Pride & Popularity (The Jane Austen Diaries, #1)

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Pride & Popularity (The Jane Austen Diaries #1)

by Jenni James (Goodreads Author)

3.89 of 5 stars 3.89 · rating details · 2,511 ratings · 380 reviews

***AUTHOR'S DISCLAIMER***
If you are hoping to find a YA book full of paranormal beasts, sex, or teens who act much more like under-aged adults, I suggest you save your money and do not buy this book. In fact don't buy any of The Jane Austen Diaries. However, if you are looking for a clean, lighthearted, sweet romance, where teens are good and happy and normal--like all of...more

Paperback, 240 pages

Published July 13th 2011 by Inkberry Press/Brigham Distributing (first published May 7th 2011)

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An Assembly Such as This by Pamela Aidan

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Best Pride and Prejudice Sequels/Variations/Adaptations

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Mar 02, 2013 Kerra rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I received this book as part of a Goodreads Giveaway.

Let me start out by saying that I absolutely hated this book.

I am eighteen years old, so I assumed that since I am a "young adult" that this book should have been directed to girls who are at/around the same level of maturity as I am. I was wrong.

"Pride and Popularity" by Jenni James claims to be a more realistic portrayal of teenagers today. I have yet to find anyone over the age of 13 who would be willing to play a game of "Oink Piggy Oink"...more

8 likes · like · see review

Oct 12, 2011 Kathy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: teen-lit, austen, autobuy-authors, fun-series

This was such a fun retelling of Pride & Prejudice. The story takes place in a modern-day high school, with Chloe and Taylor as our leads. Chloe was really likable. I really liked her personality and thought she was fun to read about. I'm glad she didn't fall all over Taylor like literally every other girl. He really had to earn it. =) Taylor was also likable, we're able to see his charming side, but also his sincere side as well. I had to give the book five stars simply because I caught mys...more

3 likes · like · see review

Feb 06, 2013 Juliet Fiumana rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: to-re-read

A GREAT summer read!

I was laying in my bed, bored to death, when I saw I had this book and just thought, why not?
The minute I started reading I fell in love with Taylor and was able to identify myself with Chloe. It's such an easy-going read, I finished the book in an afternoon. I couldn't bring myself to let it go.

Maybe it is because I LOVE high school drama, but Pride & Popularity made my day. It exasperated me and at the same time kind of melted me with all the romance and cuteness from...more

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Mar 25, 2013 Holmes221B rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: why-would-i-read-it, disappointing, characters-i-d-like-to-kill-slowly

2.5 stars. I found it hard to like the characters.

Taylor - that guy who thinks he God's gift to the female population, winks at random girls, and appreciates a fan club. Okay. Stop right there. He's.....Darcy? God, no.

Introducing Chloe - who is watching Taylor (and is supposedly unimpressed) , doesnt give sh*t about the smarmy boy. Then winks at her. She falls for him. Did that just happen in....5 minutes?

In her own words -

How in the world did I, for two seconds, fall for his
charm? Of course he...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 16, 2013 Tiffani rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Honestly, this sucks. I do not understand how this book has an average rating of 4.08 stars.

-There is no character development.
-Elizabeth's (I only remember her second name, that's how boring it was) moodswings gave me whiplash.
-Just because Taylor does some nice things (she knows of) suddenly she doesn't hate him anymore and even loves him while she actually doesn't even really know him. (he said so himself, but after a couple of days, if that, she was already talking about knowing him like...more

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Nov 15, 2012 Angie rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Girls. And any guy who's looking for tips on how to sweep a girl off her feet.

Shelves: ya, first-reads-giveaways, lds-authors, chick-lit

It's not very often that I sit down with a book and not move from my spot until I've read the book cover to cover. But that's what I did with this book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Despite knowing the whole story before I even opened the book, I still felt Chloe's indignation at Taylor's egocentricity, her anger at his ability to constantly get under his skin. And even though I knew there was more to him than meets the eye, I couldn't help but hate him along with Chloe, adding my own nonverbal "...more

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Mar 04, 2012 Watermelon Daisy rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

Three stars.

But SO close to being four.

Lemme tell you what I thought:

This is a perfect example of a rewrite of Pride and Prejudice. Everything I read felt like a deep connection with the original book, which I absolutely loved. It's the perfect modern example, and I felt Chloe's thoughts throughout the whole story.

This would be what I'd call a chick-lit, with scenes which are, "Awww" worthy. But some of the characters felt very 2 dimensional. First off, I felt as if both Chloe's best girlfriends...more

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May 26, 2011 Amanda Washington rated it 5 of 5 stars

Pride and Popularity is a delightful romantic comedy that will tug on the heartstrings of all ladies—regardless of their age. Jaded against the popular crowd, Chloe Heart evades, dodges and eludes high school heartthrob Taylor Anderson in this updated retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The fast-paced storyline will draw you in while the characters enchant you and charm your socks off. If you’re looking for a refreshing reminder of how young, innocent love can break through even the...more

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May 06, 2013 Fiona rated it 2 of 5 stars

Well this book was a disappointment. As a lover a cheesy, clean, romances and Jane Austen fan to boot, I was really excited to read this. It had all I was looking for, no let me rephrase that, it SEEMED to have all that I was looking for. First off, the characters were just down right annoying.
I was really hoping they would grow on me but the more I read, the more I wanted to hit them in the head with a frying pan. Seriously! They were all extremely superficial and the Chloe girl! All she did w...more

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Feb 06, 2013 Valerie rated it 3 of 5 stars

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The title made me curious and the content was perfect as far as it is exactly how the author describes it in her disclaimer. I can see all Young Women enjoying this light read. It's definitely a teenager book, but I was reminded about a few things from it.

1. I DO NOT miss High School in anyway, shape, or form as far as the social side of it goes. Reading this book reminded me of all the aspects of HS life that I didn't care for. All the people purposely e...more

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Jan 05, 2013 Cathy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Chloe Hart is just an ordinary senior in high school. She's not one of the "Popular" crowd, but she does have plenty of her own friends. Her family is just a little crazy, but whose isn't? I love the character of her mom, she is such an individual! It seems she had asked Chloe's younger sister, Cassidy, to clean her room for 3 weeks, she decided that was long enough and starts to "clean" it herself, using garbage bags for all of the stuff on the floor. Chloe finally has what she's been waiting h...more

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Dec 31, 2012 Emma rated it 4 of 5 stars

Since you are reading this review, you probably know that I am an absolute sucker for anything romantic. You probably have also figured out that I am addicted to reading. Put the two together and BAM!!!! I am a goner.
So of course, I read any romantic book I can possibly get my hands on. Not the nasty, fake, love like Twilight (I might have liked the series in sixth grade, but now it just makes me gag), but real, true, irrevocable love.
Well of course, I have just finished one of these enchanting...more Since you are reading this review, you probably know that I am an absolute sucker for anything romantic. You probably have also figured out that I am addicted to reading. Put the two together and BAM!!!! I am a goner.
So of course, I read any romantic book I can possibly get my hands on. Not the nasty, fake, love like Twilight (I might have liked the series in sixth grade, but now it just makes me gag), but real, true, irrevocable love.
Well of course, I have just finished one of these enchanting books that absolutely made my heart melt, but this one especially. As you have no doubt already guessed (yes I know... I am an open book) I am addicted to Victorian Era authors. The Bronte sisters, Dickens, Austen, you name it. I have read them. I promise you, I don't go so far with my obsession as to sit in knitting circles with old ladies discussing the latest movie adaptation of David Copperfield. But I do love their books.
So anywho, I was reading Pride and Popularity, a modern day version of Pride and Prejudice. Long story short, I had been waiting nearly two months to read this book and I was devouring it up. To say it was okay would be like saying Frosted Flakes are good. It wasn't good. It was ABSOLUTELY FANTASTICALLY AMAZING, or, as the talking cartoon tiger would say, "GREEEAAAAT!"
One particular part in the book stuck out to me-
SPOILER ALERT:

If you HAVE NOT read the original Pride and Prejudice or would not like to know how this book ends, DO NOT GO ON!! But what I'm about to say is so fantastical just go on anyway...

After the honor dance was over, I saw Taylor walk over to the deejay-who totally rocked- and ask him something. Taylor was given the thumbs up for whatever it was. Then he smiled and nodded as he accepted a microphone.
 Oh my gosh. What is he going to do?
 "This next song is for the most beautiful girl I know."
 The room stopped at the sound of Taylor's voice, and then everyone turned and stared at me.
 He is so dead.
 "With Chloe Hart's permission, I would like to dedicate this song to her and three-almost four- years I had to wait for her to be mine. This is for you." He pointed right at me.
 Maybe I could kill him twice.
 And then the deejay started playing the song "So Close" from the movie Enchanted-

I couldn't help myself. I screamed as I kicked my blankets off of me. (Just to let you know, So Close is just about my favorite song IN THE WORLD! Besides any religious song, I have never felt more emotion through music. Don't believe me? Scroll down to the bottom of my blog- it's on my playlist :))Then I suddenly remembered that everyone was probably asleep right now. I slowly looked at the clock. Just take a wild guess at what time it was.

Bingo. 11:11.
Wow. Amazing. What a coincidence. Who cares?
Well I'll tell you who cares. This girl. I frantically and passionately made the biggest 11:11 wish I had in my life. I would tell you what it was but
a) It's already probably painstakingly obvious; and
b) If I said it might not come true.

When the minute was over, I slowly came to my senses and resumed my reading.

And then the deejay started playing the song "So Close" from the movie Enchanted.[eep!] Taylor walked over to me and chuckled. "If looks could kill, I'd be dead." In one swift movement, he took my in his arms and we were waltzing-in front of the whole prom! What is with waltzing with a guy and your heart melting on the spot? All Taylor has to do is hold me close and I am lost.
 The haunting lyrics took over my mind, as they always do when I listen to that song. It really did fit us. I closed my eyes a moment and allowed him to dip and sway and twirl me across the floor. We slowed a bit as the song slowed, and I rested my cheek on his shoulder. In Taylor's strong, gentle arms, I felt incredibly cherished and protected. I knew then what I had been so hesitant all along to believe, and it was time to share it with Taylor. So I stood on my tiptoes and allowed my mouth to brush against his ear as I whispered, "I love you."

(less)

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Sep 30, 2012 Paula Phillips rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Do you always find it interesting when you read other people's reviews on books ? Especially if it is a book that you enjoyed ? For me, whenever I review a book, I always like to check out the one-two star reviews on Goodreads as I sometimes can't believe that people waste all that time to write a negative review.
I will admit as soon as I read the Jane Austen part and that it was a modern rendition of one of her tales, I was immediately hooked and knew I just had to read it. I Paula Phillips am...more

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Apr 23, 2012 Emily rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Book Title: Pride and Popularity

Author: Jenni James

Published By: Brigham Distributing

Genre: Young Adult

Recommended Age: 13+

Reviewed By: Emily Tuley / AngelsCryHavoc

Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud Literary Community

Rating: 5 Ravens

I’m a sucker for Jane Austen I always have been, Not many girls I know aren’t. She when I saw that this was a modern version of one of her classics I had to peek in and take a look. I found it very humorous and enlightening with snippets to the book of Pride...more Book Title: Pride and Popularity

Author: Jenni James

Published By: Brigham Distributing

Genre: Young Adult

Recommended Age: 13+

Reviewed By: Emily Tuley / AngelsCryHavoc

Blog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud Literary Community

Rating: 5 Ravens

I’m a sucker for Jane Austen I always have been, Not many girls I know aren’t. She when I saw that this was a modern version of one of her classics I had to peek in and take a look. I found it very humorous and enlightening with snippets to the book of Pride and Prejudice that is aptly known. The characters are funny even the witty banter between the two students kept me chuckling the whole time while they fussed with each other. Chloe and Taylor were two peas in a pod that didn’t seem to know it. I kept looking for all the similarities of the book to Jane Austen’s and was pleased when I saw them cleverly tucked in here and there not only did the author take this story and make it her own in a little way she also saw to make sure to pay tribute to the original book. I loved it so much is taught in this book and I think it’s definitely one that a young girl will read and love.

Chloe had showed up as the new girl and with one little incident and claiming she was now a member of the Taylor Anderson Fanclub she swore not to become just another girl hanging onto Taylor’s every word action and praying for the moment she might get her chance to become the next Taylor Anderson with every unfortunate brake up he had. Now that it was her senior year and she was immune to all that Taylor said or did , at least that’s what she thought.

Taylor is the school Jock, all around good guy and loved by all. He’s not use to having people not do what he says, fall over themselves to help him or just give him the attention he needs. So when he first sees Chloe he thinks he’s got it in the bag. Secretly he loves her from the moment he sees her but so much happens that in the end he believes she truly can’t stand him. Doing anything he can in the hopes to make her like him he doesn’t see that Chloe thinks he’s just being the typical jock popular guy.

The two end up with some crazy antics and moments of clarity that leave you excited about the ending and eagerly looking for the next book in this series from the author. (less)

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Feb 14, 2012 Sara rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-lit

I don't think it's possible to fully express how much I disliked this book. In fact, if goodreads would let me, I'd give it a half star or less.

The writing is juvenile, filled with telling instead of showing. James often has her narrator, Chloe, spell out subtext for the reader with annoying, italicized thoughts. Not to mention her vocabulary is on the same level as the average ten year old. On discovering something negative about the "Darcy" character, she thinks to herself, Taylor Anderson is...more

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Feb 07, 2012 Violet90 added it

This book was an easy read. The story was interesting but nothing new you have read before. I also didn't like the herione very much. I thought she whined a lot and there were some parts where she had me laughing but that was it. I liked her at the end of the book but not fell in love with her character you know. Chloe's character could have been so much better. However, I did love our hero Tyler because he was cute and arrogant but had his charm. I thought that he was stupid dating other girls...more

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Dec 23, 2011 DelSheree rated it 4 of 5 stars

Jane Austen’s books have been rewritten countless times, but not like this. Gone are the complicated courtship rituals and subtleties of old English society, but that hardly means there aren’t any similarities between then and now.

Pride and Popularity drops you right into the middle of the modern teenage life filled the same problems Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy faced in their day, just funnier. Chloe Hart is determined not to fall for the superstar of her hometown because she’s positive she...more Jane Austen’s books have been rewritten countless times, but not like this. Gone are the complicated courtship rituals and subtleties of old English society, but that hardly means there aren’t any similarities between then and now.

Pride and Popularity drops you right into the middle of the modern teenage life filled the same problems Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy faced in their day, just funnier. Chloe Hart is determined not to fall for the superstar of her hometown because she’s positive she knows the real him better than the other star-struck, drooling girls. Her quest to ignore him entirely turns her entire life upside down.

Pride and Popularity can best be described by two words, in my opinion. Super Cute. The characters are very entertaining all around. I could see people I’ve grown up with or met along the way that reminded me of Ethan, Cassidy, Kylie, and even Taylor. You feel like you’re surrounded by your friends as soon as you start reading.

Being a rewrite, there were some parts of the book that followed Austen’s original work closely, and others that diverged. Overall, I thought Jenni did a great job of working in those parts of the original that fit with her characters and leaving those that didn’t. Needless to say, there were no impromptu piano recitals for dinner guests (although I’m sure Jenni would have made that a hilarious experience if there were) or guided tours of palatial mansions.

Working in the original disgrace between Wickham and Lydia was handled very nicely in the book without having to cross over into the typical graphic tragedy seen in many books and movies today. That was a theme carried throughout the book. No obscenities, sex, graphic violence, or things that are just plain disturbing. Pride and Popularity was a fun, light read that left you feeling happy and hopeful in the end.

The beginning of the book was rather teenage-girl-gooey-and-gushy (so be prepared if you’re not a fan of super mushy stuff), but for the most part it wasn’t carried through the book to that level. Chloe determines right away that she isn’t going to one of those girls. Or at least she thinks so. The main character is a teenage girl, and we all know that means lots of emotion, drama, and goof ups, but it was all presented in a way that keeps you laughing. I loved the humor in this book. Following Chloe through her last years of high school and her quest to not be the next brainless girl on Taylor’s arm is great fun, a book I’m sure you’ll enjoy.

Would I recommend Pride and Popularity? Yes, have fun reading! You’ll laugh all the way through.

Who would I recommend this book to? Teenage girls (of course), and anyone looking for a fun read without the typical language, violence, and all that other stuff.

check out other other reviews at www.theediblebookshelf.blogspot.com (less)

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Nov 03, 2011 Kathryn rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Oct 15, 2011 Petra Sýkorová rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, young-adult, chick-lit, retelling

Na tuhle knihu jsem narazila úplnou náhodou, když jsem brouzdala po nějakém blogu a samozřejmě mě jako velkého fanouška Pýchy a předsudku zaujala. Další moderní adaptace? Jasně, zkusím to a uvidím, jestli mě konečně uchvátí.

Nestalo se.

Chloe se přestěhovala do nového města, za což je ráda, protože za sebou zanechává trpkou zkušenost s pokusem o randění. O prázdninách před školou se stejně jako celé ženské osazenstvo nové školy tak trochu zabouchne do místního "boha" Taylora, jenže docela rychle s...more

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Sep 06, 2011 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars

Full review at http://networkedblogs.com/mE7m8

With as many young adult books as I read there are very few I would definitely recommend to my daughters and friends as completely worth the time and purchase. But Pride and Popularity is one I can whole heartedly stand behind. Jenni James takes Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice into the 21st century and adapts it to teens. I found myself totally immersed and grinning ear to ear at the end.

Chloe has been burned by the popular crowd at her old school...more

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Aug 31, 2011 Ranee Clark rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Point of the Plot:
Chloe Hart knew from the moment she set eyes on Taylor Anderson that he was too popular for his own good. And she's right, of course, especially when she discovers how miserable he's trying to maker her senior year. But could Taylor's behavior possibly be because he likes her? Impossible ...

Basically Believable: ****
Four stars because Jenni is right on with teen behavior. She makes the misunderstandings of regency Jane Austen fit perfectly in high school. My OCD, nit-pickin...more The Point of the Plot:
Chloe Hart knew from the moment she set eyes on Taylor Anderson that he was too popular for his own good. And she's right, of course, especially when she discovers how miserable he's trying to maker her senior year. But could Taylor's behavior possibly be because he likes her? Impossible ...

Basically Believable: ****
Four stars because Jenni is right on with teen behavior. She makes the misunderstandings of regency Jane Austen fit perfectly in high school. My OCD, nit-picking eye only caught one or two places where the teens channeled a bit too much Jane Austen--that's how into the book I was. (Perhaps a person can't appreciate what I'm really saying here until they've had me edit their work. Feel free to bash my infamous pet peeve below.) I never doubted whether the situations in the book could occur and the story felt totally smooth and natural.

Charismatic Characters: *****
Jenni's parallel characters rock. Taylor is a to-die-for-hunky-hotty and Chloe is so perfectly put-off but in love I could kiss her. Neither one is ever annoying as too many romance characters can be! Chloe's best friend Madison (Jenni's verson of Lizzy B.'s friend Mariah Lucas) gets a little lost in the mix, and I found myself wishing for more of her and (Mr.) Collin(s). Alyssa is a great reincarnation of Jane Bennett and just as lovable. Chloe's mom threw me for a bit of a loop. She came off as normal and mostly normal mom-ish until the infamous scene with Collin, when her turn into loopy Mrs. Bennett surprised me. All in all, I'm all for the characters. I didn't doubt them, I loved them, they all had me cheering for them.

Yay or Yuck: The Final Word: ****
Pride & Popularity is the perfect guilty pleasure read. I raced through it in two days. The writing is simple and very easy to follow, making it enjoyable bathtub-and-candles type stuff. The plot lost the tiniest bit of steam right around the big Halloween party, where I felt it seemed to try to hard to follow the original Pride & Prejudice plot instead of following it's own road. Still, it righted itself within a few chapters and maintained a lovably, giggle-worthy pace throughout the rest. As with the Madison-Collin characters above, I longed for more of the Mr. Collins character, especially since one of my personal favorite scenes is the Mr. Collins proposal scene in P&P.
I still give Pride & Popularity a firm Yay and recommend it to any Austen lover--or any romance lover for that matter!
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Aug 24, 2011 FleurRebelle9797 rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Teenagers and Young Adults

Recommended to FleurRebelle9797 by: Wattpad

Pride & Popularity is a modern and almost refurbished telling of the original novel, Pride And Prejudice, by Jane Austen. I enjoyed Pride & Popularity in such a way that I had to read a couple of times over again to make myself believe that it was in fact, a fictional book with fictional characters as Jenni James' realism to the book makes the characters and their lives seem almost real. Also, telling the story in first person was an amazing advantage as almost every reader feels as if t...more

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Apr 18, 2013 Rezl de Rêveur rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit

The only thing that appealed to me was the Pride and Prejudice reference. I struggled to see through the author's immaturity just to know if the P&P plot would be put to good use. If I had only known that the writing would be bad all throughout the novel, I would have discontinued reading this but sadly, I was already in the middle of the novel when I knew and stopping would have been such a waste of time.
What most appalled me was that the scenes were bland and that the characters were unb...more

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Aug 13, 2012 Amy (Books, College, and Other Random Things) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, reviewed

Chloe Hart can’t stand Taylor Anderson, the school hottie that seems to have his own fan club. Ever since her encounter with him at a basketball game, she vowed to stay away from him.

Now, she’s in her senior year of high school and is looking forward to a great school year that is until she finds out Taylor has art with her. He’s always finding ways to joke with her, and it bugs her to death.

Her best friends, Madison and Alyssa, claim that he likes her, but his long list of girlfriends and admi...more

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Dec 15, 2011 Cathy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Pride & Popularity was a really great fast read with a very familiar theme. This is a modern version of Jane Austen's amazing book Pride and Prejudice. Which let me just say I personally love this plot and theme and will always read a book about it just to see how they changed it up. So we meet Chloe (Elizabeth) Hart who absolutely cannot stand the very popular Taylor (Darcy) Anderson, but he can't help but flirt with her and make her wonder about him. She had just moved from a different tow...more

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Feb 20, 2013 WifeMomKnitter rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: via-ipod-touch-kindle

From the book synopsis:

"Chloe (Elizabeth) Hart despises the conceited antics of the popular crowd, or more importantly, one very annoying self-possessed guy, Taylor (Darcy) Anderson, who seems determined to make her the president of his fan club! As if! Every girl in the whole city of Farmington, New Mexico, is in love with him, but he seems to be only interested in Chloe.

This modern high school adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice” is a battle of wits as Chloe desperately tries to remain the onl...more From the book synopsis:

"Chloe (Elizabeth) Hart despises the conceited antics of the popular crowd, or more importantly, one very annoying self-possessed guy, Taylor (Darcy) Anderson, who seems determined to make her the president of his fan club! As if! Every girl in the whole city of Farmington, New Mexico, is in love with him, but he seems to be only interested in Chloe.

This modern high school adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice” is a battle of wits as Chloe desperately tries to remain the only girl who can avoid the inevitable—falling for Taylor."

I stumbled across this book when I learned about another book in this Jane Austen Diaries series, Emmalee, and decided to add it to my 2013 Pride and Prejudice challenge.

I have to say that it was a surprisingly sweet modern adaptation of the P & P story, which also happens to be my favorite book of all time. I was quite impressed with the author's take on modernizing the main plot points of a 200 year old story. They were really creative and completely believable in a high school setting. Chloe had the same spunk as I loved in Elizabeth Bennet. I was also happy to see that Taylor's 'pride' had more to do with an overabundance of self-confidence and he wasn't entirely a jerk. I'll let you find out how they make it to each other in the end. ;-)

And as the author's disclaimer says in the book synopsis on Goodreads:

"If you are hoping to find a YA book full of paranormal beasts, sex, or teens who act much more like under-aged adults, I suggest you save your money and do not buy this book. In fact don't buy any of The Jane Austen Diaries. However, if you are looking for a clean, lighthearted, sweet romance, where teens are good and happy and normal--like all of the teens I know (including my own!) then read on. You've come to the right place. :) --Jenni"

I have to say that this was a refreshing change to some of the young adult fiction that's been out there for the past few years.

I look forward to reading more in this series.(less)

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Dec 22, 2012 Irene rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-as-digital, chick-lit, light-reading, lame-romance, no-depth-no-character-development

Recommended only for pre-teens.
The main characters are technically 17, but act more like 14-15 years old and can hardly appeal to an older audience.

This novel was so juvenile and ridiculous it hurt.

The plot was almost non-existent and revolved around lame attempts to modernized scenes and twist from Pride & Prjudice, with less than satisfactory results. Every scene taken from P&P felt forced, unnatural, and unrealistic, while any original material was boring, unimaginative, and simplist...more Recommended only for pre-teens.
The main characters are technically 17, but act more like 14-15 years old and can hardly appeal to an older audience.

This novel was so juvenile and ridiculous it hurt.

The plot was almost non-existent and revolved around lame attempts to modernized scenes and twist from Pride & Prjudice, with less than satisfactory results. Every scene taken from P&P felt forced, unnatural, and unrealistic, while any original material was boring, unimaginative, and simplistic.

The characters were appalling. They would have been annoying enough on their own, but the worst part of the whole ordeal was thinking that they were supposed to be a modern-day version of Elisabeth and Darcy. One thing James succeeded in is giving her characters exactly NONE of the characteristics of the two originals.
Taylor is an idiotic hot shot, whom his whole little universe revolves around. Apparently, he fell for Chloe in the summer before sophomore year (which, in James' universe, apparently precedes senior year by three years), but preferred a succession of shallow cheerleading girlfriends to actively pursuing her, waiting for her to finally capitulate on her one when faced with his undeniable charm. Lovely.
Chloe is a prejudiced, stuck up, little drama queen and... yeah, nothing more can really be said about her. One second she hates Taylor's guts, the next she's in a puddle at his feet and craving his attention like a sick puppy.

All in all, if this is what "a clean, lighthearted, sweet romance, where teens are good and happy and normal--like all of the teens [Jenni James] know[s] (including [her] own!)" then God preserve us.
There was nothing even remotely light-hearted in all the unnecessary and forced drama going on in Chloes's mind throughout the novel, and there is certainly nothing sweet or clean about a love interest who claims to have loved you all through his succession of meaningless girlfriends. Girls who might have been shallow and unfriendly, but who were nonetheless very much into Taylor and who Taylor essentially used.

The lamest part, though, was probably the unsuccessful attempts at humor.(less)

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Mar 31, 2012 Gina Denny rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: lds-authors, ya, contemp

If Jane Austen is your thing, to the point where you will read anything with Jane Austen's name on it, this book is totally for you.

If teen books- not young adult, but teen- are your thing, this book is for you.

If you're looking for a light, fun, easy, fast read, this book is for you.

I have to say right here, right now: I am NOT a huge Jane Austen fan. I love young adult books, but excessive "giggling" and such gets under my skin. I also generally prefer something with a little bit of action...more

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Oct 25, 2011 Say rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: october-2011-reads

Ok, so this book is another adaptation of the popular (and well liked book), Pride and Prejudice and I could say that it’s actually good. Yup, I’ve read a lot of books with the same story line…a simple girl meets the hot/popular/jock boy from school, totally hates him but falls for him in the end. And yes, I would have to say that I’m drawn with this kind of plot over and over again. Well, who could blame me, I love this kind of story.

But, what do I look for in these kinds of books? Mainly, how...more Ok, so this book is another adaptation of the popular (and well liked book), Pride and Prejudice and I could say that it’s actually good. Yup, I’ve read a lot of books with the same story line…a simple girl meets the hot/popular/jock boy from school, totally hates him but falls for him in the end. And yes, I would have to say that I’m drawn with this kind of plot over and over again. Well, who could blame me, I love this kind of story.

But, what do I look for in these kinds of books? Mainly, how the story was written. Is it quite new (even though Pride and Prejudice is over used all the time) or interesting at least? Does the characters click (with each other and with me)? And most of all do I want to read it in one sitting?

Well, with this book I gave it a 4 star rating. I liked some parts of the story especially the last 3-4 chapters. I liked the main characters Chloe “Elizabeth” Hart and Taylor “Darcy” Anderson (liked their middle name as well). For me they clicked so they clicked with me as well.

Favorite part in the story: Taylor admitting to Chloe that he loves her, take note not like but love her for three years!!!
“Chloe, I had to come see you. I’m going crazy here, I can’t sleep, I can’t concentrate in school – everything’s a mess. Listen, I don’t know who that guy you were dancing with (well that’s Jordan – Chloe’s friend and dance teacher), but please, you’ve gotta hear me out. I – I love you. I do. I have loved you from the first time I saw you stomp away from the bleachers three and a half years ago. And trust me, I’ve tried to get over it, always moving on to new girlfriends, pretending like you meant nothing – like I wasn’t in love with you – but I can’t do this anymore. You’re the only girl I want, Chloe, I need you to go out with me.”

I practically read this part over and over again…..just plain sweet!!! Anyway, if you loved Pride and Prejudice you’ll definitely love this book. And I can’t wait for the other books on The Jane Austen Diaries. Well done Ms. James!
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Mar 01, 2013 Sugar rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Review:

Ok, I LOVE Pride and Prejudice, and anything that bears the slightest hint of retelling the story, I always can’t wait to get my hands on. This was also the case with this book. And while the potential was there, and to some extent all my expectations were fulfilled, there were also many aspects I didn’t quite like.

I thought the way the original PP plot was accommodated and realized in the new context was quite nicely done, everything was recognizable, but still exciting and fresh. I lik...more Review:

Ok, I LOVE Pride and Prejudice, and anything that bears the slightest hint of retelling the story, I always can’t wait to get my hands on. This was also the case with this book. And while the potential was there, and to some extent all my expectations were fulfilled, there were also many aspects I didn’t quite like.

I thought the way the original PP plot was accommodated and realized in the new context was quite nicely done, everything was recognizable, but still exciting and fresh. I like that this was not a direct retelling, but also took liberties to play with the plot and characters to make them both old and new. While it felt slightly slow in the beginning, it got quite gripping after the “first rejection.” And I have to bring out that I absolutely adored the “finally coming together” scene, it was sweet and swoony.

I also imagine this as a pleasant and fun introduction to the actual PP book for young girls. In their later year it’s easier then to get to the grand finale (original).

From the aspects I wasn’t quite wild about: the narrative and its characters (mostly the girls) were at times too naive, childish and simplistic. I guess I’m not really the primary target audience so maybe that’s why I couldn’t really feel this story 100% and thought the characters too juvenile. I felt that the latter were more 13/14 than 17/18 years old. But then again I can’t really judge this story for being cute, clean, simple and just sunny, mushy, cotton-candy-sweet and perfect for young readers.

One more quibble: there wasn’t enough back-story or description to various plot devices and characters. I would have liked to see more of Chloe dance abilities and what made her so amazing at it, the younger sister Cassidy, why Chloe disliked Taylor to that degree, etc.

Characters:

Chloe was a nice, opinionated and spunky girl. She wasn’t near the original Elizabeth’s level of awesomeness, but she was an ok heroine. She was willing to help her friends, was generally sweet and nice to everyone (except Taylor of course) and had a job doing something she was passionate about. I didn’t, however, like her often overreacting and constantly coming to conclusion without much evidence, all this mostly related to Taylor. I felt she acted like a brat in regards to him initially and it wasn’t justifiable in regards to his behavior since she didn’t have any substantial evidence on why she perceived him being so incredibly “bad.” So in the end she only made herself look unreasonable because of that.

Taylor wasn’t a total modern day replica of Darcy, he was socially and personality wise quite different, which I liked about him. Everyone saw him (and he actually was) as someone wholesome and saintly, except for Chloe, but she was very irrational in regards to him anyway. He was a really really nice guy (ok, so he dated a lot but come on) and I really really liked him. He was great boyfriend material.

I couldn’t really stand Chloe’s parents, they had their highs and lows, but they came across too unexplainably harsh at times. In addition, her mother’s matchmaking with Collin gave me the creeps, why would a modern mom go to such lengths and use force?

Overall:

This is fluffy and sweet book for younger girls who I bet will gobble it up. I felt slightly old for this even tough it was quite enjoyable. This is a quick and easy read. I’m also thinking of picking up other Jane Austin novel retellings from the same author, they seem like fun.
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About Jenni James

CLEAN ROMANCE FOR TEENS:

*The Jane Austen Diaries*
Pride & Popularity (Aug 2011)
Persuaded (Aug. 2012)
Emmalee (Jan 2013)
Mansfield Ranch (Dec 2013)
Northanger Alibi (Feb. 2012)
Sensible & Sensational

*Jenni James Faerie Tale Collection*
Beauty and the Beast
Sleeping Beauty
Rumplestiltskin
Cinderella
Hansel and Gretel
Jack and the Beanstalk
Snow White
The Frog Prince
Twelve Dancing Princesses
Rapunzel...more

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Northanger Alibi (The Jane Austen Diaries, #2)

Beauty and the Beast (Faerie Tale Collection, #1)

Sleeping Beauty (Faerie Tale Collection, #2)

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