The Jane Austen Book Club: A Novel
13 journalers for this copy...
This story follows a small book group that meets only to discuss Jane Austen novels. Obviously, any "Jane-ite" should, and probably already has, read this.
But this book has more depth than you might think. To be honest, I was expecting fluff - an author capitalizing on Jane's fans. Each chapter is about the Jane book they are reading that month, and each chapter loosely follows one member of the book club (though they move around a lot.)
I love Jane Austen, but this is very easy to read even if you have not read her books. I like the subtle changes in tone of each chapter, reflecting the literary style of each of Jane's novels. I also really like how the characters seem to reflect famous Austen characters.
My only quibble with the book is that the narrator is hard to place (omniscent author, like Jane herself?!) Most of the time the narrator seems to be Jocelyn, and she, frankly, is a bitch. Fowler doesn't quite have the knack that Jane does for portraying an irritating person with grace - Jocelyn is just annoying.
But that is a minor point - the book is still a good read. I am going to offer it up as a ring - it's too much fun to sit on my shelf!
Here is the ring, so far:
Karenlea (US, ship US)
Karenzero (US, ship US)
Polliwog (US, ship US)
Kbudgie (US, ship int'l)
Jaycee1972 (UK, ship int'l)
JenniferWales (UK, ship Europe)
Kaleidoblikk (Norway, ship int'l)
Escalla (Portugal, ship int'l)
Polliejean (Germany, ship int'l)
Veroperu (Peru, ship int'l)
Evicka - (Canada, ship Canada)
KarinAlyssa (Canada, ship US)
back to me, One More Page
Wow I am surprised at the wonderful response to this Ring!!
Typical rules apply:
1. Journal when you receive the book
2. Read within a month
3. PM next in line for their address
4. Journal when it leaves
Enjoy reading and I really look forward to the comments on this book!
Released 18 yrs ago (11/22/2005 UTC) at BookRing in Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
Mailed to Karenlea to start the ring. Happy reading!
I will be sending it to Karenzero tomorrow afternoon!!!
Released 18 yrs ago (1/31/2006 UTC) at Controlled Release in Controlled Release, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
On its way to the next reader!
I really enjoyed this book. I am a huge Austen fan and it was great fun reading a book about other fans. I most identified with the character of Bernadette and I found myself wanting to be able to really meet her. Some of the other characters were very trying but that was an enjoyable part of the book. It is remarkable how much you can convey about a person's personality using words!
I was distracted a lot by trying to sort out who the narrator was. I really never did figure that out.
The other thing this book left me with was a desire to be in a book club! Perhaps one day when I have more time.
Thank you so much for starting this ring OneMorePage! I loved your little "quote" card idea and had fun doing that.
I have mailed the book air mail to kbudgie in Malta, Europe today (March 10th, 2006). The postal worker said it should arrive in 4-7 days.
Released 17 yrs ago (5/23/2006 UTC) at mail in By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
Mailed out yesterday at long last....
my review is here http://karen.blog-city.com/the_jane_austen_book_club_a_novel.htm
I should get to it soon but have another couple of rings too.
I sent a PM to Jenniferwales on 27/6 and again today 13/7 so hopefully I can get this moving soon. Thanks for sharing.
Thanx for letting me join this ring!!
Will be sending it off to Escalla today or tomorrow!
(I feel very awkward when writing in English, and beg you to excuse my lousy grammar/spelling. I also would have liked to express more about this book, but have to realize that my English is weaker than when I was in school, so I lack the words...)
Thanks, Escalla, for sending it.
Thanks for the ring.
Have PMed Veroperu and Evicka. Both of them have read the book already.
20/12: the book has been sent to KarinAlyssa.
The book was sent today.
I'm not sure where this book will go next, I think I will keep it on my bookshelf a while and maybe re-read it.
Released 16 yrs ago (3/18/2008 UTC) at Border's Books across from Kohl's in Rancho Santa Margarita, California USA
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
Left on the bench outside Spa Gregoire, with a copy of "The Illustrated Letters of Jane Austen." Hopefully some Austen fan, or future Austen fan, will enjoy these!
Dear Reader:
What you have in your hands is an honest-to-goodness gift, no strings attached. You may keep it forever and ever, pass it on to a friend, or release it in the wild like I did. I know it may seem a little odd to find this lying around--it's my way of touching the lives of others in a positive way, with the hope that it made your day. I hope you'll journal so all the previous and future readers can track this book's journey. Thanks, and happy BookCrossing!
This book has really traveled!
Released 15 yrs ago (12/21/2008 UTC) at by mail, A Bookbox -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Releasing into the book box, enjoy!