Consumed by Books: June 2011

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Pride and Prejudice Read Along Response: Wrap-Up

Hey everyone! As you all know by now, the read along is hosted by Misty of as part of . I have spent June either on vacation or incredibly busy during the in between, so I totally failed at responding to the response questions for parts three and four. Instead of dragging this into July, I picked my favorite questions from parts three, four and five and responded to those. I hope you all like them. If you haven't read Pride and Prejudice, I suggest you do. Maybe you could post a review on your blog during next Jane In June.

***THIS POST CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR PRIDE AND PREJUDICE BY JANE AUSTEN. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!!***

Discuss the whole of Lizzie's stay at Hunsford. There are many great, famous moments in this stay, as well as memorable characters. Discuss your highlights and low points (if any), your thoughts on characters like Lady Catherine and Col. Fitzwilliam, etc., as well as the new facets we see of the familiar characters.

Lizzie’s stay at Hunsford is one of the most dramatic getaways one can imagine. I don’t really have any least favorite parts, because this section has so many juicy moments. One of my all time favorite moments not only in this book but perhaps in all of literature is Lady Catherine’s discussion of music.

“There are few people in England, I suppose, who have more true enjoyment of music than myself, or a better natural taste. If I had ever learnt, I should have been a great proficient.” p. 169, Penguin Clothbound Edition

Of course, Lady Catherine. We all believe you have great potential. *rolls eyes* It’s like Donald Trump saying he would be great president if he were to run. Also, Donald Trump and Lady Catherine both have very elaborate hairstyles. Lady Catherine is so absurd that I almost love her, but is actually nasty enough that really, I hate her. And I love to hate her.

As for our other characters, I like meeting Colonel Fitzwilliam. I don’t think there’s anything that makes him particularly stand out among Austen men, but I do like him. Otherwise we learn that Charlotte Lucas is more observant than we give her credit for. Who knew?

We also start to learn that Darcy isn’t as malicious as we may have thought, so much as just trying to keep crazy gold diggers from Bingley. Furthermore, we learn that maybe Wickham is not a trustworthy guy, and that Darcy might be on to something. We know based on Darcy’s proposal to Elizabeth that he is a snob, and clearly still not the best with the ladies, but at least we know he doesn’t wake up thinking “Let’s break some hearts today for no good reason!”

Discuss Darcy's first proposal. Prompts: What are your feelings on this scene; what do you think of the behavior of both Darcy and Lizzie. Contrast this to Lizzie's first proposal from Collins. Is Lizzie's complete surprise believable, especially in light of Charlotte's prolonged insistence that Darcy feels something for Lizzie, and the slight hints Darcy drops prior to the proposal?

In terms of the fact that Darcy points out how poor Lizzy is, I would say that he is just as bad as Mr. Collins. Not cool, kids. Even though Mr. Darcy is a total fox, one can’t help but be infuriated by his first proposal to Lizzy, considering that he talks about how beneath him she is, yet speaks with “no doubt of a favourable answer” (185). Ugh. At least Darcy, unlike Collins, does not threaten to continue asking Elizabeth until she says yes.

Were I in Lizzy’s shoes during Darcy’s initial (and terrible) proposal, I think I’d also be pretty surprised. Yes, Darcy has made a few flirtatious comments here and there. However, I feel like a lot of Darcy noticing and thinking about Elizabeth has been exposed not through dialogue, but through description. Plus, do I need to mention how rude Darcy was when he met Elizabeth?

Lizzie has to this point turned down two proposals. Share your thoughts on this from the perspective of the modern woman (presumably) you are, and from the perspective of a Regency gentlewoman. Consider the reactions of the people in her life, especially Mrs Bennet, if they were to find out. Also, consider her rejections from the males' perspectives. Is Darcy (or even Collins) justified in being shocked to be rejected?

A woman living in 2011, I am 23 and have received zero marriage proposals thus far. I’m not expecting to receive any soon. I don’t remember precisely how old Lizzy is during Pride and Prejudice, but I believe she is between 20 and 23 (I seem to remember Lydia at one point mentioning that Jane is 23). I tend to think that a lot of people nowadays get married when they are somewhere between the ages of 25 and 30 (I know some people get married earlier, but I’m making a guess here). Jane is considered something of an old maid. So really, for Lizzy to have two marriage proposals isn’t all that surprising. If Mrs. Bennet were to find out that Lizzy had turned down Mr. Collins AND Mr. Darcy, I’m pretty sure she would never speak to Lizzy again. I would say I think Mrs. Bennet would go so far as disown Lizzy, but I’m not actually sure if she would have that kind of legal power.

Believe it or not, I actually think Mr. Collins and Mr. Darcy are both entitled to be shocked. First of all, Collins doesn’t realize how ridiculous he is. Second of all, he is going to inherit Longbourn after Mr. Bennet dies. This means that should Collins so chose, he could kick all seven of the Bennets out, leaving them to try and find some other they can live with or be destitute. And who knows whose hands the estate will end up in after Collins? By the way, if you don’t remember, not one of the Bennet girls is married at the time of Collins’ proposal, so if Mr. Bennet were to die suddenly....well, you get the picture. I can’t help but wonder if any of the Bennet girls consider Lizzy selfish for turning Collins down, even though they’re probably also glad he didn’t target them.

Mr. Darcy has ten thousand pounds of year, which is an absolute crapload of money in Regency England. While that doesn’t entitle him to be a snob, some have argued that his inheritance plus his lineage have given him a certain right to be proud. Besides, who hasn’t fantasized at one point or another about marrying someone insanely rich?

Discuss Lizzie & the Gardiners visit to Pemberley. Consider touching on any of the following:
-- Lizzie's first meeting with Darcy since the proposal.
-- Darcy's behavior, and his apparent willingness to continue their acquaintance through things like proposing she meet his sister.
-- Lizzie's renewed acquaintance with the Bingleys and their reactions; Lizzie's reception from Georgiana
-- The Gardiners' reactions to the whole thing.

When you think about it, the visit to Pemberley is surprisingly not awkward. After all, the last time Lizzy saw Darcy, he was awkwardly giving her a letter trying to explain himself. So now we see Darcy trying to make amends for everything that has gone wrong, while Lizzy gets a much better glimpse of who Darcy really is. Plus she meets Georgiana, who is incredibly excited to finally make Lizzy’s acquaintance. Lizzy is hesitant to believe Darcy could love her, and I would feel the same way. I think confusion is one of her primary reactions to the entire visit. Knowing how the book ends kind of makes me give a happy sigh every time I come across this visit.

Discuss Lady Catherine's visit to Longbourn, and Lizzie's showdown with her. Also discuss Mr Bennet's reaction to the rumors of Darcy's feelings for Lizzie, and then his reaction when they prove to be more than rumors.

If the fact that Lady Catherine went all the way to Longbourn just to make sure Lizzy isn’t marrying Darcy doesn’t prove that she’s a snob, then I don’t know what does. I think Lizzy holds her own quite well. As for Mr. Bennet’s initial reaction, my heart hurts for Lizzy. I can’t imagine how hard it would be to have her already crazy family deciding that they aren’t sure about her marital choices. When he founds out that Lizzy and Darcy is engaged, I can’t totally blame him for his reaction. It’s not as though he knows what Darcy has done for Lydia and is legitimately concerned about Lizzy’s happiness. I’m always thrilled to see Lizzy in such a state of euphoria.

Discuss the way Darcy and Lizzie relate to each other at the end of the book, and Darcy's second (much superior) proposal. Also consider sharing your thoughts on what you expect for their future.

Darcy’s second proposal makes me cry every. Single. Time. A huge plot point in this novel is Darcy putting aside his pride and actually listening to Elizabeth. I think after seeing all of the drama unfold he understands her family’s financial situation better. Plus, I think their opinions on the absurdity of Lady Catherine and Mrs. Bennet are similar.

Give us your thoughts of the book on the whole. If you have read it before and/or read variations and sequels, what keeps you coming back? If this is your first time reading it, do you think you will read it again/read more Jane/read any variations or sequels? If you disliked it, don't be afraid to say so!

What doesn’t keep me back? I love Darcy. I love every character, even the ones I simply love to hate. The humor. The drama. The romance. Honestly, how much do I need to expound on these points to sufficiently convey my love for this book?

Monday, June 27, 2011

Review of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith and Jane Austen

"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains."

So begins Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, an expanded edition of the beloved Jane Austen novel featuring all-new scenes of bone-crunching zombie mayhem. As our story opens, a mysterious plague has fallen upon the quiet English village of Meryton and the dead are returning to life! Feisty heroine Elizabeth Bennet is determined to wipe out the zombie menace, but she's soon distracted by the arrival of the haughty and arrogant Mr. Darcy.

What ensues is a delightful comedy of manners with plenty of civilized sparring between the two young lovers and even more violent sparring on the blood-soaked battlefield as Elizabeth wages war against hordes of flesh-eating undead.

Can she vanquish the spawn of Satan? And overcome the social prejudices of the class-conscious landed gentry? Complete with romance, heartbreak, swordfights, cannibalism, and thousands of rotting corpses, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies transforms a masterpiece of world literature into something you'd actually want to read.

Believe it or not, it wasn’t actually the title that sold me on Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Once I saw the cover, however, and promptly burst out laughing, I knew that I needed to own a copy of this book. Suffice it to say, I expected this book to be humorous, because although I find zombies scary, I also find them funny. While a few of the jokes and zombie attacks made me smile, I didn’t leave this book with any strong feelings about it.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies preserves a considerable amount of Jane Austen’s original text. Instead of being trained to be marriageable women, the Bennet girls spent their childhood learning to be warriors who could fight the dreadfuls. I don’t mind a bit of blood and guts on the pages of my book, and I felt the number of battle scenes was appropriate. A few quotes made me laugh out loud, but I was hoping for more humor overall.

Unfortunately, the characters in Pride and Prejudice and Zombies were so different from those in Austen’s original text, and that’s what stopped me from loving this book. Elizabeth was so bloodthirsty that I almost felt as though she lost some of her humanity. As part of her training she also participated in some rituals that I couldn’t really understand or relate to. Sure, Darcy was still swoonworthy, and Mrs. Bennet was still ridiculous, but that didn’t do it for me.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is by no means a bad retelling. It didn’t fit for me because it lacked some of the elements I was hoping for and excessively altered some of what I love about the original. However, if you read Pride and Prejudice and found that it lacks the action you crave, you should absolutely pick up this re-telling.

Disclosure: I purchased a copy of this book.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Review of What Comes After by Steve Watkins

A gripping portrait of a teen’s struggles through grief and abuse - and the miraculous power of animals to heal us.

After her veterinarian dad dies, sixteen-year-old Iris Wight must leave her beloved Maine to live on a North Carolina farm with her hardbitten aunt and a cousin she barely knows. Iris, a vegetarian and animal lover, immediately clashes with Aunt Sue, who mistreats the livestock, spends Iris’s small inheritance, and thinks nothing of striking Iris for the smallest offense. Things come to a head when Iris sets two young goats free to save them from slaughter, and an enraged Aunt Sue orders her brutish son, Book, to beat Iris senseless - a horrific act that lands Book and his mother in jail. Sent to live with an offbeat foster family and their "dooking" ferrets, Iris must find a way to take care of the animals back at the farm, even if it means confronting Aunt Sue. Powerful and deeply moving, this compelling novel affirms the redemptive power of animals and the resilience of the human spirit.

To be honest, I hadn’t really read any reviews of What Comes After before picking it up. Even though it sounded like a gut-wrenching read, my interest was piqued when I saw it was partially about animals. I started and finished this book in the span of about 48 hours. Packed with emotion, What Comes After is a touching, page-turning read.

After her father dies, Irish Wight has to move in with relatives who are total opposites of her. Because Aunt Sue is Iris’s guardian, this book also deals with how legal systems can be problematic and maybe even corrupt or blind. Aunt Sue and Book have actually made this book quite thought-provoking for me. On the one hand, I resented them for they practices they used in earning money, but I also understood why the needed it. On the other hand, I hated the way Aunt Sue treated Book and Iris. I love it when a book gets me thinking this much.

This novel explores a topic which I think deserves a lot more recognition in YA literature, namely father daughter relationships. My father is awesome, and has taught me more life lessons than I can count. It was nice to see Iris acknowledge how great their relationship was and how big of an impact her father had on her life when so many parents in YA literature play a minimal role.

I loved Iris’s character. She quickly connected with her aunts dog and goats when she felt as though she had no one. I totally empathized her because I understand how relaxing it can be to connect to an animal when one feels as though one has very few friends. Even though some of her choices could have gotten her in trouble, I admired her determination to stand up for what she believed in. There is also just a little bit of romance in Iris’s life, which was well-handled and sweet.

What Comes After is a fantastic book on so many levels. My expectations were highly exceeded. If you are looking for a YA novel on animal issues and family relationships, I suggest picking up a copy of What Comes After on your next trip to the library or bookstore.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from a and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thank you!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Review of Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg

After winter break, the girls at the very prestigious Longbourn Academy become obsessed with the prom. Lizzie Bennet, who attends Longbourn on a scholarship, isn’t interested in designer dresses and expensive shoes, but her best friend, Jane, might be — especially now that Charles Bingley is back from a semester in London.
Lizzie is happy about her friend’s burgeoning romance but less than impressed by Charles’s friend, Will Darcy, who’s snobby and pretentious. Darcy doesn’t seem to like Lizzie either, but she assumes it’s because her family doesn’t have money. Clearly, Will Darcy is a pompous jerk — so why does Lizzie find herself drawn to him anyway?

Will Lizzie’s pride and Will’s prejudice keep them apart? Or are they a prom couple in the making? Whatever the result, Elizabeth Eulberg, author of The Lonely Hearts Club, has concocted a very funny, completely stylish delight for any season — prom or otherwise.

Pride and Prejudice, one of Jane Austen’s most famous novels, is about several characters’ (most of whom are in there twenties) and their adventures in love and marriage. You’d think a novel that focuses so heavily on marriage might be tricky to retell as a young adult novel, right? Yet Elizabeth Eulberg’s sophomore novel Prom and Prejudice is one of the cutest, most enjoyable reads I’d picked up in a while.

Instead of being a twenty something living with her family until a desirable marriage comes her way, Lizzie Bennet is a high school student at the prestigious Longbourn Academy boarding school. The way that Eulberg set up the world and characters made a lot of sense. Darcy and Bingley attended Pemberley academy, while Jane was Lizzie’s roommate, Lydia was Jane’s sister and Mary was a friend of the girls. It was a nice way to keep a lot of the characters incorporated in the novel while keeping things realistic.

Eulberg’s prose is reminiscent of Austen’s style, yet the dialogue and setting keeps this story modern. Lizzie was a thoroughly enjoyable character to read about. She‘s very down to earth, unlike her rich classmates, and has a deep passion for music. I really enjoyed all of the sections that focused on music and how Lizzie felt about it. Even though Lizzie’s character is great, this story is incredibly fast-paced, sometimes too much so. While I felt as though I knew Lizzie, I wanted to get to know the other characters better, such as Darcy. I felt as though there was a lot of dialogue without enough characterization placed in between.

Prom and Prejudice is not a perfectly crafted novel, but it totally satisfied my craving for an Austen-esque adaptation. I had so much fun reading this book, and didn’t want to put it down. After my fantastic experience with this novel, I can’t wait to read my copy of The Lonely Hearts Club and will be eagerly awaiting all of Eulberg’s future novels.

Disclosure: I purchased a copy of this book.

Top Ten Tuesday (On A Wednesday): Top Ten Reasons I Love Book Blogging

I meant to do this yesterday, but already had a post scheduled. For those who don't know, Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by . Without further ado, here are the top ten reasons why I love book blogging.

1.) Newly acquired knowledge about the publishing industry
Let's be honest here, I am not an expert on the publishing industry. At all. However, if you stick around Twitter long enough and follow hashtags such as #yalitchat or #kidlitchat you start to pick up on things. Before I joined GoodReads on started networking, I didn't know what an ARC is. Now I have an understanding of why they exist, and how processes such as querying work. There's still a lot that I don't know, but I feel better informed.

2.) The influx of bookish news
To be honest, I'm not sure how I kept up with book releases before GoodReads. I think I'd just stumble across them as I perused the shelves of my local indies. Between posts such as Waiting on Wednesday and those that focus on new releases, I usually have a pretty good idea of what's coming out in any given month. I've also stumbled across various cool bookish items in my journeying through the interwebs, such as awesome t-shirts from clothing.

3.) The fact that it maintains my writing habits
I've always loved writing. I wrote short stories as a kid, lots of poetry in middle school and high school (mostly bad), papers in college and now reviews. I'm going to grad school in the fall, where I will probably be using my writing skills quite a bit. It's nice to have a venue where I can continue exercising them, even if it is a slightly different tone than anything else I've written.

4.) Opportunities to talk to and meet authors
At some point in the day, even if it isn't until late at night, I wind up taking a glance at my Twitter feed. Or an e-mail from GoodReads. Or some other social networking site. When I log into these places, I sometimes see Tweets or reviews from authors. The fact that I can reply to 140 character thought from an author or watch them in a video does boggle my mind just a tiny bit. One minute I'm hustling out of a bookstore with that person's shiny new book in hand, the next they are on my computer screen, vlogging or replying to me. I never really knew that this was possible as a child, probably because online social networking was far less expansive than it is today. Maybe I'm a dork, but when authors e-mail me, comment on a review or tweet me I periodically fangirl just a bit. I won't get into how much I fangirl once I meet them in person, but you get the point: talking to living, breathing authors is pretty cool.

5.) Twitter
How many times have I mentioned Twitter already in this post? I don't know, because I'm too lazy to count. In addition to networking, I also have fun with Twitter. I like that I can talk to others about reading, pick up on news and random facts or just share photos of my dog, Macey being adorable.

6.) Vlogging
Some people clearly put a lot of time and effort into their vlogs. They painstakingly edit, add fancy intros, etc. I just turn on my camera, talk and put it on YouTube (although I admit, sometimes it takes a few takes for me to get what I want to say right). I like vlogging because I get a lot of comments from people who enjoy it, but also because I love watching vlogs. Seeing a brief video of someone talking books almost makes me feel as though I'm meeting them in person. Hopefully I give you guys a similar impression when I vlog. Plus, then you sometimes get to see Macey!

7.) Discovering new local indies
I have discovered so many awesome new to me bookstores since I started my blog, and it all started because of hair. My mom and I drive about a half an hour to go to our hair salon of choice, so I have time to kill once I'm done there. I was aware that author Swati Avashti lives in my area, so one day I asked if she had any bookstore recommendations. I was not disappointed! Plus, I also discovered a new bookstore when Andrea Cremer disclosed the location of her release party. This leads me to my next point.

8.) Attending signings (especially with fellow bloggers)
Upon discovering lots of awesome bookstores, I started getting their newsletters and checking their websites regularly to see what events are going on. I'm much more well-versed on what authors are in they area and when. I've had the chance to meet with awesome book bloggers on a few occasions. I've found that when you stick said bloggers and a couple of authors in a room together, hilarity and great conversation ensues.

9.) Familial support
My family has known about my blog since the day I started it, even though I'd wanted to start one months before. They are all incredibly supportive and like to use it as a conversation piece. My mother has even started her own blog, . Go check it out. Meanwhile, Macey offers non-verbal support by sleeping next to me while I read and blog.
(This picture is not staged. Macey may or may not be spoiled.)

10.) The friendships
That's right kids, I'm about to get sentimental. You already know that I put a decent amount of time into this blog and Twitter. A couple of Tweets or comments can lead to e-mails, long g-chats, fun things sent through the mail and occasionally, meet-ups in person. Sometimes these people are bloggers, sometimes they're authors. At any rate, the people I've met through blogging are the ones that make it worth it.

Now I want to know what you guys love about blogging. Let me know in the comments!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Review of Want to Go Private? by Sarah Darer Littman

Abby and Luke chat online. They've never met. But they are going to. Soon.
Abby is starting high school—it should be exciting, so why doesn't she care? Everyone tells her to "make an effort," but why can't she just be herself? Abby quickly feels like she's losing a grip on her once-happy life. The only thing she cares about anymore is talking to Luke, a guy she met online, who understands. It feels dangerous and yet good to chat with Luke—he is her secret, and she's his. Then Luke asks her to meet him, and she does. But Luke isn't who he says he is. When Abby goes missing, everyone is left to put together the pieces. If they don't, they'll never see Abby again.

Considering how prominent online social networking and chatting have become in the lives of young people, I’m surprised that I haven’t seen more YA novels where it plays a major role. When I heard that Sarah Darer Littman’s upcoming release Want to Go Private? is based on online relationships I was immediately intrigued (especially since I interact with people online all the time). Yet when I initially dove into the ARC, my initial dislike of Abby had me questioning if I’d like this book at all. Fortunately, Littman’s story-telling had me turning pages late into the night and she perfectly captures so many emotions that go hand in hand with adolescence.

As the story begins, Abby is going into her freshman year of high school. She starts off feeling reluctant towards change and unsure of how to make new friends. However, once she got involved with Luke, I was riveted. So much of what happened between them made my heart heart, but I couldn’t look away. Even though I’ve never been in her shoes, I found her mixture of excitement of and nervousness incredibly apt. Towards the end of the novel themes of acceptance and regret play a strong role, and I think a lot of readers will relate to those emotions. I would love to tell you more, but I’d spoil the book!

Want to Go Private? is told through multiple narratives, and the book was much better because of that fact. The other character perspectives made the story more interesting and meaningful, even if sometimes the dialogue in these sections came close to being preachy. My biggest complaint about the writing is the text speak, which is just annoying to read, but I used it some as a teenager, so I understand why it was there.

Want to Go Private? is not an easy book to read, and I don’t think the graphic content will suit every read that picks it up. Littman has a knack for capturing teen emotions. The plot of this book may be fictional, but Abby’s experiences are worth sharing with the world.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Adaptation Corner: Bride and Prejudice

I don’t think I can tell you how much time I’ve spent trying to get my Pride and Prejudice loving friends to watch Bride and Prejudice. I know this film might be considered Bollywood by some, but I don’t really consider it part of that genre. The film is in English, where as some Bollywood I’ve seen have subtitles. Also, I think a lot of people who love Pride and Prejudice are Anglophiles, so this film is probably intended primarily for American and British audiences. This film is peppered by musical numbers filled with bright colors, dancing and singing. While this film is fun to watch and has me singing and dancing around my house, it never quite satisfies my need for Darcy.

Set in modern India, Bride and Prejudice is the story of the Bakshi family, who is trying to marry off their four daughters, Lalita (Elizabeth), Jaya (Jane), Maya (Mary) and Lakhi (Lydia). However, Mrs. Bakshi isn’t just interested in courting Indian men. Balraj is an Indian man who has relocated to England, whereas Darcy is an American, and an heir to a large hotel chain which is thinking of building in India. This alone makes Darcy and Lalita’s financial differences seem more extreme, and I think that’s because America is a developed country, whereas parts of India are developing.

However, Darcy is more than just stuck up and rude to Lalita. He also doesn’t understand modern Indian culture, such as not understanding that the bride and groom have some choice in arranged marriages. He doesn’t seem to have any interest in seeing the real India--just the luxurious parts where his mother is thinking of buying property. As for Darcy’s mother, who is the Lady Catherine de Bourgh of this film, she seems to be only interested in seeing or even thinking about the parts of India that fit into her ideas of it, such as yoga and spices.

I’m making this film sound incredibly serious, and while it certainly has serious moments, that isn’t the right word to describe its overall tone. For one thing, I think that Mr. Collins of Bride and Prejudice is the most ridiculous of any Mr. Collins on the big screen, thanks to his laugh and disgusting table manners. This film also contains a number of dance numbers, including the one at the wedding where everyone is in traditional garb and there’s something of a dialogue between the men and the women. Otherwise the most notable may be “Take Me to Love,” wherein Lalita and Darcy go on a helicopter ride from California to the Grand Canyon, share a loving embrace, and spend time on the beach, passing by a conveniently placed gospel choir singing back-up vocals. Also, there is a fair amount of them gazing one at one another soulfully. It’s so over the top that even though I know I’m supposed to spend these scenes going “Awwww,” I just wind up laughing.

Unlike some of the final scenes in the novel, instead of using words to affirm their feelings and love, Lalita and Darcy often hold one against or give knowing looks against the backdrop of musical numbers during the romantic scenes, making the love story entertaining, although perhaps less believable. I know what you’re thinking. “Liz, Darcy and Lalita talk all the time.” Sure, they talk about how Darcy doesn’t understand arranged marriages and at one point Darcy tells Lalita how strongly he feels about her. He apologizes. However, we never get the gratification of Darcy’s second proposal scene, and with that being said, we never hear Lalita admit that she was wrong. I think Lalita is less likable because of this--what I loved about Elizabeth was that she realized her wrongs and made a conscious effort to admit that and make amends. Instead, we understand the magnitude of Darcy’s travel to India just to set things right. I particularly love Austen’s prose, so in terms of romance, this fell a little short.

Don’t get me wrong. At the end of the day, Bride and Prejudice still makes my list of favorite movies. I’m not going to compare this film to the BBC miniseries, because that’s not what Bride and Prejudice aims to be. If I want to see a meticulously detailed version of Austen’s novel filled with handsome men and scenes that have me busting out the tissues, I’ll watch my miniseries. Bride and Prejudice is perfect for when I need a quick, fun fix of Austen that leaves a smile on my face.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Giveaway: The Austen Adaptation Prize Pack

Greetings, wonderful readers! Jane In June is still in full swing over at Misty's blog . While my posts have been infrequent of late, I've enjoyed coming up with some new stuff for you to see this week, including a new Adaptation Corner post. Since I talk so much about how much I love watching movies based of books, I thought I'd give you the chance to win some very Austentatious (no, I didn't come up with that phrase) DVDs and other goodies!

One lucky winner will receive DVDs of , , , (the movie), (the mini-series), , a copy of The Wit and Wisdom of Jane Austen and a Janeite tote bag. If you're having a hard time absorbing the awesomeness of the tote bag, check out the other side of it.

Interested? Just check out the rules and fill out the form below.

*One winner will receive all of the items listed above.
*Open to U.S. readers only, as the DVDs probably won't work overseas.
*The giveaway ends on June 30th at 11:59 p.m.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

In My Mailbox (39) and What Are You Reading?

In my mailbox is hosted by Kristi of .

For review:
by Ransom Riggs
Gifted:
bookmark!
Bought:
by Juliet Marillier
by Sarah Mlynowski
by Sarah Porter
edited by John Klima
by Vera Brosgol
by various authors
Blogs and bloggers mentioned:
Misty of
Jen of

Read: by J.K. Rowling
Currently reading:
by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
by Jane Austen
edited by Leah Wilson
by John William Polidori
What I plan to read:
by Steve Watkins
by Jane Austen and Steve Hockensmith
by Kiersten White

Friday, June 17, 2011

Pride and Prejudice Read Along Response: Part Two

Jane In June and the read along are both hosted by Misty over at .

Monday, June 13, 2011

Character Interview: Abby of Want to Go Private?

Hey everyone! Today I have a character interview with Abby from Sarah Darer Littman's upcoming release Want to Go Private? You'll be able to read my thoughts on the book soon, but first, check out what Abby has to say.

Abby and Luke chat online. They've never met. But they are going to. Soon.
Abby is starting high school—it should be exciting, so why doesn't she care? Everyone tells her to "make an effort," but why can't she just be herself? Abby quickly feels like she's losing a grip on her once-happy life. The only thing she cares about anymore is talking to Luke, a guy she met online, who understands. It feels dangerous and yet good to chat with Luke—he is her secret, and she's his. Then Luke asks her to meet him, and she does. But Luke isn't who he says he is. When Abby goes missing, everyone is left to put together the pieces. If they don't, they'll never see Abby again.

Tell us a little bit about the appeal of instant messaging, chat rooms and online social networking.

The best thing about being online is that you can be whoever you want to be. Like no one knows that you forgot your lines in the school play in third grade because you had such bad stage fright and still got teased about it in middle school. I love that I can experiment with being different “me’s” and it doesn’t matter.

You don’t like to wear a lot of make-up or think too much about your clothes. Can you talk about why that is?

It’s a lot of effort, and for what? The same girls are always going to be the popular ones. I know, I know, I should “make an effort.” But guys don’t have to put on all that facecrap and we find them cute. So why do girls have to do it? It seems really unfair.

You talk a lot about how much your parents and sister annoy you. What’s the hardest part about living with them?

How much time do you have?

With Dad, it’s that he’s so obsessed with me doing well and getting into an Ivy League college like he did. I put enough pressure on myself – I wish he would back off and just talk to me about other stuff, you know, see me as a real person instead of a straight A machine.

Mom is just…she doesn’t understand me at all. She wants me to be like her, the way Lily is, and I’m not. I wish she could just love me the way I am instead of trying to turn me into her clone.

And Lily – if you had to invent a sister that was the complete opposite of me, it would be Lily. It’s bad enough having to deal with Amanda Armitage at school, now Lily is turning a home version. Argh.

What is your ideal Saturday like?

Hanging out with Faith, watching a rerun of the Lord of the Rings.

If your parents ever let you get an iPhone or another kind of smart phone, what kind of apps would you download?

Ha! Like that’s ever going to happen…I love that Shazam, which figures figures out what songs is playing so you can download it. And Pandora, so I could make channels for all my favorite bands. I’d download the app so I could access it from my phone, and FML, because I like to read about other people’s bad stuff so I don’t feel like I’m the only one.

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions, Abby! Be on the look out for my review of Want to Go Private? soon, and be sure to put the August 1, 2011 release date on your calendars.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Sense and Sensibility Giveaway

Hey everyone! As part of Jane In June, I have yet another Jane themed giveaway to share with you guys. I was hoping that this June I would have the chance to re-read , read the retelling by Lindsay Eland, and get up an adaptation corner post. Since I wound up placing a lot of my focus on Emma, that didn't quite happen. However, I at least plan on watching the movie directed by Ang Lee soon (even though that adaptation corner post may be saved for a future Jane In June), and even though I haven't revisited it in a while, I still love this story. So I threw together a prize pack just for you guys!

Like what you see? I've included a clothbound edition of , a paperback copy of (which I have not read, but look forward to), scone mix (so you can eat scones while you read your book), the movie, the mini-series, and a tote bag. Want to win all of this? Just check out the rules and fill out the form below.

*One winner will receive all of the items listed above.
*Open to U.S. readers only, as the DVDs probably won't work overseas.
*The giveaway ends on June 30th at 11:59 p.m.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

In My Mailbox (38) and What Are You Reading?

In my mailbox is hosted by Kristi of .

For review:
by Sarah Darer Littman
by Gretchen McNeil
by Tracey Porter
Purchased:
by Elizabeth Gaskell by Daniel Manus Pinkwater
by Alice Hoffman
by Lisa McMann
by Gregory Maguire
by Elizabeth C. Bunce
by Colm Toibin
by Melissa Marr
by Lemony Snicket
by Lemony Snicket
by Lemony Snicket
by Lemony Snicket
by Lemony Snicket
by Kerstin Gier
by Carrie Ryan
Jane Austen journal
Blogs and bloggers mentioned:
Nicole of
Misty of
Ashley of
Read:
by Elizabeth Eulberg
by Amanda Grace
by Sarah Darer Littman
Currently reading:
by Jane Austen
by J.K. Rowling
edited by Leah Wilson
by John William Polidori
What I plan to read:
by Steve Watkins
by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
by Becca Fitzpatrick

Friday, June 10, 2011

Guest Post: Steve Watkins On Research

Hey everyone! Today I have Steve Watkins here to talk about his research for his recent release What Comes After. Take it away, Steve!

A gripping portrait of a teen’s struggles through grief and abuse - and the miraculous power of animals to heal us.

After her veterinarian dad dies, sixteen-year-old Iris Wight must leave her beloved Maine to live on a North Carolina farm with her hardbitten aunt and a cousin she barely knows. Iris, a vegetarian and animal lover, immediately clashes with Aunt Sue, who mistreats the livestock, spends Iris’s small inheritance, and thinks nothing of striking Iris for the smallest offense. Things come to a head when Iris sets two young goats free to save them from slaughter, and an enraged Aunt Sue orders her brutish son, Book, to beat Iris senseless - a horrific act that lands Book and his mother in jail. Sent to live with an offbeat foster family and their "dooking" ferrets, Iris must find a way to take care of the animals back at the farm, even if it means confronting Aunt Sue. Powerful and deeply moving, this compelling novel affirms the redemptive power of animals and the resilience of the human spirit.

A lot of my research I did over the past several years through my work as a CASA—a Court-Appointed Special Advocate—working with abused and neglected children and youth in the juvenile court system, investigating their situations, writing reports for the court, recommending services and placements, testifying in hearings, monitoring compliance, and advocating for the kids. Through that I learned a lot about the foster care system, child protection, resilience, and, sadly, the mechanics of abuse. I also learned a lot more than I ever wanted about the levels of cruelty to which some people can and will go, and still somehow manage to justify it to themselves. While writing the book I interviewed professionals about a variety of issues having to do with emancipation procedures, control of assets, and incarceration of both juveniles and adults. I deliberately avoided finding out anything about the girl whose actual case—reported in our local newspaper—inspired WHAT COMES AFTER, though my colleagues at CASA had worked with her before. I didn’t want to inadvertently use anything that was confidential—or presume to tell her actual story, which of course belongs to her to share as she might see fit, or never share at all.

Not all of my research had to do with abuse, domestic violence, or foster families, of course. I spent a considerable amount of time on the deep internet and at friends’ farms getting to know everything I could about goats. I got to milk them, feed them, muck out their stalls, get butted and hooked by them, meet their chicken friends and their dog friends and their “owners”—many of whom say that nobody can truly own a goat. I collected their stories, hounded them for details, and more details besides, especially my goat friend Lee Criscuolo, who brought her goat Mehitabel to our house in town as the guest of honor at a goat party we had once I finished the book. I also researched ferrets quite a lot, and crows, though the crows didn’t make it into the book, finally, but while we’re on the subject, was I the last guy to know that a flock of crows is called a “murder”? Anyway I had to learn a little Spanish for a couple of passages in the book, and learn goat cheese recipes (Lee loaned me a book), and read up on the life of the veterinarian-author James Herriot, who wrote All Creatures Great and Small, and research the etiology of “Iris.” I’d probably still be researching if I hadn’t had a deadline—that’s how much fun it is.

Thanks so much for stopping by, Steve! Be sure to check out What Comes After, which is out now.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Review of Crossing Lines by Paul Volponi

What do you do when bullying goes too far? Adonis is a jock. He’s on the football team and he’s dating one of the prettiest girls in school. Alan is the new kid. He wears lipstick and joins the Fashion Club. Soon enough the football team is out to get him. Adonis is glad to go along with his teammates
. . . until they come up with a dangerous plan to humiliate Alan. Now Adonis must decide whether he wants to be a guy who follows the herd or a man who does what’s right.

From critically acclaimed author Paul Volponi comes this discussable and finely wrought story of bullies, victims, and the bystanders caught in between.

I had a chance to read an ARC of Crossing Lines in November of 2010, and as soon as I turned the final page, I knew that this would be one of my most powerful books of the year. I read the entirety of Crossing Lines in one day, which is rare feat for me, even in the case of short books. I honestly could not put this book down.

Crossing Lines centers around Adonis, a high school student hoping to prove his worth to others around him. His life is pretty okay until his sister, Jeannie, starts hanging out with the president of the fashion club. Alan.

Adonis is definitely not a likable character at first. He struggles to fit a very specific stereotype of masculinity, pumping iron with his teammates and scoring one of the hottest chicks in school. The story is told from his point of view, so we see everything that happens as his friends and sister pressure him to do opposite things. His character is one that readers will remember long after turning the final page of Crossing Lines. Everyone has felt the way that Adonis does at the end of this novel. I can see where some people might ultimately feel exasperated with his character, but Volponi represented his inner conflict so poignantly that it felt incredibly realistic to me.

As incredible as Adonis’s journey was, there were also a lot of little things that made this book a fantastic read for me. I love that Volponi used Adonis and all of his other characters to confront gender stereotypes head on. Furthermore, I also loved the reference to mythology with the name Adonis and the incorporation of Walt Whitman’s poetry into the themes of the novel. I will say that at times the writing erred on the side of being over expository, but I loved the rest of the story too much to care about it.

Crossing Lines deals with the timeless problem of intolerance, and does in a way that teenagers can relate to. It’s great to see a young adult novel that deals with bullying. I am eager to see the types of discussions that this book opens up among educators, parents, and readers of all ages and sexuality.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book through .

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Review of Emma by Jane Austen

Emma Woodhouse is a wealthy, exquisite, and thoroughly self-deluded young woman who has "lived in the world with very little to distress or vex her."

Jane Austen exercises her taste for cutting social observation and her talent for investing seemingly trivial events with profound moral significance as Emma traverses a gentle satire of provincial balls and drawing rooms, along the way encountering the sweet Harriet Smith, the chatty and tedious Miss Bates, and her absurd father Mr. Woodhouse–a memorable gallery of Austen's finest personages. Thinking herself impervious to romance of any kind, Emma tries to arrange a wealthy marriage for poor Harriet, but refuses to recognize her own feelings for the gallant Mr. Knightley. What ensues is a delightful series of scheming escapades in which every social machination and bit of "tittle-tattle" is steeped in Austen's delicious irony. Ultimately, Emma discovers that "Perfect happiness, even in memory, is not common."

Virginia Woolf called Jane Austen "the most perfect artist among women," and Emma Woodhouse is arguably her most perfect creation. Though Austen found her heroine to be a person whom "no one but myself will much like," Emma is her most cleverly woven, riotously comedic, and pleasing novel of manners.

Moreso than some of Austen’s other works, it seems, Emma gets a lot of mixed reviews. With this being my fourth Jane Austen novel and being somewhat different from her other work, it was almost a shock to the system. Yet much like with every other Austen novel I’ve read, I loved it. Austen’s wit may be more subtle in this one, and the humor sometimes mean, but the more serious subject matter made me both sympathetic and empathetic towards the characters and their situations.

Emma focuses heavily on how other people treat each other, on what kindness is and how to be kind. I started of this novel with a mixture of like and dislike for Emma. It was undeniable that she was a little snobby, and perhaps her matchmaking advice wasn’t always the best, but I could tell that her intentions were to make other people happy. There is still humor throughout this book, but Austen also makes us think about humor and its context. When is humor more hurtful than funny? How does one’s use of humor affect how others judge that person? Even without as much witty banter or parodying as some of Austen’s other novel, I still found myself chuckling at some of the characters.

As this is my fourth Austen novel, some aspects of the romance were a tiny bit predictable for me, in the sense that right away I could tell who scumbag guy would turn out to be and who might later end up with whom. However, this didn’t make the book any less enjoyable for me. In fact, it may have even made me like it more. What is it that made this guy bad? I must say that even moreso than other Austen novels, this one had me guessing how everyone was paired off, especially because there were two characters I was dying to see together.

Like many of the Austen heroes I meet, I adored Mr. Knightley. He was a very gracious and generous character, but he also stuck me as gentle. He teaches Emma a good deal about how to be a more compassionate person, but was never too harsh in his reprimands.

Austen is often known for her wit, and I think Emma showcases a more reflective side of her writing. I admit that this was a slower read my first time around, but I know that it’s a book which I will grow to love. Emma satisfied my need for some more Jane Austen on every level.

Disclosure: I purchased a copy of this book.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Pride and Prejudice Read Along Response: Part One

The read along and Jane In June are both hosted by Misty of . I know it's long, but I hope those of you who do watch the video enjoy it! :)

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Win An Austen Overview Prize Pack

Greetings everyone! As you all know, Misty over at is hosting Jane In June. If there's one thing I love more than Jane Austen, it's convincing other people to read Jane Austen. So I decided to put together a special prize pack for those who have never tried Austen but want to, or for those who are looking for a special edition of Austen's major work.

Fair readers, your eyes do not deceive you. I figure once you read Austen's work, you'd want an overview of some of her best quotes and the opportunity to reflect on what you'd read (or perhaps write about the gentlemen you danced with at the most recent ball). So I decided to giveaway a Barnes and Noble leatherbound classics edition of (containing Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, Sense and Sensibility, Northanger Abbey, Mansfield Park, Emma and Lady Susan), a copy of and a . One lucky winner will receive all three of these items.

Interested? Just check out the rules and fill out the form below.
*One winner will receive all three items listed above.
*Open to U.S. reader only.
*The giveaway ends on June 30th at 11:59 p.m.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

In My Mailbox (37) and What Are You Reading?

In my mailbox is hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren.

For review:
by Margaret Leroy
Bought:
by Richelle Mead
by Richelle Mead
by Libba Bray
by Tessa Gratton
by Brian Sibley

Read:
by Richelle Mead
Currently reading:
by Elizabeth Eulberg
by Jane Austen (A re-read for Jane In June)
by J.K. Rowling
edited by Leah Wilson
by John William Polidori
What I plan to read:
by Steve Watkins
by Seth Grahame-Smith and Jane Austen
by Becca Fitzpatrick

Adaptation Corner: Northanger Abbey

I confess that a year has passed between my reading Northanger Abbey and watching the movie with the specific purpose of preparing for this post. By the end of the film I was in tears, my love for Henry Tilney and Northanger Abbey renewed. Yet in addition to reminding me that Austen heroes are some of the greatest out there, this film also made me reconsider how the Gothic parody represents what Catherine wants versus what she gets and how both of those things change throughout the storyline.

When I first put this movie in, I thought it looked like quite a bit of other Austen adaptations. The scenery is lovely, there is a family with a girl who is starting to reach a marriageable age and beautiful costumes. Of course, this novel is a little different from Austen’s other work, and Catherine Morland is a somewhat different protagonist.

Catherine Morland is invited by family friends Mr. and Mrs. Allen to spend some time in Bath. Catherine and Mrs. Allen are both eager to spend money, and Mr. Allen is the perfect mixture of a kind man and a curmudgeon. Moreso than other Austen heroines, Catherine is interested in reading Gothic novels, and her fellow characters often wonder whether or not she reads too much. This adaptation brings the novels that Catherine reads to life by showing little snippets as she reads--it’s as though there several smaller adaptations within one adaptation.

Like some other Austen heroines, Catherine spends a certain amount of time divided between two love interests, namely Henry Tilney and John Thorpe. Henry Tilney is handsome and sweet, often saving Catherine a seat for the ball or showing her the sights around Bath, whereas John is slightly creepy and disrespectful towards Catherine’s desire to spend time with Tilneys. I was glad to see the scene where John speeds past the Tilneys in this adaptation, because I’d had a hard time imagining it on the page. John’s recklessness in that moment was perfectly captured. Catherine’s romantic adventures are made more interesting by the fact that uses the Gothic novel as lens to see the people she knows in real life.

As Catherine, Henry and Eleanor walk in the countryside near Bath, Henry talks about how Gothic novels are often full of intrigue, secrets and betrayal. Catherine sometimes imagines either or Isabella in danger, either being held captive by or saved by one of the men they know. Several of her inventions seem to have a slight sexual undertone, such as Catherine moaning a bit as she wakes up from a dream. Of course, Catherine eventually visits Northanger Abbey, which is dark at night and has rooms that she is forbidden to enter, fulfilling some of her ideas of the Gothic. The directors enhance Catherine’s need to step away from the Gothic and not make assumptions by playing with the settings. Catherine is only able to learn the truth about the Tilney family’s past, and her own Gothic fantasies, when she is outside, and a step away from the Gothic settings.

I won’t tell you what happens after that, because I don’t want to spoil the movie. Even though Catherine has made some mistakes throughout the story, I feel that this adaptation focuses on what she has learned because of them, and how she has grown. Catherine sees that while real life may contain some of the scandals or secrets of the Gothic, tragedy sometimes goes hand in hand with these incidents. Even though places and incidents in real life which are reminiscent of the Gothic are not taboo, this film emphasizes that they still have a dark side, and leaves viewers with an intriguing question to contemplate. Catherine sees that even though the idea of a young man rescuing her from a dungeon may be romantic, the idea of a young man in every day circumstances who will stop at nothing to be with her is much more romantic.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Richelle Mead Signing

Those of you who follow my blog probably know that in some respects, I live under a rock. There are some series out there that just about everyone besides me has read. Until recently, was one of those series. Okay, I’ve actually only read the first book. A recent opportunity to meet Richelle Mead encouraged me to start at last.

Richelle Mead visited the Twin Cities on May 22nd. Her original visit was scheduled for December of 2010 but the day she was supposed to come it started snowing at 6 a.m. and didn’t stop until around 8 p.m., leaving our area covered in roughly two feet of snow (which is a buttload in twenty-four hours, even for Minnesota). Thankfully May tends to be snow free, so I went over to the Mall of America where the signing was held.

The signing itself was held by Barnes and Noble. They sold the books and their employees worked at the event. However, instead of being held in the store, a stage was set up outside of Sears, along with a roped off area for readers to wait in line (Richelle has some great pics on ). Before getting in line I ventured over to Barnes and Noble to purchase Vampire Academy, and . After that I hopped into line and cracked open Vampire Academy, making my way through the first two chapters before Richelle came out.

Richelle was very excited to finally be in Minneapolis. As it turned out, this was her only real singing of the year (she did not count BEA as it was a convention) due to her impending motherhood. Richelle started off by reading a couple of pages out of the Vampire Academy spin-off Bloodlines. I didn’t totally get what was going on having only read bits of Vampire Academy, but did my best to follow along anyways. The reading was followed by a raffling of five copies of Bloodlines and Richelle answering questions.

After that, it was time to get some books signed, which was very efficiently run. When my turn came, I confessed that I was only just starting Vampire Academy, but that I had decided to buy the books because so many bloggers gave them positive reviews. She was very kind and said that it was nice of me to come out on just two chapters, and I thanked her for coming.

I had to put Vampire Academy down for a few days to finish another book, but spent Memorial Day devouring it. I am so glad I went out and got myself signed copies of these books. I am really looking forward to reading the rest of this series, and so glad I had the chance to meet Richelle!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Review of Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

I wasn’t really sure what to expect out of Lauren Oliver’s Delirium. I adored her debut novel , but had also read mixed reviews of Delirium. With dystopia being a hot genre right now, Delirium was entering a market where it’s tough to stand out among competitors. Although the romance had me turning pages right until the very end, the world building left something to be desired.

I was a little dubious when I heard the idea that Lena lives in a world where love is disease. Oliver did a great job of explaining what the world was like before and after love was classified as disease. However, I never felt that I got an idea of how or why the transition to the dystopian society happened. There was also a disconnect in Oliver’s explanation of the dangers of deliria. I understood why it could be so dangerous to the individual, but never felt like Oliver never showed me why the illness of separate individuals is bad for society as a whole.

Having read Oliver’s work previously, I hoped that if nothing else, the writing would be amazing. There were a few strikingly beautiful passages, but a lot of the writing just felt flat. I also wasn’t fanatical about how she developed the character of Alex, the love interest, because it took me about three quarters of the novel to figure out why he was special.

The plot of this novel had something of a weak start, but got progressively better. At first it seemed as though every time something went awry for Lena, another event would happen that would conveniently keep hear from getting into any real trouble. Towards the end of the novel, though, I got a much better sense of the dangers of her relationship with Alex. Oliver’s ending to Delirium was so abrupt that it felt contrived and as thought it was there to manipulate my emotions, instead of feeling like a natural ending to the story.

In the market of dystopian novels, Delirium struggles to stand out from its competitors. Oliver has crafted a compelling love story, but I felt that she focused on it so heavily that world building was neglected. Her characters and broad ideas were at least interesting enough that I will likely pick up the sequel in hopes of liking it better.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thank you!