Jane Austen discussion

I started this thread yesterday with an actual comment, and the GoodReads system went crazy with it. Let's try this again...

We moderators want to get the feedback of group members about what you want to read for the summer. Since our last group read was a Gaskell novel, let's keep it Austen-related this time. Also, we plan to read Sense and Sensibility in October, so keep that in mind.

Would you all like a prequel, sequel, or retelling? We also thought of reading Austen's letters.

What are your opinions? Please chime in!

Austen's Letters sounds like fun. Whatever is the final consensus is fine with me.

Anything other than an actual Austen novel would be new territory for me so I'd embrace whatever the decision is.

What are the prevailing opinions on Joan Aiken's Austen sequels? I found Mansfield Revisited on Paperbackswap; I like Aiken; I love Austen ... ?

I would love to read Jane Austen's letters again. Or else a biography, maybe?

I would love to read her letters, too.

I prefer Austen's letters or a biography or book that would provide historical background for Austen's books. I have no interest in reading prequels, sequels, or retellings of Austen's novels.

I would like to read Austen's letters or a biography also.

Has the group read Lady Susan? It's very short, available free online through Gutenberg project, and breathtaking in its arch tone - she wrote it when she was a teenager and skewers society in ways that evolved into much more tactful writings by the time she published her more famous works.

Gini wrote: "Has the group read Lady Susan? It's very short, available free online through Gutenberg project, and breathtaking in its arch tone - she wrote it when she was a teenager and skewers society in ways..."

Yes, Gini, we've read Lady Susan--sorry!

Sounds like the letters are winning so far...

I am a latecomer to the group, so not surprised. I think reading her letters would be awesome, though, so I vote for those!

I'd be happy with a biography or letters. Or what about Jane Austen's Guide to Good Manners. It gets really good reviews.

Just throwing it out there (if not for June then maybe eventually):

Sure, the later the better for me.

if the letters are available online, they'd be lovely, otherwise it's unlikely that i'd find it in a library or bookstore here in egypt

What is the exact title we are supposed to read in June?

Robin wrote: "What is the exact title we are supposed to read in June?"

That's what we're deciding right now, with this thread so everyone can voice their opinion.

I just received a copy of letters, so I vote for that! ;-)

I would love to read the letters or Jane's biography by her nephew James Austen Leigh. I recently got it for kindle and I don't think it was expensive

So, when and how is the decision made? I'm new to this group.

Just wait for further developments, we are figuring out what to read, Jane Austen's letters, or whatever Megan posted on message one.

We are working on it - it looks like most people want to read the letters.

Rachel and I will be posting the details one of these days shortly (that whole real life/job/responsibilities thing keeps intruding......)

I know, real life sure gets in the way of even posting on Goodreads.

Robin - doesn't it? I mean what is up with that? We all know that our reading and our discussions are more important!!!

Too true. If we could all somehow just put LIFE on hold for just awhile, all would be right with the world. That is why I find the group of friends and reading just the solace that I need at the end of the workday. I thank goodreads for giving me the chance to meet like-minded people who love to read.

Well said. Reading is what helps one cope with reality - it is nice to pick up a book with people you WANT to spend time with - not who you HAVE to spend time with! ;-)

LOL, I hear you on that one. So true.