[JANE] Austen in August begins Today at Misty's 18.8.13

Perfect start to Misty's Austen in August event today through the end of the month.

* In celebration, I'm posting a virtual tour of Jane Austen's House [now museum] in the English village of Chawton, Alton, Hampshire [post links will be added HERE throughout the event] I look forward to hearing your responses and first hand insights from anyone whose been there.

* Have you joined any of the {Jane} Austen in August events? Always new reading discoveries and lovely to have  the company of other Janeites ! Stop by Misty's for great activities, giveaways, plus her Mansfield Park read a long for anyone interested. HapPy Reading!  and More HapPy Viewing [click to view slideshow] thanks to Michael J Sumner! [click Michael's name to view great photos] * and Maria Grazia 

*

Tweet

Shared at Adam's Austen in August link to posts

Tuesday Book Teasers 13.8.13

Featuring a new meme discovered at Nise's blog, Under the Boardwalk, while hopping our It's Monday posts.. * Diane at Bibliophile By the Sea says -

"Every Tuesday I host First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, where I share the first paragraph or (a few) of a book I am reading or thinking about reading soon. Care to join us? " * Thank you , Diane, thinking I will ... Here's one book that's on my Austen in August  to be read stack. * "EMMA WOODHOUSE, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her." EMMA by Jane Austen  Illustrations by Hugh Thomson *

* Wishing for some time [hopefully?] soon to spend in this story... What do you think? * Plus -

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! 

*

Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share 2 “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

* Soooo -  I thought I would tease you with ... *

"Well, sir, if things are real, they're there all the time." "Are they?" said the Professor; and Peter did not know quite what to say." pg.49 CS Lewis author * If you have a copy and would like to join us in reading this book, author Jessica Grey is doing a read a long starting Aug 12th. Link is in sidebar or click her name above. * Now it's your turn... Share your Tuesday Teasers at Miz B's ! * HapPy Reading!
*

Tweet

Shared at Adam's Austen in August Challenge

Reading JANE AUSTEN in AUGUST : 2 Reviews

Reading Jane Austen in August?
I am enjoying this bit of reading indulgence whilst I have the opportunity!  I'm also including today's reviews as part of my Pride and Prejudice Bicentenary Challenge participation. *

* Here are my responses to two P and P novels ~ * AN ASSEMBLY SUCH AS THIS -author Pamela Aidan  

In this first book of her Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman trilogy, she reintroduces us to Darcy during his visit to Hertfordshire with his friend Charles Bingley revealing Darcy's hidden perspectives on the events of Pride and Prejudice. As Darcy spends more time at Netherfield supervising Bingley and fending off Miss Bingley's persistent advances, his unwilling attraction to Elizabeth grows—as does his concern about her relationship with his nemesis, George Wickham.

Setting the story vividly against the colorful historical and political background of the Regency, Aidan writes in a style comfortably at home with Austen but with a wit and humor very much her own. Aidan adds her own cast of fascinating characters to those in Austen's original, weaving a rich tapestry from Darcy's past and present. Austen fans and newcomers alike will love this new chapter of the most famous romance ... - goodreads

My response:

Ms Aidan writes with an excellent grasp of the language I would expect for the refined characters of Ms Austen's day.  This adds much to the enjoyment of the story for me in keeping with the original Pride and Prejudice.  As this is the novel told from Mr Darcy's point of view, we gain insights into thoughts behind the familiar actions.  His increasing interest, change of heart and desire for Miss Elizabeth Bennet is well described.

Personally, I could quite clearly see Elizabeth Bennet's reasons for disliking the man.  There were instances where I too found my own dislike increasing.  Ms Aidan paints precise character pictures of Charles and Miss Bingley as well as introducing us to new characters in Mr Darcy's circle.  Cambridge friend, Lord Brougham, broadens our picture of Darcy's life when he arrives for a visit and subsequent adventure during an evening soiree.  Darcy's valet, Fletcher, is a personable addition and their interactions are a delight - laugh out loud humorous in several scenes!  I preferred Ms Aidan's characterization of Darcy's reactions and responses as a gentleman of quality when confronted with the intrigues of the haut ton.

Having met and marvelled at Ms Aidan's abilities as a debut author, I am now looking forward to continuing the series of Fitzwilliam Darcy Gentleman.

CHARITY ENVIETH NOT

George Knightley Esquire

George Knightley is the owner of a considerable estate, a landlord, a magistrate, and a bachelor-a state that his brother John is perpetually prodding him to change. Thankfully, there is no one remotely suitable in his entire circle of acquaintance...or so he thinks. An unwanted interloper, a few romantic mishaps amongst his friends, and the dawning realization that Emma Woodhouse is no longer a child might just change everything.  Barbara Cornthwaite has written a retelling of one of Jane Austen's novels from the hero's point of view. Carefully researched and skillfully written, George Knightley, Esquire tells the other side of Emma's story. -goodreads * My response:

Spending time with George Knightley, I gained excellent insights into Knightley's world, experiencing his life as a landowner, magistrate, employer and as a respected gentleman in Regency England. 

Ms Cornthwaite's adeptness at writing humour adds delightful laughter to the story.  Letters between George and his brother John are happy diversions that pulled me in to their world, revealing appealing aspects to these characters.  Emma also appeared clearly from Knightley's point of view.  Though, perhaps not the same opinion of her is shared as what Geo Knightley purports! Ms Cornthwaite's introduction of supporting characters is well done, preventing the confusion that often occurs in sequels or fan fiction.  Ms Cornthwaite also expresses a great understanding of scripture, having characters referring to its message and applying it accurately throughout the novel with the understanding that would have been common to that day.  This too adds much to the authenticity of the story.

I gained a greater appreciation for Knightley, having read Charity Envieth Not, and look forward to further romantic development in book 2, Lend Me Leave, now that he's realized his heart's desire is Emma...

*

*

Join us at Adam's Austen in August for more 

Jane Austen reading and reviews...
and at Austenprose with Laurel Ann for monthly features
celebrating Pride and Prejudice's 200th bicentenary.

*

Tweet

Austen in August: Wordless Wednesday 7.8.13

HAPPY WORDLESS WEDNESDAY !

* If only we could ! .... * HapPy Wordless Wednesday for AUSTEN in AUGUST ! *

Tweet

Shared with Adam's Austen in August

Ramona's Wordless Wednesday 

Nancy's TBR CHallenge

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 5.8.13

First Monday in August ~ Already the 5th of this month!
Yes, I've been reading - especially with the several current August reading challenges [always extra motivation for me.] Plus the fact that today's garden walk with my mom  *

* turned into rainshowers, so...  I scurried home listening to this 
*

* British narrator, Jane Lapotaire, bringing the story of the Bennets, Bingleys and Jane Austen's imagination to life ~ * Hopped into this *

*  added  * * and relaxed into the world of George and Emma, Donwell Abbey and Hartfield..! * Continuing my Austen in August reading via Adam's Austen in August Challenge... *

* Yesterday I completed  *

* Presenting Darcy's perspective of reflections upon meeting the delectable Elizabeth Bennet and her not so delectable family ! An Assembly Such As This * Three Austen reads to date, also counting toward Nancy Kelley's August TBR Catchup Challenge

* and... for all those "Reading for Review" ereads lining up, I'm joining ARC AUGUST for reading motivation!

I know several release in August and one is due for a  book tour in 2 weeks, so this will definitely help ... Thanks, Octavia ;) * Looking ahead...

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 19th and runs through Sunday, August 25th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 8.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team * Joining in?  3rd time, I am! Look for the upcoming events - always FuN! * That's my update for Sheila's 199th Book Journey  weekly reading report at

*
HapPy Reading Everyone ! *

Tweet


Shared with Adam at Austen in August master post
Bev at her Pink Saturday
Ramona's Inspire Me Monday
 at Nancy Kelley Writes
at Octavia's Read Sleep Repeat
 at Bout of Books
at Katie's 100th! Thursday Fave Things