Austen Lovers TBR Challenge 2021 discussion
Challenge Overview
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Introductions
Glad to see you back. Yes, it has been a difficult year for many. May GOD grant us a better 2021. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and everyone else. Stay safe.
Hello, lovely people!I'm back after having JUST squeaked into Mr. Darcy's library (200+ books) the last week of 2020! Hoping to get there a bit sooner this year, though I don't have a specific number of books in mind.
I grew up on Long Island, NY, spent 35 years in eastern Pennsylvania (Lancaster County, a.k.a. Pennsylvania Dutch Country), then 7 years in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and I am now a Florida resident - just moved here less than a week ago! Hubby and I moved down here to be closer to our four-year-old grandson.
I'm a retired medical transcriptionist, but I also taught high school English for several years. I can't remember exactly when I first read Pride and Prejudice but I feel like it's been my favorite book forever - except maybe for the Nancy Drew mysteries I loved in elementary school. I discovered JAFF 8 or 9 years ago, shortly after receiving a Kindle as a Christmas gift. I read voraciously and try my best to review as many as possible - though I've dropped the ball a lot during the past couple of months while my husband and I dealt with the chaos of selling one house and buying another in a different U.S. state. Hoping to do better again now that we're (mostly) moved in.
I joined this group in 2015, and it just gets better every year thanks to Sophia's excellent moderating. (Thank you, Sophia!!) Love seeing all the familiar names that have already popped up here, and WELCOME to all you new folks!
Here's to a 2021 filled with lots of reading and recommendations and encouragement and humor and discussion and information sharing and all that other good stuff!!
I tried to convince my mother to move here. But we've both accepted that she does not want to move even though she misses seeing our family. I hope that you love your new home!
Marlene, ny father-in-law was exactly the same. It made things very difficult as he got older and had serious medical issues my husband had to manage (as both Power of Attorney and Medical Power of Attorney) from 1500 miles away. We were both working full-time jobs with limited vacation time and limited budget to fly where he was, so the angst meter was off the charts whenever one of his medical issues cropped up. No other family living anywhere near him. We swore we'd never put our son through that! If there are no other family members near your mother, please urge her to reconsider before she's too old to handle the stress of moving.
And yes, so far we're LOVING our new home! ❤️ (Especially since we got to spend Christmas with our grandson - only 25 minutes away!)
Here's to a better, brighter and healthier 2021!A little about me- I live in Jerusalem, Had my first exposure to JAFF listening to In the Wilds of Derbyshire and I was hooked! That was over a year ago and I can't get enough. Although I find I have gotten pickier.
As I read more, I get a sense of what I like vs love. There are SO many to choose from. I would be interested to hear what criteria you all use to choose what will be on your reading list?
Welcome, Sam! It's amazing how quickly you get swept into this book genre, isn't it? Pretty much everyone in this group feels that way.Regarding criteria: The books I'm apt to snap up immediately once they're published (or, if I'm lucky, once I get an ARC - an Advanced Reader Copy) are by authors whose previous books I've loved. Some are amazingly prolific and rarely (if ever) put out a disappointing story.
Here are some of my favorite authors (in no particular order):
Nicole Clarkston/Alix James, Abigail Reynolds, Joana Starnes, J. Dawn King/Christie Capps, Mark Brownlow, Christina Morland, Amy D'Orazio, Timothy Underwood, Jennifer Joy, Maria Grace, Julie Cooper, Jenetta James, Wendi Sotis.
There are others, but that's already a pretty long list!
I have to agree with Debbie. Authors I have loved always find me downloading their books. Some have become friends outside this arena. The authors Debbie listed are excellent. I always look for 5 or 4 stars rating from other readers and keep a list of some of those so I remember to seek those books out. I also will reread favorites...some more than once. There are also some authors in the unpublished sites whose books I look for, i.e., Elin Ericksen's. Although I have not read all of her unpublished ones I have read most of her published ones.
I recognize most of those, and will add Arthel Cake and Brenda Webb. Love me some drama. Have even gotten my mom interested in some of the ones I've read.Keeping my eyes open for the books you guys read and review ;)
Brenda Webb is one of my favorites. I have read several of hers twice. I have read all three of Arthel Cake's books also. Both of these authors only had one story I rated 4 stars - the rest were all 5 star reviews from me.
Sophia wrote: "Share what you are comfortable about yourself and what challenge level you are tackling. Ideas for sharing might include: where you're from, how you came to admire JA's books or Austenesque books i..."Talia here again. Sorry that I haven't been as vocal these past two years. I find that I don't have a lot of extra time right now for other types of reading but I do love the group and am happy that JAFF is so strong. I haven't set my challenge yet for the year but I will probably go low again and then be happy if I go over. Wishing everyone here a happy and healthy New Year full of good books.
Glad to hear from you, also. Happy New Year. May you be safe and healthy also.
Talia, it's always lovely to see you here. Please pop in whenever you can as your schedule permits. And Happy New Year to you!
Mod
Yes, you've had some moves and a lot going on so no worries if you have to stay low key. We're glad to have you back, Talia. :)
A new year recording Austenesque reading from a Canadian prairie view.. whether knee deep in snow or relaxing under gorgeous leafy green trees! Thankyou to Sophia for creative hosting and friendly JA readers to share book discoveries and cheering us on to new library accomplishments.Cheers to a Happy New Year of Reading!
Mod
Sophia wrote: "Glad to have you dropping in from your cozy place on the Canadian Prairie, writer! Lots of good books and friendly cheer coming in the new year. :)"Warm appreciation and anticipation Sophia 😊
Well, it is New Year's Eve and I am packing to leave Pemberley!I will miss it but I hope to return for another visit.
A big Hello to everyone from the Winter Wonderland we have here in Nebraska.
Mod
Brr to Nebraska's Winter Wonderland.
Hi all and happy new year. I’m Julieta, living in The Hague. I read about 100 books last year so I expect to be somewhere between Fanny Price and Colonel Brandon. My true goal for this year are the reviews, as I feel I can’t decide how best to write them. Any thoughts on what you live best in a review, I’d love to hear, watch and learn. Best wishes for this new year to you all!
I like to hear whether a book is clean/chaste. That's #1 on my wish list. :-)
Marlene wrote: "I like to hear whether a book is clean/chaste. That's #1 on my wish list. :-)"I like to know that too. Personally, I dislike when the FanFic is merely a vessel for the many intimate scenes which actually drive the book. Not much story to it then.
Hullo and Welcome Back to writer, Rose, and Julieta! 👋
Hello fellow Austenites!My name is Sarah and I live in Boise, Idaho. I have really been missing our JASNA local chapter's book club meetings and am so happy to have found this group!
My partner got me the graphic Novel version of Northanger Abbey for Christmas and I'm VERY excited about it. I love modern spins on classics. I'm thinking I may read that and then dig into The Mysteries of Udolpho!! Has anyone read it?
A little about me: I grew up watching period films and particularly Jane Austen ones with my mom. All I really want is a new cinematic production of Persuasion. Pleeeeease. I need it. I really do. Haha
Happy New Year to you all and I'm very excited to be here! <3
Mod
Glad you could join us, Julieta! Cheering you on to your 100 books.
Review writing is wide open as to how you want to do it. I suppose it depends on who you're writing the review for. You can write reviews that will help you remember a book later or write one that aims at letting others have an idea what the book is about and what you thought of all the elements in it. I've seen people sum up a book wonderfully in just a few sentences while others (like me) go on for paragraphs, LOL. Enjoy perfecting your technique.
Sarah wrote: "Hello fellow Austenites!My name is Sarah and I live in Boise, Idaho."
waving from Caldwell I second the motion for an updated Persuasion film!
Mod
My name is Sarah and I live in Boise, Idaho. I have really been missing our JASNA local chapter's book club meetings and am so happy to have found this group!
My partner ..."
So glad you found our group, Sarah! How fun that you have the graphic novel to jumpstart your challenge year. And, yes, I read Udolpho years ago for the fun of it. I don't think the early gothic novels are my thing, LOL, but it was entertaining to imagine Catherine Morland spooking herself out at Northanger Abbey over it. :)
Feel free to jump in on any of the activities and make yourself at home.
Sarah wrote: "Hello fellow Austenites!My name is Sarah and I live in Boise, Idaho. I have really been missing our JASNA local chapter's book club meetings and am so happy to have found this group!
My partner ..."
Welcome!!! Is your local JASNA book club part of JASNA Eastern WA/Northern ID? I attend their Zooms and share their delightful posts on my page Austen in Boston(AiB)
Lol...there was a two part radio adaptation of Mysteries. I listened to the first part and then stopped zzzzz. I did have AiB read Romance of the Forest. 1/2 the length of Mysteries and okish! Cheers!
Hi, Sarah! So glad you found us! I haven't personally tried to read the infamous Mysteries of Udolpho, but every one of my online GoodReads friends who've made the attempt and posted about it have abandoned their effort out of boredom - at least in the posts I've come across!
Since you love modern classics, I'm happy to recommend one of P&P that I just finished and loved: Games of Love and Cruelty. I know the writing style is not to everyone's taste, but it clicked with me.
Welcome to our neighborhood, Sarah. Hope you find some good recommendations here. Have you checked out Austenesque Reviews with Meredith? She keeps lists of books released every month and also has lists of what category the book falls into, i.e., Persuasion variations, P&P Variations, Modern take offs of P&P or of Sense and Sensibility, etc. She posts reviews which are excellent. You can go back and read old lists as well as newer ones.https://austenesquereviews.com/ . She doesn't review unpublished ones. There are some excellent ones in that category and readers here will post them and their ratings, usually.
Julieta wrote: "My true goal for this year are the reviews, as I feel I can’t decide how best to write them. Any thoughts on what you live best in a review, I’d love to hear, watch and learn.Sophia's absolutely right. Everyone develops their own approach to review-writing, and it's just a matter of doing them frequently to figure out what you prefer to say.
One strong suggestion: When I'm deciding whether or not to read a book and look at the reviews, I'm mostly interested in WHY someone likes or dislikes it. Something that's a turn-off for someone else might be a non-issue to me.
CindySlowReader#GimmeDatVac! wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Hello fellow Austenites!My name is Sarah and I live in Boise, Idaho."
waving from Caldwell I second the motion for an updated Persuasion film!"
Oh hello there!!
Kirk wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Hello fellow Austenites!My name is Sarah and I live in Boise, Idaho. I have really been missing our JASNA local chapter's book club meetings and am so happy to have found this group!..."
I am part of the Southern Idaho chapter! I actually run the instagram page for the group, though I've been much less invested in it lately. Our group has been rather quiet during the pandemic which is sad. : /
Debbie wrote: "Hi, Sarah! So glad you found us! I haven't personally tried to read the infamous Mysteries of Udolpho, but every one of my online GoodReads friends who've made the attempt and posted about it hav..."
Adding it to my list! Thanks!
Sheila wrote: "Welcome to our neighborhood, Sarah. Hope you find some good recommendations here. Have you checked out Austenesque Reviews with Meredith? She keeps lists of books released every month and also has ..."Thanks, Sheila! I will seek out Meredith for sure! : )
Sarah wrote: "Kirk wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Hello fellow Austenites!My name is Sarah and I live in Boise, Idaho. I have really been missing our JASNA local chapter's book club meetings and am so happy to have foun..."
Ah...great!!!! Just checked it out, many very delightful posts indeed. Sorry to read about the quiet but understandable. Many wonderful JASNA groups have been quiet. And others have been active on Zoom...which has been fun. And the AGM.
Hi,I'm a mother of 2 from India. I love my family, reading, cooking and music. I read many genres my favorite being historical fiction and mystery and thriller, so it goes without saying I love historical mysteries. I was introduced to Jane Austen in college and loved her books but had no idea that there existed a world of fan fiction till I came across Only Mr. Darcy Will Do It opened up a whole new world to me because pride and prejudice happens to be my most favorite book with Elizabeth being my most favorite heroine. But I had no idea how to pursue this fever of mine and then came across goodreads and last year this group. I loved being part of this group and will continue to do so. Last year I read about 260 books, nearly 50% of it being JAFF. So, my optimistic goal this year will be around 100 - 150 books of JAFF. Can't wait to see where I will end up. Happy new year!
So nice to hear from you. Glad you found us. Happy reading.
Hi Abmom! I know exactly how you feel. None of my real life friends quite understand this obsession with JAFF that I have, so I was delighted when I found this group of folks as obsessed as I am. Congratulations on all your reading in 2020, and have fun doing more of it in 2021!
Kirk wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Kirk wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Hello fellow Austenites!My name is Sarah and I live in Boise, Idaho. I have really been missing our JASNA local chapter's book club meetings and am so happ..."
Forgive my ignorance - JASNA?
Mod
I'm a mother of 2 from India. I love my family, reading, cooking and music. I read many genres my favorite being historical fiction and mystery and thriller, so it goes without saying I love ..."
Welcome back, abmom! I do love when we can all be chattering about JAFF books and not one person thinks we're crazy. Cheering you on to 100!
Sam wrote: "Ahhh, got it!"And some other countries have JA societies.
Kirk wrote: "Sam wrote: "Ahhh, got it!"And some other countries have JA societies."
I will check to see if there is one in my country, thanks!
I'm back this year. Not sure to even state a number goal because I intend to attack my non-JAFF TBR something fierce. I did make a list for myself last year and read above 170 JAFF books (some were rereads, some were audios of what I'd already read) but I doubt I'll reach that this year. I had every intention of participating last year and a bunch of different things got in my way, and I never posted a thing. What I missed the most was reading what was going on in everyone's lives, giving support if I could, and getting support some times. Not to mention the wealth of stories I discovered from everyone's lists.
I hail from Nebraska, but have lived in TX and NY State. I didn't start reading Austen until after the 1995 P&P mini-series showed on TV and the movie S&S. Those together with some other period dramas I'd seen made me wonder just why I had never read Austen. I made it my New Year's resolution to read them (now we're talking late 90's) and bought a boxed set, panting for the next period piece to come out. After the boxed set I tried the local library for other books about Jane Austen, and BINGO! I discovered Abigail Reynolds....hooked big time.
MichelleH wrote: "I'm back this year. Not sure to even state a number goal because I intend to attack my non-JAFF TBR something fierce. I did make a list for myself last year and read above 170 JAFF books (some were..."Great!
MichelleH wrote: "I'm back this year. Not sure to even state a number goal because I intend to attack my non-JAFF TBR something fierce. I did make a list for myself last year and read above 170 JAFF books (some were..."Glad to see you here. Sounds like you get a lot of reading in even if we don't get to see your lists. That you enjoy your books is more important.
Mod
Yay, glad to have you back with us, Michelle! No worries if you couldn't dive into the group as much as you would like. Hopefully you can do that this year even with your focus on your TBR pile overall. I hear you on that need. :)
Fun how the movie adaptions got you hooked and led you to Austen's novels and the fun world of Austenesque.
Make yourself cozy and dive into the discussions, but I warn you, that TBR pile will likely grow bigger not smaller. Haha!
Austen Lovers TBR Challenge 2021
Books mentioned in this topic
Only Mr. Darcy Will Do (other topics)Games of Love and Cruelty: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (other topics)
In the Wilds of Derbyshire (other topics)
The Watsons and A Memoir of Jane Austen (other topics)
Authors mentioned in this topic
C.P. Odom (other topics)Don Jacobson (other topics)
Stanley Michael Hurd (other topics)
Jack Caldwell (other topics)
Mark Brownlow (other topics)
I would like to make it to Mr. Darcy's library again, and hopefully the new year will cooperate with that lofty goal! I'm sure I won't be out of work for half of the year due to a world wide pandemic, (hoping and praying) so my reading time may not be as plentiful, but finger's crossed that time will present itself!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!