Variations on a Theme

Let me just say that I LOVE all things Jane Austen. I don't claim to be an authority on Miss Austen, I have not read all her books, but I can say that what I have read I have loved and often re-read. Recently I have noticed that there are a plethora of books out there paying homage to our Jane and the characters from her novels AND I have somehow managed to acquire a few of them!

Let me start with my favorite....

Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict (well if that doesn't sum me up!) by Laurie Viera Rigler. What would happen if you woke up one day not in present day LA or even in your own body but inside the bedchamber of a woman in Regency England? Hello, when is that ever going to happen but it happened to Courtney Stone in this book and I read it with rabid ferver. The sequel Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict is set for release on June 25, 2009. I am beginning the countdown to find out what happens when the woman, Jane, from Regency England finds herself inhabiting Courtney's body in modern day Los Angeles - OY!

Next is Austenland by Shannon Hale primarly known for her young adult novels. Our heroine, Jane (another Jane, this happens a lot in these books), has a secret obsession for Mr. Darcy as played by Colin Firth (there is NO other!), and embarks on a trip to an English resort catering to Austen-obsessed women (that would be ME). Glamour's review says it all "Gloriously satisfying." Can you imagine total immersion in a fake Austenland right down to your underwear? I suppose it could happen - SIGN ME UP!

Me and Mr. Darcy written by Alexandra Potter. Emily decides she's had it with love - sound familiar? It's gotten so she'd rather spend her time curled up with Pride and Prejudice and the dashing Mr. Darcy (who wouldn't). So instead of joining her friends for a Margarita-fueled trip to Mexico, our heroine instead opts for England and a guided tour of Jane Austen country (oh, someday Bonnie). The last thing Emily expects to find is a broodingly handsome man striding across a field, his damp shirt clinging to his chest. Eeeek! She has just met Mr. Darcy come to life! Suddenly her (MY) fantasy has become a reality! You'll just have to read the book to find out what happens!

The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler. I have to admit I haven't finished the book but I did love the movie tremendously. What I found interesting is how the lives of her characters intersected ever so slyly with Miss Austen's books. Sometimes the books we choose, choose us too. Don't you find that to be true?

I haven't started the other two books Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife a continuation of Jane's book Pride and Prejudice by Linda Berdoll. The author's website says...Hold on to your bonnets you're in for a bumpy ride! There is even a sequel to this book Darcy & Elizabeth: Nights and Days at Pemberley.

Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor by Stephanie Barron is a mystery that the crime-solving side of our Jane must unearth. There are nine mysteries to be solved in this series and I intend to get to the bottom of each one! Stay tuned!

I must end by telling you that all of these books except one was gotten at The Friends of the Library. If I could spend every day at the library I think I would! Books range from .50 - $3, very affordable considering what's happening with our economy but that's another blog! Proceeds go right back to the library and you are recycling on many different levels as I often donate the books back to the library for future sales! That should make anyone feel good!