SWAG ALERT!Today, in celebration of its official release date, we are offering a chance to win a free copy of Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict, by Laurie Viera Rigler.
This new novel is the parallel story to her best selling Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict, where we met Courtney Stone, a LA singleton addicted to Jane Austen who is mysteriously transported back to Regency era England and into the body of Jane Mansfield. This time around we meet Jane Mansfield, a 19th-century Gentleman’s daughter who wakes up in Courtney Stone’s modern and technically infused LA world.
To qualify, please leave a comment stating why you are a Jane Austen addict and how you feed your need for more Jane. The contest is open through Wednesday, July 1st and the book will be mailed to continental US addresses only. Winner to be announced on Thursday, July 2nd. Good luck and happy reading!
This new novel is the parallel story to her best selling Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict, where we met Courtney Stone, a LA singleton addicted to Jane Austen who is mysteriously transported back to Regency era England and into the body of Jane Mansfield. This time around we meet Jane Mansfield, a 19th-century Gentleman’s daughter who wakes up in Courtney Stone’s modern and technically infused LA world.
To qualify, please leave a comment stating why you are a Jane Austen addict and how you feed your need for more Jane. The contest is open through Wednesday, July 1st and the book will be mailed to continental US addresses only. Winner to be announced on Thursday, July 2nd. Good luck and happy reading!
Visit Laurie's website Jane Austen Addict to learn more about her books and view a new book trailer.
26 comments:
Hello, my name is cupcake, and I am a Jane Austin-aholic.
While I may not have forced my husband to change his name to Knightley or Darcy and while I may not have named a child Marianne or Elizabeth, I did make a drastic change, all in the name of Jane.
At 42, I went back to school to earn a lateral entry degree that, at age 43, got me into a high school classroom as an English teacher. I bided my time for two years, and - FINALLY - next year, I finally can grab the pot of Jane gold: I get to teach seniors, which is the Brit Lit year. The other two senior teachers do the Bronte girls, which is fine - I like them too - but I already snagged the school set of Pride & Prejudice, and I am giddy with joy.
Now I just need to figure out a way to do Jane Austen's entire canon. Maybe not this year, but give me time ...
Jane Austen. The mere name gives me thrills. Why, you may ask? I feel like I have grown up through Austen. She taught me the most about love, romance and relationships.
I slowly fell in love with Darcy's humanity, and cringed at Collins' uncouthness. Later, with bated breath, I read as Captain Wentworth revealed his feelings to Anne, and felt as though he was writing that fateful letter only to me. Who can forget Marianne and Elinor? I observed the unbending resilience of Elinor who taught me that passion must be controlled. Marianne revealed a vitality that I desired in my own life while warning me of the dangers that foolhardy romance brings.
When I met my own prince charming my thoughts (and reading glasses) continually went back to Jane. How would she percieve this relationship? What charcter was he most like? Whose course would I take?
Though I'm happily married now, the thrill of Austen is well and alive in me. Her poetry and skill of pen keep me coming back for more. She serves as a beacon that guides me through perilous and pleasant waters. She is that friends who sits me down to talk about life and she does it most winningly.
I can never get enough Austen!
I read the other day that Jane Austen is considered by many to be the first romance writer. I must admit, I was offended, because she is much more than that in my opinion. Jane's books have stood the test of time. It would be almost impossible to list all of the works of literature (both good and downright awful) that they have inspired, not to mention the cinematic adaptations. To me, Jane Austen had a true understanding of human nature. She not only understood romantic relationships, but those of siblings, parents, and children. Her characters live and breathe, and most importantly in my opinion, they get their happy endings. Jane Austen showed that a book doesn't need to end in tragedy to be great. I respect Ms. Austen so much, that I named both of my girls for her characters. My oldest has the middle name of Elliot (for Anne of course), and my youngest has that of Darcy.
Why am I a Jane Austen addict? Why is the sky blue? Some things just Must Be.
Why am I a Jane Austen addict? Her humor and insight into what makes people tick makes my heart sing. The woman was a brilliant, keen observer and I just love spending time with her. ;) Thank goodness for the books and films and inspired-by spinoffs (lately I heart Lost in Austen most of all!).
I am Jane Austen addict because I simply enjoy Austen's beautiful novels, her humor, her literary style and the voice she gives to her characters. I've come to appreciate the day I first became acquainted with Austen through a book club. I've come to love anything and everything related to Jane Austen. I feed my need for more Austen by reading spin-offs of her great novels and watching their film adaptations.
I have been an Austenphile since the age of 11 (way back to 1961!). Pride and Prejudice led to Sense and Sensibility to Northanger Abbey, Emma, and Mansfield Park. I even took a graduate-level class on Austen! She is more than "just" a romance author. Her characters have such depth that I enjoy re-reading these books because of all the great levels that are in their pages.
I had at first scarcely allowed Jane Austen to be readable; I had looked at her books without admiration when I was young. But no sooner had I made it clear to myself that Austen hardly had a single novel to recommend her, than I began to watch movies of her books and found them rendered uncommonly intelligent by the universal love stories, sharp wit and memorable characters. To this discovery succeeded some others equally gratifying. I was forced to acknowledge her novels to be witty and pleasing; and in spite of my asserting that her writing style was not that of the modern world, I was caught by its easy readability. Now my mind is most agreeably engaged, and I meditate often on the very great pleasure which a fine turn of phrase in the pages of a great novel can bestow.
There just seems to be such a sweet simplicity to Austen's stories, and yet the complex relationships trick you. Not only do you feel the characters' emotions deeply, but you feel they are almost like real people! I just love all things Austen for stories that cross time and culture. Thankfully we live in a time where you can get your hands on all things Jane Austen. Just last night I watched the Keira Knightley version of P&P, I'm in the middle of reading Loving Mr. Darcy, and have other Austen-esque time period novels. Thankfully, I can get my hands on a lot of Austen things to fill my craving for more!
Thanks for this cool givaway!
Wow! What thoughtful answers. Great job everyone. Keep them coming.
PS Always one to want her share of the conversation, I will admit that I am an Austen addict. Surprised? Naahh...
I could talk about Jane for hours - and do.
Cheers, Laurel Ann
I'm addicted to Jane for the same reason many others have already mentioned--her characters. They are all drawn with such realism, that you can't help loving them...or loving to hate them, as the case may be. I feed my addiction by reading the books and their many sequels, watching the film versions, and (oddly enough!) sewing! I'm currently working on a Regency ballgown.
One final reason for my addiction: as much as my English teachers used to tell me that you can't assume the narrator is saying exactly what the author would, I'm convinced that the honesty and humor of the narrators in her books are nothing less than Jane's own sentiments. And who couldn't love a woman who, while enjoying a good laugh at people's foibles, genuinely delights in their much-deserved happy endings?
I was introduced to Jane Austen in my college seminar, where we read all six of her novels. Unfortunately, I was too immature back then to really appeciate Austen's gifts, and the honor it was to share and learn about her work with other women scholars. I was part of an all Austen, all the time book club way before they were fashionable, and I didn't appreciate it! Kicking myself even now... I remember the women raving about Persuasion in particular.
Many years later (like, almost 20 years) I picked up her books again, beginning with Persuasion because I wanted to see if I could understand what excited those women so much. This time, I got it. Nothing on this earth touches me like Captain Wentworth's letter to Anne Eliot, and nothing ever will.
Now I devour every piece of Austen information I can get my hands on, short of P&P & Zombies. I guess I am a bit of a purist, but also a proud obsessive!
Why am I addicted to Jane Austen's books ?
Because they are a bridge between her time and mine...her thoughts, wishes, hopes and dreams are shared with me !
Every time I sit down and begin to read, I live, experience and become a part of the story. And I get to know Jane just a little better too !
I absolutely loved the Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict and am really looking forward to this book. I am absolutely in love with all things Jane Austen. I love reading spin offs!
As a senior English major, I always have a book with me for in between classes. Last semester I was carrying around Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict and was reading it in between two of my literature classes. One of the ridiculously judgmental and close minded professors had the nerve to comment on my choice of literature. I was mortified. But I produced the courage to say - what are you reading recreational? The professor looked as mortified as I felt. One point for me.
Miss Remmers
I just love the pure romance. And books like yours help feed my addiction!
There are so many reasons why I am addicted to Jane Austen, but these are just a few (I'd be here all day if I tried lol). I Love her style of writing. It never really feels as though I'm reading a book, it's more like I'm sitting with a friend who is telling me this fantastic story. A lot of writers can't write in that way, but Jane could. I love how eloquent her writing is, yet fun and sharp. And then there's the characters. Somehow she can make even the most unlikable characters, likable, because she shows us both sides of the story, not just what the main character may be thinking. And they're all just so real. Even though her books we're written 200 years ago, they are still relatable.
Even though it's been (roughly) 200 years, nobody has been able to write in the same way she has (though there are some writers who come very close!)
Jane wasn't just a very gifted writer, she was special.
I can't really say why I am a Jane Austen addict. All I know is that I am.
Effy Miller
Jane Austen was a genius observer of human nature and wrote her observations in the most elegant manner. I read a copy of her Juvenilia which she wrote at age 15. It was so hysterically funny I felt an instant connection to her. To be that perceptive at so young an age is amazing. Her wit and intelligence are what draw me to her books and to books written in the same manner. That thread of irony that runs all through her refined prose is what makes her easy to love.
Why do I love Jane Austen? NOt because of the wonderful stories, or the great characters, it is because of the world she is writing about. It is realistic, simple, funny at times, and overall takes you to a happier place. I would definitely want to live in Jane Austen's Regency World if I could.
How do I feed my obsession? I read a lot of the sequels out there like books by Kara Louise, Amanda Grange, and Carrie Bebris. I watch adaptions old and new (I am partial to the inaccurate 1940's version of Pride and Prejudice). I spend time on this discussion board called Jane Austen's Ladies Society. And last but not least I play my Pride and Prejudice board game, but I wish I had more people besides my mom to play it with. Not a lot of people I am friends with love Jane Austen as much as I do :(
I have been a Jane Austen addict since I was 17 and watched the Pride and Prejudice (1995) mini-series for the first time. From that moment, I became a Jane Austen Addict.
I've since read all of her novels (more than once), watched all of the movies or mini-series that I can find, read countless spin-offs and Austen related books and biographies. I've even listened to Austen inspired music! I have a bookshelf dedicated to all things Austen and also feed my addiction through library finds.
Why do I love Austen so much? I believe that her characters and themes are timeless. While I may not live in Regency England, the people that inhabit Austen's works are well and alive walking around my town. She was able to really capture people and the way they are. Her comedy is also priceless and subtile social commentary on the plight of women was and is important.
I love Jane Austen.
Why am I an Austen addict? Well, I fell in love with Austen books during my 'read all the fiction classics you possibly can' stage at age ten or eleven, and the enduring nature of her romances and relationships kept me hooked. My favorite book is Persuasion, and I try to get my hands on as many modern 'sequels,' 'prequels' and movie adaptations as possible. You learn so much about culture, social mores and personality in Austen's books: it's the best of realistic world-crafting and romantic fantasy put together.
Eh...forgot to put down my email address: celialarsen(at)gmail(dot)com.
Thanks for holding this giveaway!
Jane Austen's books are an escape into another time - and I re-read them often. Persuasion is my all-time favorite. I'd love to win this, because I joined the Everything Austen Challenge, and I have this book on my to-read list for the challenge.
nnjmom at yahoo dot com
Why am I an Austen addict? Her stories never loose their punch (I've read/seen them all multiple times), and there is something in them for everyone. I would hazard a guess that P&P has been adapted in print or screen even more times than Romeo and Juliet, the "classic" love story.
How am I an Austen addict? I love reading both the originals and spinoffs, and back in high school my Brit Lit research paper was on her lost love affairs as inspiration. And, or course, I read this blog!
The reason are so numerous! I went to the Jane Austen Festival in Bath last year with my 80 year old mother. My most recent purchases have been a purse made out of a P & P book cover and a floor mat with a Jane quote. I work at a bookstore where I constantly put Austen novels with the face out, as if that would please her if she came in one day. I love the books, the movies, the blogs and any random related Jane topic.
Hey! It was still July 1 where I live!
The link said post by July 2, but whether this entry qualifies or not, I love Jane Austen books, movies, you name it. Since I first discovered the book Pride & Prejudice, I have frequently returned to various forms of Austenland whenever I need a break from regular life in a happy place. As I've gotten older, I've grown more appreciative of just how much work it must have been for her to create her masterpieces in the first place, and for so little compensation! Her efforts have brought pleasure to so many. I'm so glad to be able to know her through her work.
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