Everything Austen II: Me and Mr. Darcy

Me and Mr. Darcy
By Alexandra Potter
Trade Paperback – 353 pages
Purchased at HPB

“Me and Mr. Darcy” was my second read for the Everything Austen II Challenge.  I was browsing through the newly built Half Price Books near my home (can we say…dangerous!??), and just happened to see this on the shelf.  Since I had just finished my last EAII title, I decided to go ahead and give it a whirl.  For those who may not be familiar with the story, here’s a plot summary via Amazon:

“After a string of disastrous dates, Emily Albright decides she’s had it with modern-day love and would much rather curl up with Pride and Prejudice and spend her time with Mr. Darcy, the dashing, honorable, and passionate hero of Jane Austen’s classic. So when her best friend suggests a wild week of margaritas and men in Mexico with the girls, Emily abruptly flees to England on a guided tour of Jane Austen country instead. Far from inspiring romance, the company aboard the bus consists of a gaggle of little old ladies and one single man, Spike Hargreaves, a foul-tempered journalist writing an article on why the fictional Mr. Darcy has earned the title of Man Most Women Would Love to Date.

The last thing Emily expects to find on her excursion is a broodingly handsome man striding across a field, his damp shirt clinging to his chest. But that’s exactly what happens when she comes face-to-face with none other than Mr. Darcy himself. Suddenly, every woman’s fantasy becomes one woman’s reality. . “

I liked Emily.  I liked Spike.  I liked the whole premise of running away and touring England.  But the book lost luster for me when Mr. Darcy would enter the picture.  Sad, really, that the main focal point of the whole book – Mr. Darcy – would be what turned me off the most.  I’ve always been a fan of time travel storylines, but something about the way in which Mr. Darcy was presented didn’t work for me. Dare I say– I found him to be most unlikeable??  *gasp*  (It feels blasphemous to even say that!) That being said, I did read this book very quickly, and I did enjoy the storyline of Emily and Spike very much.  I just think it would have worked better, for me personally, had it been titled “Me and Spike”, rather than “Me and Mr. Darcy”. 

 

Everything Austen II: Jane Bites Back

Jane Bites Back by Michael Thomas Ford
Trade Paperback – 299 pages
Obtained from the library

 

 

 

 

 

 

 After  waiting for quite some time, finally my first selection for the Everything Austen II Challenge arrived at the library.  I spent a lazy Saturday morning enjoying Jane Bites Back.  Couch, coffee and cozy pillows – I’m not even ashamed to admit that  I didn’t change out of my pajamas till about 4:00 pm.  What a leisurely way to spend a day:)

In this particular rendition of Jane Austen’s life, the beloved author is living as Jane Fairfax in upstate New York, running a small bookstore, trying to hide the fact that she’s a vampire.  Everything is going along smoothly until she receives a visit from some dear old literary friends, Lord Byron and Charlotte Bronte.  Add in the fact that she’s finally going to be a published author again, and keeping everyone unaware of her taste for blood becomes all the more challenging. 

I’m a sucker for a book that makes me laugh out loud.  And JBB, being full of literary one-liners and underhanded puns, kept me smiling.  Although this certainly isn’t a book that I would have normally picked up of my own accord (thank you, EAII, for forcing me out of my reading comfort zone), I do believe I will read the sequel “Jane Goes Batty” when it’s released next February.  Now I’m anxious to move on to my next Austen related book….off to read! 

 

Everything Austen II

I’ve been neglecting the OB for far too long.  In searching for something that will get me out of my funk, and hopefully dissipate this cloud of unhappiness that’s been hanging  over my head, I’ve found a goal that will not only make me smile, encourage me to make new friends, and work steadily towards an accomplishment — but will also be the catalyst to read some literature that I’ve been meaning to read for years.  Introducing, the Everything Austen Challenge II.

Last year, I read about others exploits and adventures in this challenge, but didn’t take the initiative to join.  Well, no more, I say!  I’m ready!  The rules of this challenge are simple and straightforward (necessary requirements in my world).  Simply read, watch or participate in any six Austen related projects from July 1, 2010 through January 1, 2011.   Really — could it get much easier than that?  Stephanie over at  Stephanie’s Written Word is graciously hosting this adventure, so please go visit her page to join this challenge as well.  It’s guaranteed to be a bloody good time. Haha! Look at me….already using British lingo:) 

Here are my picks for the challenge, although I reserve  the right to edit/change my selections at any time (and I’m sure I will).

BOOKS:

Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler

Jane Austen Ruined My Life by Beth Patillo

Scones and Sensibility by Lindsay Eland

Confessions of  Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler

MOVIES:

Lost in Austen

I’ve had my eye on some of these titles for a few years, things that looked interesting  to me – but I thought it might be best to read them after I have actually read an Austen work.  Some of the titles, and the movie, came to my attention after reading fantastic reviews around the blogosphere during EA1.   I’m really looking forward to this challenge.  Off I go to start my Austen Adventure!