Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2016 discussion
General
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Introduce Yourself & Announce Challenge Level
Mod
Yay for Persuasion. That is my fav, too.
Looking forward to seeing what you read for the challenge to work on that TBR pile for Marianne level!
Hi I am Lenora Robinson and found this group thru Claudine. I have love Jane Austen since the first time i read P & P. i have read nearly 300 books this year with most being P & P inspired but I do not care for the modern stories so tend to avoid those.
Mod
Glad you discovered our group. And you have come to the right place if you love your P&P inspired stories. :)
Looking forward to seeing you read many books next year that you'll love and whittle away your reading pile.
Poke about into all the discussion groups and get cozy.
Sophia, that made me smile, there has been very little whittling away of my TBR pile, it's grown hugely from this group! Not that I'm complaining :)
Mod
I've got a bigger pile to read than I started with, too. :)
Hi all!Just saw this group and I am so happy to be getting ready for a JAFF challenge in 2016! As others have pointed out, those authors keep writing and my reading list keeps growing instead of reducing. Too many books, too little time, as the saying goes.
Every day I realize there are too many books I want to read before I die and they just keep on publishing more! It doesn't help that I am a librarian and work every day surrounded by free copies, and, I am lucky enough to get access to tons of advance reader copies on my Kindle.
Yet, I keep purchasing JAFF because I love it and want to keep supporting the authors who keep coming up with the most creative situations for my beloved P&P characters. And, with Claudine launching her justjane1813.com blog, I will have additional inspiration!
So, I am going to go for the Mr. Bennet level again this year. I may not comment often, but I so love to read your comments. I also follow about 4-5 websites with JAFF postings, so I find myself kind of commented out.
I have started writing reviews on a very hit or miss basis, but I am having a great time doing it. You can read them at: http://barblibrarianjaff.blogspot.com/
Thanks, Sophia for getting this started again this year!
Barb
Welcome, new members. I used to avoid moderns take-offs of any Jane Austen book but Anji convinced me with recommending several and I am now totally hooked on several authors who only do modern versions...at this point. Of course, they could begin to write in Regency at any time. Cat Gardiner's books are all 5 stars for me and will be re-read.
Sheila wrote: "Welcome, new members. I used to avoid moderns take-offs of any Jane Austen book but Anji convinced me with recommending several and I am now totally hooked on several authors who only do modern ver..."Cat does write great stuff. And, I always say I don't read modern and then discover one shortly after that I just love....
Ceri wrote: "Sophia, that made me smile, there has been very little whittling away of my TBR pile, it's grown hugely from this group! Not that I'm complaining :)"This is absolute truth! Ah ha ha ha!
Hi, Everyone! I am back for another year! I have enjoyed this group so greatly! Once again, I am going to set myself for the Caroline Bingley level. This past year, I have actually made it to the Marianne Dashwood level, but I have some circumstances that make me a Caroline Bingley in the group. I may move up again this year. :-) My personal favorite Austenesque is still Pirates and Prejudice, if i don't count The Mischief of the Mistletoe.
I really feel the desire and need to re-read the actual Jane Austen novels and have them in my humongous tbr pile. I don't think those are included in this challenge?
Thanks to Sophia for organizing this and thanks to everyone for the commeraderie. I am from Nevada in the United States. I don't post as often and read slowly, but I love this group.
I’ll put in a plug for the moderns, too—they give space to address JA’s larger themes and show how universal they are. My absolute favorite is the often overlooked Pen and Prejudice by Claire M. Johnson. I also love the Paula Marantz Cohen ones, Jane Austen in Boca and Jane Austen in Scarsdale; the recent Boots and Backpacks by K. C. Kahler; The Muse by Jessica Evans; and Bridget Jones (book, not movie).
Paige, I would absolutely count Austen books for the challenge; there is nothing more Austenesque than actual Austen!
Ceri wrote: "Paige, I would absolutely count Austen books for the challenge; there is nothing more Austenesque than actual Austen!":-)
Mod
Just saw this group and I am so happy to be getting ready for a JAFF challenge in 2016! As others have pointed out, those authors keep writing and my reading list keeps growing instead of ..."
I'm so glad to see you back, Barbara. And I can just imagine how working in a library wrecks havoc on your wish list. Haha!
Oh yes, we definitely all are guilty of adding books to the pile in this group. :)
Rooting for you to make it to Mr. Bennet's library for the challenge.
I'll have to check out your review blog.
Mod
This is fantastic that we get Paige back. And woots for Caro Bingley level. I have a feeling you'll make Marianne again. :)
And absolutely, the originals count as do re-reads. Enjoy those! I plan a couple of re-reads, too. :)
I still need to read Pirates & Prejudice.
Hi everyone, I'm happy to join this group again. I've really enjoyed participating in 2015 and agree that my TBR list is growing instead of shrinking but that's fine by me! I'm going to start at the Emma Woodhouse level. I would have to say that P&P is my favorite Austen novel with Persuasion and Emma tied for second.
OH, Pirates and Prejudice Pirates and Prejudice...great book. I have read it twice. Do treat yourself.
Mod
Hey, Kim! Welcome back! It is a fun group and we do soooo tempt each other to add books. LOL.
Glad to see you going for Emma level. And lots of P&P stories to enjoy. :)
Mod
I have been re-reading some favorites here at the end of the year as I hit my 150 book mark for this year. I am finding I am spending a lot of time reading WIPs on Darcyandlizzy.com also. Some are very long...Lucy S. and Linda Wells, as well as 3 other authors have books that I am reading.
Mod
OOh! Is Lucy S posting a new one? I haven't had much time lately to read fanfic but I like Lucy S.
Is Lucy's new one modern or regency? "Progressions," which isn't done, by Scarlettbees on fanfic is fabulous, IMO!
The Course of True Love by Lucy S http://meryton.com/aha/index.php?show... This is a very long modern story with Jane being rather self centered, with Mr. Bennet wanting only Elizabeth to take over running the farm, with Kitty/Kate and Mary developing a relationship with Elizabeth as she encourages their talents and with Mrs. Bennet more hateful than ever as she accuses Elizabeth of always trying to steal the spotlight even when as a child her brilliance outshines her older sister. Even Richard is a snob...along with his family. I am no where near the end. I am on Chapter 67 out of 102.
Yes, just caught up on Progressions this week so am awaiting the next chapter. Linda Wells' story Keeping Calm is WWII setting, starts in 1939, and I am at the bottom of the first page which when copied and enlarged as to font made up 270 pgs on Word for me and there are 7 "pgs" like that. There are 134 chapters on Darcyandlizzie.com.
Ah yes, I have heard of that one but I haven't read it; I've only read historical ones of hers, 'Being Mrs Darcy' (or something similar), which I LOVED and 'The Recovery of Fitzwilliam Darcy' which was also very good. Just to warn anybody who would like to try these that there are sex scenes, to save you from being surprised by stumbling across one!
Thanks Ceri!! I love a good MA scene myself!!
I don't mind them at all, but I know some people don't like to read stories with scenes like that in them.
Hi girls :) I'm afraid I've been a little MIA this year with reading JAFF and books in general - life got in the way. I've only managed to read 18 JAFF books for the challenge this year - so far, I've got about 10 lined up for Christmas reading! But I plan to do better in 2016. I've got good intentions!
I am sure no one is looking down on you for your efforts. Life does get in the way. Hey, I read in little spurts before I retired. There just was no time. And I didn't begin to review books until then also.Just enjoy what you do read. Merry Christmas.
Sheila wrote: "I am sure no one is looking down on you for your efforts. Life does get in the way. Hey, I read in little spurts before I retired. There just was no time. And I didn't begin to review books until t..."This was not addressed to me, but it could have been, and I think it is so kind and wekcoming and gracious. I have had similar feedback myself from Sophia about my personal situation. I think this captures the tone of this group and this challenge. It is always encouraging, fun, and friendly. Plus, we get to share our love of books and Austenesque! :-)
Brenda we love you and understand how life is!!
Sorry for the earlier comment,my finger slipped and pressed Post......I think we,JAFF readers, are all on the same journey, but in different boats!
We're all aiming for the same goal , to read , enjoy and hopefully review as many books as we can fit into our ever increasingly busy lives.
Some of us have different amounts of baggage-which can impact us in different ways, but with the friendliness, camaraderie and goodwill present in this group, we support each other on our literary voyage.
No pressure just a hearty and sincere welcome and welcome back.
This is such a lovely group of people! I look forward to continuing our JAFF journey together :)
Mod
Life does have its busyness. Looks like you have a nice pile ready to go for next year.
I think it will take me several years to get through my pile, if ever lol. I keep adding more than I can read which is a problem we all seem to have.
I am sure there are many of us in the same boat...piles of books and not enough time. There is where life gets in the way. And even then I would have to clone myself as I have said before to read everything.
Laura wrote: "Hi. I'm Laura; I'm from Texas. I'm an avid reader, but I am not one for social media. I tend to be the fb stalker not the one posting. A few friends told me to try goodreads, and after a long time,..."I just realised there was a page 1 to this discussion topic so I've been reading through that.
Laura - your post was like looking in the mirror. I'm also an introvert so I completely understand the comfort in lurking vs participating! :) And we will certainly help you fill up your JAFF to-read list - that won't be a problem! You'll be in Mr. Bennet's library before you know it.
I think many of us would be along the same lines, Brenda, I know it's a stereotype but so many people who love to read tend to be on the introverted side. What is lovely about a group like this is that it gives us all a chance to get to know each other a little so it's easier to join in the conversation, if people want to, of course.
I used to be an introvert, also, but life lessons taught me to speak up. Then menopause gave me some of that testosterone which does cause some changes...LOL.
Laura wrote: "Hi. I'm Laura; I'm from Texas. I'm an avid reader, but I am not one for social media. I tend to be the fb stalker not the one posting. A few friends told me to try goodreads, and after a long time,..."I was new to JAFF last year, and the people in this group are WONDERFUL for recommendations. My list grows every day.
Barbara wrote: "Hi all!Just saw this group and I am so happy to be getting ready for a JAFF challenge in 2016! As others have pointed out, those authors keep writing and my reading list keeps growing instead of ..."
I worked at a library for 4 years, so I understand the havoc it wreaks on the TBR. Especially if one of your jobs is purchasing new materials! Luckily it was before I got into JAFF, or I would have a real problem.
Mary wrote: "Sorry for the earlier comment,my finger slipped and pressed Post......I think we,JAFF readers, are all on the same journey, but in different boats!
We're all aiming for the same goal , to read , ..."
Beautifully stated
Mod
I couldn't even imagine being in charge of library purchases. :)
Okay I will introduce myself now, after I have replied to posts. Some days that is just how my brain works.My name is Ahnya, and I from Utah. I wouldn't really call myself a Utahn, but it is a lovely place. I am married to a man who I think is similar in personality to Mr. Tilney, with a bit of Mr. Knightley. As they are my 2 favorite heroes it could be why I married him, or I am completely delusional.
I have loved Jane Austen since I was a child, and my mom read me Pride and Prejudice. My favorite Jane Austen is Northanger Abbey, it just makes me laugh. I have seen many film adaptations, and like a lot of them. Still, my go to sick movie is 1995 P&P.
I will be going for the Anne Elliot level. I don't only read JAFF, and I have set some other personal reading goals. Also, I am attempting to write a novel (not Austen related). I am still in the research phase, but I keep getting distracted by so many interesting books. I seriously need some discipline.
Ahnya wrote: "my go to sick movie is 1995 P&P"Mine too! It always makes me feel better and if I drift in and out of sleep (the lack of attention being because I'm unwell - no disrespect meant!) it doesn't matter as I know exactly what the story has been while I was asleep!
Mod
I like how you describe your hubby. :)
Nice challenge you've set for the year between reading and writing. You will be busy. And I think you are amongst quite a few undisciplined folk when it comes to the books.
Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2016
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First Impressions (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Stanley Michael Hurd (other topics)Cassandra Grafton (other topics)
Pamela Aidan (other topics)
Cassandra Grafton (other topics)
Joana Starnes (other topics)
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I'm happy to be part of this group again!
I'm from Naples, Italy, and I study at University and work.
I "met" Jane Austen after 2005, and I fell in love with her novels! The first I read was "Pride and prejudice", but my favourite is "Persuasion", while my favourite heroine is Emma.
I discovered the world of JAFF thanks to a group read, I didn't like that particular book, but I wanted to try others, and now I have a huge TBR list! I love to read reviews (even if I still don't understand how to like it on the smartphone!), and I write (in late) on my own on my blog, too.
I will begin with the Marianne Dashwood level.
Happy reading to all!!