Eligible - A Modern Pride And Prejudice

What a refreshing and unique take on a Jane Austen classic! I instantly fell in love with Curtis Sittenfeld's ability to create a modern retelling of my favorite Austen story - Pride and Prejudice. 

Just the first few chapters alone instantly had me hooked and intrigued. Giving modern day meaning to an old way of life was so refreshing. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever picture Mr. Bingley a contestant of a reality dating show but Sittenfeld made it work perfectly. I loved that he found a new voice for the same witty, smart and beautiful characters I've read about over and over for most of my life. 

I am not one for change or remakes but the accuracy, new voice, and corporation of olden ways into a modern-age story left me so taken and blown away by the novel. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I fell in love with it and didn't want it to end. 

Sittenfeld did an amazing job of transitioning the old English wording to modern day while still managing to incorporate words like besmirching, hither and whence, to name a few. Our beloved Elizabeth, or Lizzy, still holds her quirky, stubborn wit and Mrs. Bennet still held the same hilarious temperament that we grew to love and hate in the original. It was so interesting to read the sisters dealing with modern day problems like job searches, feminism, reality television, sexual preferences, coffee shops and Crossfit etc. The romance and flirting carries over and you'll cheer for and scold them the same as you do in the original. Of course, the drama continues to the very end. This is an Austen influenced novel, afterall. 

I think this is a perfect way for those who don't like reading old English or about late 18th century ways of life to be introduced to Austen's brilliance and how she influenced and transcended literature and the writing profession. 

I'm excited that this is just the beginning of modern remakes of Austen's novels. The Austen Project is a collection of authors who, like Sittenfeld, rewrote a classic Austen novel to fit into today's standard of life. I haven't been this excited about a collection of books since Harry Potter. 

To learn more about the Austen Project you can look on their Facebook page or on Goodreads at this link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/113943-the-austen-project. 

Happy Reading! 

Breanna

All About Mothers and Daughters

In celebration of Mother's Day, I have compiled a list of books I feel perfectly depict the bond between a mother and her children. 

Some stories are sad, some intensely complicated and a few are inspiring and fun. Either way, I think we can all agree that there is nothing quite like a relationship between mom and daughter. We often claim we don't want to end up like our mothers but they can be the most inspiring, motivating and encouraging people in our lives. They teach us valuable life lessons that shape us into who we become as adults. I can proudly say as I've gotten older my mom is just as needed in my twenties as she was when I was 10. And, in my humble opinion, you never truly stop needing your mother. It's great to see that they can become not only a great encourager as an adult but a friend as well. The bond transforms over the years and while the story is different for everyone, a mother's love always remains an important part of our lives. I love stories about mothers who have changed into better people and moms, mothers who have righted wrongdoings and mothers who have always remained consistent and true. Every book I list below made me want to call my mom and say a big thank you to her for her sacrifice, hard work and willingness to do what had to be done to make my life a good one. These are great literary examples of the different types of mothers and their love, sacrifice and hard work. 

Little Women - Louisa May Alcott

The Joy Luck Club - Amy Tan 

When We Fall - Emily Liebert

The Nest - Cynthia D'Apriz Sweeney

Where'd You Go, Bernadette - Maria Semple

White Oleander - Janet Fitch 

Where We Belong Emily Giffin 

Each of these books are powerful, moving, emotional and sentimental. I didn't want to stop reading them. These are definitely books I'll go back to often. I cried, I laughed and I was inspired. These mothers have so much strength and courage. While I have no children of my own it is clear to see raising children is no easy feat. So a big thank you to all the hard working moms out there, who do all they can to raise strong children, who do it tirelessly and sometimes alone! You are all fearless and appreciated! 

Happy Reading (& Happy Mother's Day!), 

Breanna