance to read it first, eh?

Posted in books | 14 Comments

14 Responses

on January 16, 2008 at 19:28 | Reply ~liz

Mansfield Park! It’s by far my favorite. Jane books are great for book clubs! Maybe we should do a “Persuasion” online bookread and then have someone host an online book club meeting one day.
on January 16, 2008 at 20:33 | Reply Serina

I love the idea. Online book club! We could even draw it out a bit, discussing it online a few chapters at a time…
on January 16, 2008 at 21:26 | Reply Tricia F.

That was me with the Persuasion. It was so good! I wish I had bought Mansfield Park too when I was at the store. Maybe I’ll get it from the library.

So far I’ve only read two: P & P and Persuasion. It’s a toss up on which one is better. I like them both for different reasons.

Thanks for the headsup on the PBS. It’s the only channel we get, so maybe I’ll have to check it out. What time is it on?
on January 16, 2008 at 21:28 | Reply Tricia F.

Never mind. I looked it up and it’s 9pm by us. Northanger Abbey is this Sunday’s. We might be home in time, but Ally sleeps in our room where the TV is, so that will be tricky.
on January 16, 2008 at 22:08 | Reply Amanda

I haven’t read all of Jane Austen’s books, but I really liked Emma… I like the way the main character (Emma) goes through this maturing, growing-up period and becomes a better person for it.

I really liked Mansfield Park as well, but was kind of creeped out by the fact that the two cousins fall in love with each other. I guess it was okay in Britain at that time to marry your cousin? (It happens in P&P too…Mr. Collins + the Bennett sisters = cousins).
on January 17, 2008 at 02:01 | Reply mommyknows

P & P …

MK
on January 17, 2008 at 16:17 | Reply ~liz

yay! i’ll “bring” the pumpkin bread and hot tea for our discussions…..serina, i can take turns hosting discussions with you for chapters or books…
on January 17, 2008 at 16:22 | Reply serinat

I’ve gotta re-read Mansfield Park. It’s been a while.

Tricia, can you tape the movies while Ally sleeps?

Liz (and everyone!)–we should be all cute make a little graphic for people to stick on their blogs to advertise our little book club.
on January 18, 2008 at 00:31 | Reply Amber

I too am a Jane Austen fan! I got hooked a couple of years ago when I was pregnant and super bored!!! I read quite a few of them. Persuasion was one of my fav books, but the BBC/A&E version of P&P was the best movie of all times of course. I have seen it no less than 10 times in the past 2 years!!! I just read Austenland…which is a pretty cute light read about a girl obsessed with Austen who goes to live in a faux Austen world. Romantic comedy type book (but clean, not scandalous romantic).
on January 18, 2008 at 00:53 | Reply Mary

http://quizfarm.com/test.php?q_id=41259

Find out which Jane Austen character you’re most like… a silly quiz but fun for fans of Ms. Austen!

I am … Emma Woodhouse and a close second, Marianne Dashwood.

hmmm…not sure I agree? Interesting though, as those are two characters I’d love to be more like. Maybe I answered the questions with some biased-ness.

I am a lazy fan, by the way, and I’ve only ever read Emma. Movies are the way to go until I retire My favorite story is Pride & Prejudice. Serina, I am with you concerning Colin Firth.
on January 18, 2008 at 13:47 | Reply Diane

Serina
I saw the PBS version of Persuasion and it was wonderful. I had read the book a few years ago for a book club, the the tv adaptation brought it to life. The character acting was awesome and I felt like I was living “back then…”

Diane
on January 18, 2008 at 15:57 | Reply serinat

Fun quiz, Mary. I’m very similar to you:

Marianne Dashwood, with Emma Woodhouse being a close second.

I always have to think hard about answering questions with who I really am (versus who I’d like to be).

Diane, I keep hearing that the Persuasion movie was good. I’ll have to find it somewhere and watch it!
on January 18, 2008 at 19:30 | Reply Lisa Block

I LOVE Jane Austen. Pride and Prejudice is my favorite. I read it over and over and each time fall in love all over agian with the story. I read it for the first time on my honeymoon while sitting in the sun on the deck of our cruise ship. Each time I read one of her books or watch a movie adaptation, I find that little girlish part of me who wants to live in the story and experience it first hand.
on January 28, 2008 at 20:31 | Reply Sarina Meyer

My favorite is Mansfield Park. I’m procrastinating from ords so I don’t have time to say why…but by far it’s my favorite.