Now, before you groan and begin asking mean-spirited questions, let me ask them for you. Trust me, I've groaned and asked myself the same things. What is with all the Austen and paranormal stuff? Why do so many authors aspire to write about Austen and fail? Why do I keep giving these authors the opportunity to dash my hopes over and over and over again?
This is why:
Jane Bites Back by Michael Thomas Ford
Jane Bites Back is about Jane Austen, beloved author and vampire, currently living in Brakeston, NY, owning a bookstore selling many items relating to herself, while her own manuscript (not Sanditon) has been rejected by publishers for 2 centuries. There are also a few men in her life, which, of course, results in romantic confusion. It's an interesting idea, a great title, and obviously the concept would be so easy to do poorly.
Except Ford did an excellent job executing his idea effectively. This book is exactly what I look for: funny, clever, relatable. It's a quick read that isn't pretentious, is written well, and that kept me guessing. Also, there are numerous literary and pop culture references. You can feel, reading this book, that Ford had fun writing it, and in turn, it is fun to read.
Dealing with a woman who wrote some of the most popular romances of all time, Jane Bites Back explores the concept of romance, and points out that Austen's books were so much more than romance (which might be part of the reason that they still have readers). I love so much about this book, but don't want to give too much away. Suffice it to say, I think you should read it.
4 comments:
Before I even dive into the Jane Austen paranormal category, I think I should be reading the originals first. And I don't even have an excuse NOT to. I've got all the books (one Christmas I bought myself an anthology of her completed novels) and I've got time! Plus I heard they're tres amazing, so I'll get right on that.
BUT!
When I do read her novels, I'll be sure to read Jane Bites Back FIRST, so all the other books can be dull and lame, compared to this one.
As the review you gave of this book sounds cool! And interesting.
I mean, Jane, a VAMPIRE? Whoah-oah! Who would've thought that when reading something by her? (Or watching a movie based on her novels?)
Plus I really do enjoy pop culture references in books I read.! Or shows I watch. ETC.
=)
Yes, read those novels right away! I could talk for days about Jane Austen's brilliance (you would get sick of me very quickly, though). I really hope that you enjoy them as much as I do, and I envy you being able to read them for the first time.
"Jane Bites Back" was definitely a great read, as well. I'm glad that you plan to read it. :)
Hi, Shelly. Thanks so much for the kind words! A friend forwarded me a link to it, and it made my day.
I'm so excited that you got the opportunity to read it! I really did love your book - thank you for writing it.
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