The Pride & Prejudice obsession reviews

People close to me know my obsession with Pride & Prejudice and Jane Austen. In January, I was reading one rendition of Pride & Prejudice and decided I needed to get my hands on any book that was somewhat related. I was in Phoenix with a friend and we went to multiple used books stores and of course, I was in heaven.

Of course, with so many books to read I still have many of these left to enjoy but have knocked off others. Here’s a quick glimpse at my thoughts on some of the Jane Austen related reads from 2013!

Book 7 – Pride & Prejudice: The Wild and Wanton Edition by Jane Austen and Michelle M. Pillow
finished January 18, 2013

Pride & Prejudice is by far my favorite book of all time. I’m closing in on double digit copies, not including all the parodies and sequels with Zombies and Mr. Darcy. This edition was just a fun one to read with little extras added in for us daydreamers of Mr. Darcy. It was fun to read and enjoy the original story with Pillow’s additions casually entered in. Even with the new parts, I still felt the book held true to its form and didn’t feel forced or stray from who I felt the characters really were. Fun read.

Book 8 – Mr. Darcy’s Diary by Amanda Grange
finished January 22, 2013

I went a little crazy and bought every book I could find that sounded remotely interesting about Pride & Prejudice and Mr. Darcy. This one was quite a quick read and very fun as we don’t get much into the inner workings of Mr. Darcy in the original work. All Darcy and P&P lovers must try this book out. It’s quick and fun and you’ll love it.

Book 33 – Pride and Promiscuity  by Arielle Eckstut and Dennis Ashton
finished April 1, 2013

A short, quick read of never before published scenes from Jane Austen novels (aka The Lost Sex Scenes of Jane Austen). I don’t really agree with the title so much because while some snippets are racy, others are pretty docile. But if the author is telling the truth that these are in fact unpublished pieces but Austen that were found and later revealed, I’m sure at that time these would be considered the “Fifty Shades” of that time period. It was interesting to read but not one of my favorites.

 

Catching Up on Reviews

I haven’t been sharing reviews much on here, not because I don’t enjoy and want to “share” but I feel like 2013 I am speeding through books and hate taking the time to sit and actually write about books when I just want to pick up another one and read more.

I started another blog/website that I thought may replace this one, but decided I wanted to keep them separate but link to each other. I’m sure I will end up sharing monumental reads, and more, over there as well, but wanted to try and slowly catch up on reviews over the past who-knows-how-long.

Now … onto the first five books read in 2013!

1. The Witch Tree Symbol by Carolyn Keene
finished January 2, 2013

Another fun Nancy Drew mystery. I’ve been trying to play catch up from childhood and read the original 50+ series. It’s a nice way to start off the year since it’s such a quick read.

2. Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich
finished January 6, 2013

In the latest Stephanie Plum, Stephanie finds herself with the possibly the biggest bond in her hands and a lot of danger to follow. That doesn’t seem like anything new with Stephanie, and it doesn’t help that she’s still confused and wavering between the two men in her life. This time Stephanie finds herself fearing this may be the one bond that she won’t recover from.
It was a fun quick read. So glad I’m all caught up and can enjoy them as they come.

3. Love Works by Joel Manby
finished January 6, 2013

This was a recommended book for a gal at work and I thought it was amazing. While it’s primarily a book for organizations and managers, it ties directly into 1 Corinthians – Chapter 13 (the love chapter). Manby discusses how the seven timeless principles from the Bible create effective leaders and makes an organization better.
His seven principles are: patient, kind, trusting, unselfish, truthful, forgiving, dedicated.
I highly recommend this book. It’s a quick read and very informative.

4. Wallbanger by Alice Clayton
finished January 8, 2013

This was another recommendation from our little group of girls who needs a quick, funny, naughty read every now and again.
It’s a fast and hilarious read about a girl who’s new neighbor keeps her up at all hours of the night with his bedroom shenanigans. When they come to realize that they have more in common than just the wall between their bedrooms, they call a truce and become friends. I’ll leave the rest up to your imagination.
If you only read this book for the sidekick and feline friend of the main character, it’s worth it. He is hilarious but I’m not really jealous that my cats are more docile.

5. Phantoms on the Bookshelves by Jacques Bonnet
finished January 9, 2013

This was a fun Christmas present, plucked off my Amazon wishlist and completely judged by the cover (and the title had BOOK in it). I couldn’t resist.
This quick little book – which every book lover must read – is really just a book about books and bookshelves and great and fun research tidbits following the authors obsession with books. There is a very distinct possibility this could be me someday, if not now.
After reading this, I’m sure I can safely call myself a “bibliomaniac” – collectors and manic readers. Check and check.

REVIEW: 20,000 Days and Counting

Title: 20,000 Days and Counting
Author: Robert D. Smith
Finished: January 13, 2013
Pages: 112
Published: 2012

One of my absolute favorite books right now and I think EVERYONE should read. 20,000 Days and Counting is “the crash course for mastering your life right now”. As I write this, I am 10,574 days old!

Smith takes us on a quick journey of how he suddenly realized he was 20,000 days old (to the date) and wanted to make his life the best it could ever be. He wanted to find out his mission and goals in life, how to master it, and live life the fullest.

Even if your life feels full and you can’t possibly make it better, I think you should still read this book because there is so much wisdom and ideas and suggestions on how you can continue to live an incredible life.

REVIEW: The 5 Love Languages

Title: The 5 Love Languages
Author: Gary Chapman
Finished: May 5, 2013
Pages: 202
Published: 1992

I’ve read Five Love Languages for Singles awhile back and found it very interesting and definitely more directed at relationships in general. I enjoyed reading this one equally as much because while the love languages do not change, the examples and relationships do. I learned even more that I could apply and store for future but having read both books. You don’t have to be married or in a relationship for this book to apply to your life now, or to have it bring meaning to friendships, work relationships, or with my family. I’ve found myself thinking about these concepts many times when interacting with others and thinking about what their love language might be and how I can improve our relationships.

Highly recommend this read to everyone!

REVIEW: Wicked Appetite

 

Title: Wicked Appetite
Author: Janet Evanovich
Finished: May 4, 2013
Pages: 313
Published: 2010

Aside from a little snippet of Diesel in a Stephanie Plum book, this full blown adventure and true introduction was so much fun. It was great reading a new series from Evanovich that had the same comedy but different characters and attitude. I loved the relationship between Lizzy and her new “bodyguard” Diesel.

When Lizzy is approached by a mystery man who claims she has special powers and has the ability to find magical objects, she tries her best to ignore him, until danger strikes and she sees no other choice but to fake it and hope that her new house guest will disappear as soon as she helps. It doesn’t take long for Lizzy to realize there is more to the story and she is deep in a mystery that won’t be solved anytime soon.

REVIEW: 12th of Never

 

Title: 12th of Never
Author: James Patterson
Finished: May 2, 2013
Pages: 397
Published: 2013

The Women’s Murder Club is one of my favorite series and I always look forward to the release of the next book each year. In the latest adventure, Lindsey is faced with her biggest challenge yet – motherhood. It’s to picture this tough as nails cop suddenly on the sidelines was she welcomes her new baby girl, but she doesn’t let that stop her from helping her girls solve the latest adventure. Even when she faces a mother’s worst fear, she stays strong and true to Boxer form.

I really enjoyed the latest and can’t wait to see how this ties into the future books.

 

Read-a-Thon Update (12p-3pm)

My guest for the day has left but my reading isn’t doing much better. I did finish another book but I’ve been suffering from a headache and just want to curl up for a bit (that might come a little later). It’s too soon to give into temptation.

Hopefully I’ll cruise through another book. Still trying to decide what to read next but I took a shower and I feel ready to rock-n-roll!

Pages read: 107 since last update (307 total)
Time spent reading:  5 hours 55 mins

Titles finished
How to Write Love Letters by Michelle Lovric
Mrs. Shakespeare by Robert Nye

Currently Reading:
TBD

Mini Challenges Completed:
Introduction Meme
Self Portrait

Back to reading!