Introduce Yourself Part Two Showing 251-300 of 1,693

[Kayla]

Thanks so much Alicia! I'll be sure to ask if there are things I don't understand.

[[deleted user]]

Hi, I'm Sharon - I'm really enjoying Jane Austen's works. I haven't read them all yet (hoping to get to Mansfield Park and Northanger Abbey this year), but as of right now Emma is my favorite. I also enjoy reading some of the sequels. Glad to be here and look forward to reading with all of you!

[Robin]

Hi Sharon, glad to have you here.

We're going through Persuasion in August; do join us! (It'll be a reread for some of the rest of us too, so don't worry about that aspect - that's the great joy of Jane's work. :) )

[[deleted user]]

Thanks for the welcome, Robin! I like Persuasion, so I will be glad to join in the discussion.

[[deleted user]]

Welcome Sharon! Take a look at our bookshelves for more sequels and answer some of the polls. There is plenty to do here, so we hope you will join right in!

[[deleted user]]

Thank you, Jeannette!

[Joy]

Welcome Sharon! I see you also joined the Victorians! group as well :) Several of us are in both groups and we have a great time in both discussions. I look forward to seeing your posts!

[[deleted user]]

Thanks, Joy! I'm really looking forward to the discussions.

[Captain Sir Roddy, R.N. (Ret.)]

Sharon wrote: "Thanks, Joy! I'm really looking forward to the discussions."

Well, well, I'd like to extend my welcome too! You'll love this group. We do have fun!

[[deleted user]]

Christopher wrote: "Sharon wrote: "Thanks, Joy! I'm really looking forward to the discussions."

Well, well, I'd like to extend my welcome too! You'll love this group. We do have fun!"

Fancy meeting you here, Chris! Thanks for the welcome :) I'm enjoying the group very much.

[[deleted user]]

Hi all,

My name is Paula. I've been following your group off and on for a while now but somehow never got around to introducing myself. I'm a long time Jane Austen fan (addict), and I love the way this group is structured to accommodate a range of Austen related interests. I especially like the side reads that you're doing because they provide new perspectives on the novels we know and love. Persuasion is my favorite Austen novel, so I'm really looking forward to the August discussions. I'm a bit behind the curve with the two O'Brien books, but I've ordered them and can't wait to get started! :-)

[Joy]

Welcome Paula! I am glad you are going to read the O'Brien books, but don't worry about being behind. Just jump into the discussion when you get a chance!

[[deleted user]]

Joy wrote: "Welcome Paula! I am glad you are going to read the O'Brien books, but don't worry about being behind. Just jump into the discussion when you get a chance!"

Thanks! I'm looking forward to it! :-)

[[deleted user]]

Welcome Paula! We're glad that you decided to join in!

[M]

Hello, my name is Mariel and I'm a Jane-aholic. However, I must admit, I have no intention of quitting. ;) I honestly don't remember when the first time I read her was. I know it was P&P and it was "down"hill from there. P&P is my favorite book ever, and never tire of rereading any of her books. I have managed to read almost everything Austen has ever written. Though, I think there may be some letters to her niece that I haven't read yet...

[Robin]

Alas, we're all in the same boat.

Welcome, M!

[[deleted user]]

Welcome, M! That's a good description, Jane-aholic! I think you need to check into the swooning ward! Click on this link:

Just For Fun

[Joy]

M wrote: "Hello, my name is Mariel and I'm a Jane-aholic. However, I must admit, I have no intention of quitting. ;) I honestly don't remember when the first time I read her was. I know it was P&P and it wa..."

Welcome Mariel! You are in good company with your addiction :) I am currently working through Jane Austen - Her Life And Letters - A Family Record and reading her letters. It is fun to read something Austen wrote for the first time again!

[M]

Jeannette wrote: "Welcome, M! That's a good description, Jane-aholic! I think you need to check into the swooning ward! Click on this link:

Just For Fun"

HAHAHA people who love Jane and have a warped sense of humor... I LOVE IT. I think I'll fit right in!

Joy - Thanks for the recommendation! I've added to my "to-read" list

[[deleted user]]

You don't have to have a warped sense of humor to fit in, but it helps! I look forward to your contributions to our group discussions! :)

[[deleted user]]

I am adding that book to my list, Joy! It is a good thing that some of Jane's letters survived. Wouldn't it be fun to read the letters that were destroyed?

[Joy]

Jeannette wrote: "I am adding that book to my list, Joy! It is a good thing that some of Jane's letters survived. Wouldn't it be fun to read the letters that were destroyed?"

Yes! I am sure they were the most interesting ones too...

[M]

Though I wish we could read them, I must say I do not blame her sister from wanting to protect her privacy. I think I would have done the same.

[Robin]

M wrote: "... a warped sense of humor ..."

What do you mean, my dear? I assure you we're all perfectly normal here. ;)

[M]

Normal...? What is "normal" and by what standard do we judge it ;) Yeah, I think I picked the right group...

[[deleted user]]

We are a diverse group of people who enjoy reading and discussing Jane Austen. Sometimes goofy, sometimes serious, and always welcoming! I know that I picked the right group, too!

[Heather]

Hello everyone,

My name is Heather and I live in south Louisiana. I discovered Jane Austen in a college course (let's just say along time ago)and have been a fan ever since. I think Persuasion is my favorite, but Emma is coming on strong after each read. I have now branched out to all squeals and anything associated with Jane Austen. This group seems to be just what I looking for...other people who love Jane and read her books over and over. Can't wait to get started with my reading.

[Robin]

Welcome Heather!

... people who love Jane and read her books over and over....

You've got us pegged! :)

[Sue]

I'm not sure if I've introduced myself before. I've only been getting used to Goodreads and these formats for a month or so. I enjoy Jane Austen as well as many other authors. I'm in my 50's. I have 2 daughters married and 6 grandkids. I watch 3 little ones every day. (insanity) It cuts my reading time way down now that there are more. I had never read a Jane Austen novel in my life or watched the movies until around I'm guessing here 5 or 6 years ago. Even my daughter's friends had mentioned P&P and I still didn't get into it. I don't know how it happened, I was in the middle before I knew I had begun as they say. I wanted a hobby and to read classics. I was limited in time, resources etc. since I have a grandchild that was severely ill. One thing led to another. I started devouring as much as possible. I have read all of Austen's novels first from the library and then bought the ones I liked best. I have 3 versions for all except Northanger Abbey I believe if not more. I love sequels, prequels, what-ifs, variations, a few modern take-offs tho I prefer the regency era itself. I also love Jane Eyre I keep two copies of it on hand book wise and a minimum of 4 videos. I love Gaskell. Wives and Daughters was my first, then saw N&S and then Cranford. Still can't decide which is my favorite since I like them all for different reasons. I enjoy Persuasion best, then P&P is tied for me with Northanger Abbey. I realize I'm in the minority here. I didn't like Northanger at first but after a couple different versions it grew on me. I like Emma least. I know, don't hate me. I love to do research and as such endeavor to sprinkle the fun stuff with info on why, how, where, and what actually transpired when. My first experience was Aidan's books I think. Then an author I didn't care for too much sex, so I threw it out. Didn't know about trading way back then. I used to write on the discussion board at Amazon and use their board and other things to check out reviews before I waste money on something I won't like. I have several friends that enjoy the same genre just not as much as I do. We share books and movies as possible. I have also read some Charles Dickens, Georg Eliot, etc or watched the videos. I still prefer Austen and Bronte and Gaskell to the others but they are also enjoyable. I guess that's enough history for now. Thanks for sharing all your insights above and on other discussion boards. I have alot more to read but when I want something to count on for relaxation I read Kara Louise, Abigail Reynolds, Mary Simonsen, Mary Kate Baxley, Mary Sherwood, Lauren Willig. (yes I know she's no Austen) Well that's just a few, but I've worn the pages out on those and they are in poor condition for the guidelines here. Like "Lost in Austen" we love the period for the customs, manners, etc. (Of course I probably would have been a servant and that wouldn't be much fun.) And as one modern wrote we enjoy them because they are like a bedtime story for kids, the familiarity etc. is soothing. Okay, well enough of me.

[SarahC, Austen Votary & Mods' Asst.]

Wow, Sue, no one can question your Austen dedication! I guess your story is an example that we can become Austen enthusiasts pretty quickly.

I think Austen is perfect to read especially if you have a busy life like you have described. Her writing style can bring you into her world and away from noisy modern life, right? And you are a collector of editions, how cool.

Are Mary Kate Baxley and Mary Sherwood similar to Lauren Willig? I have read Willig. I enjoy Victorian classics and have been a nut over Dickens for a long time. Do you like Little Dorritt? We'll be doing the Summer Movie discussion of it here in this group, starting Sept. 3. (We are doing period movies just for the fun of it, not because they are necessarily related to Austen.)

[Sue]

Thanks Sarah! I'm certainly an enthusiast for reading and I guess Austen is one particular genre. When my husband is working nights and I need to relax I can put the movies in the DVD player and fall asleep. Not good except I somehow hear certain parts and wake up long enough to enjoy my favorite part before crashing again. lol. I like Austen's subtle complexities especially for when I don't want to have to overstrain my brain. I also enjoy her happy endings there is so much to not be happy about that it's always a refreshment no matter how many times I read them.
Funny thing I have never completed Little Dorritt. Wish I had. And even tho I don't like overly sad dramas usually I for some reason had to have "Bleak House". I enjoyed Great Expectations also.I only watch it when I can handle the emotions. Likewise with Middlemarch, Tess of the D'Ubervilles, Daniel Deronda, etc.
Willig is nothing like Baxley and Sherwood. They are all totally different or unique from one another. I guess I have a variety of tastes. Willig of course is more swashbuckling, mystery, romance, French-English conflicts etc. Mary Kate Baxley is a modern retelling of P&P so to speak. Lots of characters and some in the US and some UK. Sherwood is a sequel of the Darcy's first year and very thorough, real to life, not all fluffy with no problems. Intrigue and edge of the seat without being overwhelming, not all pleasant but realistic. But lots of love and funny parts. I must be a real paradox. Thanks for your questions and suggestions. I don't know how often I'll be able to visit these sites but when I can it's very enjoyable.

[Rachel, The Honorable Miss Moderator]

Hello, Heather and Sue--WELCOME!!! :D

[Sue]

Thank you Rachel!

[Monette]

Hi! My name is Monette, and I'm certainly looking forward to all things Jane! My life has never been the same since reading Pride and Prejudice years ago. I recently moved, and I packed boxes and boxes of my library, but my Austen books just didn't make it into the boxes. I can't seem to keep them out of sight...always within arms reach. So, into the suitcase they went! Hopelessly devoted!

[SarahC, Austen Votary & Mods' Asst.]

Sue wrote: "Thanks Sarah! I'm certainly an enthusiast for reading and I guess Austen is one particular genre. When my husband is working nights and I need to relax I can put the movies in the DVD player and fa..."

Sue, I think you have some good taste in Victorian literature. I also like Bleak House a lot and know several people who say it is their favorite Dickens novel. Dickens is addictive for me -- in ways more than Austen. I think Our Mutual Friend is the one I can't live without. That is just brilliant story-telling and really captures human life along with the interesting turns in the story.

I found Mary Sherwood on Amazon and her book has some good reviews. Thanks for passing along some good Austen-fiction picks.

[SarahC, Austen Votary & Mods' Asst.]

Monette, welcome! I know what you mean when you just couldn't pack those books away in boxes. I have been the same way on several moves. If someone came to my house, they would probably wonder "why do you have an Austen novel on your kitchen counter as you cook?" I think "why waste time when you are waiting for your water to boil"? ha ha My favorite novels are always close at hand in some way.

[SarahC, Austen Votary & Mods' Asst.]

Hello everyone, 14-year-old Abigail has just joined our group. I have pointed her over to this thread, so if you see her pop in, say hi to her.

[Laura||notepad]

*waves*
Hello! I am Laura, I'm 20 (almost 21!) and I've been a huge Austen fan for as long as I can remember. I have to say my favourite book of hers is Pride and Prejudice (as cliche as that is) I love(!) the mini-series as well.
I love to reread her work and read things that are related in some way to her writing. I usually have something Austen-esq on the go, right now I'm reading Pride and Prejudice and Zombies for the first time.
Anyway a tad more about me - I'm qualified as an ECE and I'm currently in school to complete my teaching degree (k-6) and I'm hoping to eventually open my own daycare. I have a kitten named Sparta and a wonderful boyfriend :)
Can't wait to get to know you all :)
- Laura

[Robin]

Hello Laura - glad you're here! :)

[Kristen]

Hello!

My name is Kristen, and I'm 24, almost an old maid by Austen standards, I guess. I can't remember the exact year, but my first exposure to Jane Austen was in junior high, when my mother was watching the A&E mini-series on TV, with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. It took me about a half hour, and I've been hooked ever since. I finally finished reading the last of her six popular novels tonight, and I'm moving on to Lady Susan ASAP.

I can't decided if P&P or Northanger Abbey is my favorite...Northanger Abbey is just so darn sassy, I love it! But I think P&P wins for it's nostalgia and romance. And there's some sass in that too, provided by Mr. Bennett, to be sure. :) BUT, having just read Persuasion, that LETTER, oh my goodness. That is the most romantic thing I've ever read. So that gets a nod too.

As far as other things go, my undergrad is in math, and I'm currently unemployed, so I now have had tons of time to read! I own a giant goldfish that won't stop growing, named Meriadoc, and two dogs named Bingley and B.B. B.B. was named before we got him, but yes, Bingley is named for Mr. Bingley, thought we often joke his name should have been Wickham. Ironically, we found out after we named him that his breed is actually called a "Bingley Terrior" in England!

[Robin]

Hello Krisen - welcome! Hope you enjoy the group.

And I gotta ask - was your goldfish named after Tolkien's Merry? :)

[SarahC, Austen Votary & Mods' Asst.]

I'm still laughing about your dog name too. Fate plays a hand... ha ha

I am glad you have joined us an I hope you'll find lots of interesting things in our group. Scroll down and find our current and past discussions, if you'd like, -- we've done Northanger and Lady Susan this year -- when you are ready to take a look at our views on her!

Nice to make your acquaintance, Kristen. Won't your make yourself at home? (I'm trying to think what Mr. Bingley might say upon meeting you. hee hee)

[Rachel, The Honorable Miss Moderator]

WELCOME, Laura and Kristen!!

[[deleted user]]

New here. I've read all the JA stuff, even the little and unfinished bits. I confess having not much interest in prequels or sequels written by someone else and I haven't read any of those.

My favorite is Emma. Of course I'm fond of the others, but Emma just crackles for me.

[Karen]

Hello, my name is Karen. I'm in my 40s and I have been reading and re-reading Jane Austen's novels since I was in junior high school. Favorites are Emma and Pride & Prejudice; I love the completeness of Emma, but I have a soft spot for Elizabeth Bennet since she was my first Austen friend! I don't much care for the many novels that have continued, serialized, satirized, etc. the Austen works, and generally don't read them. I just joined Goodreads a couple of weeks ago and am looking forward to this forum.

[SarahC, Austen Votary & Mods' Asst.]

We are looking forward to having both of you, Kathy and Karen, in the group. I like both your descriptions of your favorite Austen books. Join in any of our discussions that interest you!

[Joy]

Kathy wrote: "New here. I've read all the JA stuff, even the little and unfinished bits. I confess having not much interest in prequels or sequels written by someone else and I haven't read any of those."

Welcome Kathy! I have never been interested in the prequels and sequels either, until recently that is. I would always prefer to simply re-read Austen's novels because I knew anything trying to emmulate her or use her characters would never be anywhere near as good, so I didn't want to waste my time. Well, about 3 months ago I was in the midst of a very tough semester and just needed a break of some entertaining, light reading and so I read
Jane Fairfax: The Secret Story of the Second Heroine in Jane Austen's Emma. From there it has been a very slippery slope, as I have read about 5 more Austen-type continuations or 'inspired by' novels. And I keep looking up titles at the library even though I have about 3 other books I am in the middle of and need to finish. No, I am not proud of myself, but consider my experience as a friendly warning. :) Beware!

[Joy]

Karen wrote: "Hello, my name is Karen. I'm in my 40s and I have been reading and re-reading Jane Austen's novels since I was in junior high school. Favorites are Emma and Pride & Prejudice; I love the complete..."

Welcome to our lovely group, Karen! I have just entered into the world of prequels/sequels/continuations (see above post) and have not been very impressed or satisfied. In fact, perhaps it is because those novels have left me so unsatisfied that I continue to want to read more in hopes of finding something that is just as wonderful as Austen's own work. And yet, I know it will not happen. It's a sickness, I know. I plan to seek treatment ASAP before it is too late.

:)

[SarahC, Austen Votary & Mods' Asst.]

Joy and I both may soon go into therapy for this! ha ha

[Joy]

Sarah wrote: "Joy and I both may soon go into therapy for this! ha ha"

Oh good, at least I won't be alone :)