Austenland by Shannon Hale

Rating: 2.1.2

Recommended audience: 16+

Category: Romance

This book is pure chick-lit, nothing very substantial or thought provoking...but I really liked it. The story is about an early 30's single woman named Jane who has had many failed relationships and blames it partly on her obsession with Mr. Darcy (as played by Colin Firth). She ends up at Austenland, a vacation spot where attendees immerse themselves in the world of Jane Austen complete with the empire waist dresses, corsets, and high tea while actors pretend to be Austenian type characters. Jane's goal is to overcome her obsession with Mr. Darcy so she can finally succeed in a real relationship. This is funny, cute and pure escape fiction but if you like Jane Austen I think you'll like this book. If you love Jane Austen and can seriously critique everything relating to her books, this book might not cut it for you. I don't think you have to have read Austen's books to enjoy this but it is helpful.

Mr. Darcy's Diary by Amanda Grange

Rating: 1.1.1

Recommended audience: Teen to Adult

Category: Historical romance

4 Stars

This is Pride and Prejudice from Mr. Darcy's point of view. Though it probably doesn't fit into the category of literary greatness, I really liked this book. I will probably read it again and again just like I read Pride and Prejudice over and over again. It can't really be compared to P&P but it sure is fun for all of us Jane Austen fans. Definitely recommended but don't read it before you've read P&P. I'm quite interested in picking up Grange's other books now, like Mr. Knightley's Diary.