Slowly catching up...

This summer I have read about eighteen or so books.  You may be thinking: that's great!  You may also be wondering where the reviews are.  No matter how hectic life gets, you should never stop doing something you love.  Books have always been a refuge for me, an exciting place where anything can happen, adventures can be had, and time can be forgotten.  Sometimes people stop reading because they "don't have time."  While I didn't write reviews for a while, I still read.  Sometimes I only read at night before bed, but there was always some sort of story going on in my head at some point in the day (even during those days when it was my own, that still counts!)

It's amazing what ten or fifteen minutes of respite can give you.  When reading, even if just for that brief period at night before you go to sleep, you get to enter a whole new world.  And entering a whole new world is really magic, isn't it?

Plethora of Posts to Come Soon

I know I haven't been really reliable this summer for getting my reviews up quickly and efficiently.  I have been preoccupied with many things, not least of which being a giant pirate party.  As always, I have kept reading, and I do intend to get reviews up sooner than later.

The books I review will not necessarily be in the order of which they were read.  Some books have made a big impact and I cannot wait to share them with you, while some others were read while traveling, and a couple were not the best.  I do hope that I don't overwhelm any of you, especially any of you who may feel a sense of déjà vu from when I waited until finishing The Dresden Files book series.

I would love to hear from any and all of you!  I love book suggestions, and would gladly talk about any books I've read in the past.  As always, remember, no spoilers!  The magic and joy of discovery can be easily lost if you spill all of the secrets within the depths of a book.  If there is a book that you find absolutely horrible, and suggest that someone does not read it, you should still ask first before spilling.  No two people are alike, and what you abhor they may adore.

Favourites Friday: Review of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

I've read a lot of books in my life.  I'm sure most of you have, too.  Far more than I could count.  My book journal project only started about three years ago.  Think of the countless numbers of books I've read before that!  To pay homage to the dozens of other amazing books I've read throughout the years, I've decided to write a review every Friday about one of my favourite books!  I'll tell you about when I first became interested in it, what drew me to it, and, of course, link you to an amazon page where you can pick up a copy for yourself!  This will not be limited to one genre, but simply to every inspiring book that helped me get to where I am today!

First up is: Pride and Prejudice.

Star Rating: 

Genre: Classic/Romance
Pages: 272

Now, I know a lot of people have been really crazy about Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.  I have a copy, and I bought it a few years ago, but I haven't read it yet!  Feel free to tell me in the comments down below if it's good or bad, but please don't spoil it for me!

Synopsis:
In a remote Hertfordshire village, far off the good coach roads of George III's England, a country squire of no great means must marry off his five vivacious daughters.  At the heart of this all-consuming enterprise are hs headstrong second daughter Elizabeth Bennet and her aristocratic suitor Fitzwilliam Darcy -- two lovers whose pride must be humbled and prejudices dissolved before the novel can come to its splendid conclusion.

Review:
Now, that doesn't sound like a lot to go by.  Sounds like a typical romance story- two people meet each other, fall in love, and don't want to admit it, yet this book is so much more than that.  This book teaches you polite ways to decline someone's attentions if you are simply not interested, how to tell if someone is your true friend, how to know if you can trust someone [Hint: if they want you to sneak around, you probably shouldn't trust them!], and most importantly, that people in relationships need to have some sort of common interest or you will grow bored with each other.  The Bennet family is pretty large, so you get to see different perspectives from all five of the sisters: Jane, Elizabeth, Lydia, Mary and Kitty.  Every one of the sisters is relatable, and you will likely be able to find a character that reminds you of yourself as well as any sisters, friends, or other female relatives you have.  This is one timeless love story that ages perfectly, and can be understood and adapted in any day or time.

Personal Thoughts and Recommendations:
I have always been an avid reader.  Pride and Prejudice is one of my first novels I can remember loving enough to call a favourite.  My Grandmother had gotten me the Great Illustrated Classics version when I was 8 or 9.  I loved everything about the story, and I have reread it numerous times.  Currently, now, sitting on my shelf, are three different versions of the story: my Great Illustrated Classic, a signet classic version, and Orgullo y Prejucio (that's right, a copy in Spanish).  Why don't I have other language copies?  Probably because I wouldn't be able to read them.  This story has romance, adventure, and it allows you to step into the Victorian lifestyle in a way that is all encompassing, without feeling out of place.  I would definitely recommend a copy of this book to children, adults, everyone.  There are so many valuable life lessons in this book that are not merely the message so many novels written for girls seem to be directed towards.  It's a must read!


Author Bio:
Jane Austen lived from 1775 to 1817 in England.  Her novels are romantic fiction, and generally are set among the gentry.  Her use of irony, realism, and social commentary as well as her plots have helped her novels gain historical importance.  Austen's novels are often considered for review in academic classes.
Jane Austen also has a website dedicated to her works, http://www.janeausten.org/.

Popular Culture:Pride and Prejudice is still relevant today, and much like any good story, there have been remakes/retellings.  While Pride and Prejudice isn't overdone quite as much as Dracula, there have been several movie adaptations, various book retellings (such as the aforementioned Pride and Prejudice and Zombies), and an amazing YouTube show called The Lizzie Bennet Diaires.  I'd definitely recommend watching the BBC television series of Pride and Prejudice as well as The Lizzie Bennet Diaries.  It was actually The Lizzie Bennet Diaries that inspired me to read Emma, so I could know the original story before watching Emma Approved.

First two pictures were found on Pinterest, Great Illustrated Classic picture was found on the Amazon page for the book.



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