Its all about the quotes...

I have not read as many books as I would have liked to so far this summer. But, I have managed to read a few books that have had some lovely quotables. I love them so much I just had to share them!

Another Classic Checked off my list: My Review of Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

    

                              

Another Classic Checked off my list: My Review of Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Any of my friends can tell you that I am a Janeite. Absolutely in love with just about all things Austen. So a few weeks ago, I joined one of my fellow Book lovers and soul sister Charlotte; in reading Northanger Abbey. This was my first time reading the novel and I was excited because I had read that it was Austen's take on a gothic novel (though it ends up being a parody). Many of which were written and wildly popular in her lifetime. So I went into it expecting something very different from what I read. I was a bit disappointed at first. But - Jane never really ever disappoints. She gives you characters you can grow to love and cherish. Which was very much the case with Catherine Morland; the heroine of the novel. I found Catherine to be very relatable; then though she was a bit childish and naive at first.  Frankly, she reminded me a lot of myself in my late teens and early twenties. Catherine is a young woman who very much wants to forge her own path; she seems to want an adventure but also wants to be content with life as well. She is very different from some of the other characters written by Austen that I love. Unlike Lizzie Bennett, she not at all strong willed; she does not openly express her opinions - not even among close friends. She is also, not as dizzy, or nutty as Marianne. But definitely not as sensible as  Elinor. There is a perfect imperfection in Miss. Morland's character that I could not help but love. One of the things I love the most about this book was her slow and evolving friendship with Henry Tilney. When Henry first comes upon the scene (talking of women, letter writing, and bad grammar) I really found him annoying. But, like most of Austen's male characters he grows on you (like a fungus lol). Tilney is harmless and a bit odd. Which actually is what I loved the most about him. He seems almost from the start to be a good match for Catherine. 

Another thing that I loved about this book was the friendship between Catherine and Isabella Thorpe. Yes, Isabella is annoying, rude, and extremely selfish. But, she is a good example of what some "friends" can truly be in our lives. They can often use us for their own gains and shower is in a lot of fake affection. I know I have experienced it and honestly I believe most women may have experienced this as well. The only characters I could not stand in this book were Isabella's brother, John. As well as, Mrs. Allen. I did not like Allen because she did not seem all that interested in anything really going on with Catherine - she seemed okay with allowing Catherine to go about with the Thorpe's and their schemes without a thought of what impact it could have on Catherine. Especially since some things women and men did just NOT do together during that era because they could be seen as improper. I did not care for John Thorpe because he was a liar - and almost ruined Catherine's happiness with Tilney by selling the general a lie that Catherine is wealthy; when in fact she is not. Not to mention her tries to force her into an "understanding" by starting the rumor that the two are a couple. Which could not be further from the truth. Thank goodness for that. The book ends with everyone ending up right where they need to be...though Catherine's brother is heartbroken because of Isabella's behavior.

What I found odd at this book was the way in which Austen wrote it; the POV was a little odd. The work was also a bit more on the sarcastic side; though this is probably because the book is a  parody. I did find the book a little harder to read than most of her novels, and I got bored with it in places. I do not regret taking the time to read it however. I gave the book 4/5 stars on goodreads.

Quotes I loved:

"That no young lady can by justified in falling in love before the gentleman's love is declared, it must be very improper that a young lady should dream of a gentleman before the gentleman has first dreamt of her"

"Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love"

 

    

Currently Reading....and Books Read last month!

First up what I am currently reading! 

I am Currently Reading several books; one book is for chumps! I am finishing up Northanger Abbey (Jane Austen), A Court of Mist and Fury (Sarah J. Maas). I have started Welcome to Night Vale by (J. Fink/J.Cranor) and The Vampire Lestat (Anne Rice). 

What I read last month....

Because of really bad seasonal allergies and being sick I did not get through my usual four books last month. But I did get to enjoy Michael Connelly's Fifth Witness and The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey. I was excited to have finally gotten to each. I will be posting the review for both really soon. 

Currently Reading....

Woo hoo! I am currently reading these three lovely books....

1)Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

2)Cleoparta: A life by Stacy Schiff

3)A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J.Maas

Jane Austen, Mysterious men and Bookselling: The Bookbabe Reviews First Impressions by Charlie Lovett

                                         

       

Howdy Bookies, I am back with yet another review of something Jane Austen related. A few weeks ago I read First Impressions by Charlie Lovett; a book that questions the true authorship of Pride and Prejudice. What bought me to this book was the fact that I had read and  LOVED Lovett's The Bookmans Tale last year. This book was definitely not a disappointment.  Basically the books main character Sophie Collingswood is an Austen fan, and general book lover. She gets caught up in the mystery of the murder of her beloved uncle and a mystery involving her beloved Austen; with a bit of romance and danger added in. What I really loved about this book, like Lovett's other novel, is that the characters are 100% relatable. Sophie is everything you love in a  bibliophile; she is intelligent, well read, overly protective of  books, and quick on her feet. Sophie comes from a seemingly well to do family that had a long history of publishing in its blood. However, her father is not a fan of books, or even reading. He finds the family library to be unnecessary, basically it is a waste of space and since most of the books are first editions of collectables they can be sold off to the highest bidder. The only person standing is his way is Sophie's beloved Uncle. Who won't allow his brother to sell even one book in the family library. Sophie's uncle is the reason she loved books; he is the reason she is found of old books and behind her as she studies Library sciences at Oxford. So when he suddenly is found dead in his flat Sophie just can not seem to accept the cause of this demise. She is determined to prove that someone murdered him; in fact, the quest almost costs her her life. 

What I really loved about the book was that it bounced back from Sophie's time period to the regency period, in which, Austen lived. Lovett writes in Austen's voice so beautifully that it made me feel like I was re-reading one of my favorite novels. He made Austen come alive in a way that I have never seen other authors do. Another thing that was extremely impressive was the balance of innocent romance and suspense. There was just enough romance to make you swoon and enough suspense to keep you up at night wanting to finish the book in one sitting. I am happy to say that I took my time reading this book so that I could throughly enjoy it. It was the well developed characters and the artful balance of romance and suspense that lead me to give First Impressions 5/5 stars on Goodreads. 

I definitely see this book becoming one I give away to fellow Austen fans.

Favorite Quotes:

"A bibliophile raised in a family that does not know the word...that's me"

(it was this moment that let me know Sophie was set to be my literary BFF of the moment)

"A good book is like a good friend. It will stay with you for the rest of your life. When you first get to know it, it will give you excitement and adventure and years later it will provide you with comfort and familiarity. And best of all, you can share it with your children or your grandchildren or anyone you love enough to let into its secrets"

"Let me ask you this, Miss Austen. Are you able to prevent yourself from writing?"

"Indeed not. I find that my stories will not cease to crowd all other thoughts from my mind until I have committed them to paper"

"...Then, Miss Austen, let there be no doubt about it - you are a novelist"

"It is only when we attach happiness to those things which are worldly and unimportant that our lives become corrupted"

For more information of this book go to www.goodreads.com

Please be sure to follow me at www.facebook.com/thebookbabeofde and www.delawarebookaddict.blogspot.com

Thoughts on the passing of Alan Rickman

Alan Rickman is best known for his role as Snape in the Harry Potter movies; however, he was first introduced to me in the film adaptation of Sense and Sensiblity (by Jane Austen). I loved him as Colonel Brandon and as I read through Austen's book this past summer I pictured Rickman sitting next to Kate Winslet reading to her. Him coming to the recuse of Brandon's lady love once she fell ill. Of course, his portrayal of Snape is one of my favorites. Mainly because Snape is my favorite Hogwarts Professor; in the books. Alan played him so beautifully and completely. So in honor of Mr. Rickman...I raise my wand and say with a heavy heart .... "ALWAYS" ⚡️ 

Goals for 2016....

2015 did bring some very good reads but  2016 is going to be an even better year. Several of my favorite authors are coming out with new books this year. What I am most excited about 2016 is that I have made a commitment to read more diverse books; which I hope will allow me to branch out to different genres. Here a four genres I hope to read/reintroduce myself to:

1) Mysteries

2) Horror 

3) Non fiction

4) Sci fi

I do also plan to read more classics this year. Starting with Emma by Jane Austen this month. My top five classics I hope to read this year:

1) Emma by Jane Austen

2) Little a Women by Louisa May Alcott

3) From the Maddening Crowd by Thomas Hardy

4) Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

5) Persuasion by Jane Austen

My Book goal for the year is 50 +! I think I can do it. So let's cheer teach other on this coming year as we strive to meet our goals. Good Luck Bookies! And Happy New Year! 

Awesome August Book Photo Challenge Day 20: Book Recommendations

Awesome August Book Photo Challenge Day 20: Book Recommendation; well I of course do not have just one. Lol. So here are some of my top faves all by women. 

1) Girl Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen is her recollections of being in a mental institution as a young adult in the 70's. It's nothing at all like the movie. 

2) Austenland by  Shannon Hale is a surprising sweet, funny chic lit read. In this book Jane goes on the vacation of a lifetime. She also finds love along the way. 

3) Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen; what's not to love about this book. It's about falling in love with the most unlikely of persons. 

4)A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness; I am head over heels In love with this series. It has it all, vampires, witches, mysteries, romance, and danger. 

Awesome August Book Photo Challenge Day 10: Favorite Authors

Awesome Book Photo Challenge Day 10: Favorite Author! Well I read to much to just have one...so my picks are Deborah Harkness, Jane Austen, Amy Tan, Stephen King, Edgar Allan Poe, Sarah J. Maas, Alice Walker, Andrew Pyper, and J.K. Rowling. Sorry folks but I read to much to have just one. These are my favorite "fiction writers. Non-fiction/inspirational award goes to David Pelzer (author of A Child called It) Rob Bell (author of Love Wins)  and Max Lucado (author of He Chose the Nails) .

Look what day it is?!

Do you know what today is? It's National Book Lover's Day. I hope your spending your day curled up with your favorite book in your favorite reading spot! 

My Favorite Books of the Summer thus Far!

All of the reviews for these books are on the blog ;) 

Selfishness, Cruelty, and Marriage for convince abounds: The Bookbabe Reviews Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

I started Sense and Sensibility some months ago; and I abandoned it. Mainly because Marianne's character and attitude drove me absolutely crazy. Not to mention the start of the book was rather slow. It is funny; however, that during my reading of this book I started and completed another of Austen's novels. So soon after finishing Pride and Prejudice I decided to finish off the reminder of Sense and Sensibility. The novel, published in 1811; the first of Austen's works to be published, was not unknown to me. Like many Janeites I have seen and owned a copy of the 1995 movie; staring Kate Winslet, Emma Thompson and Hugh Grant. So you can say that I knew what to expect upon reading the book. However, some of the impressions you may get from the characters of the book are often lost in the movie. For instance, the overall selfishness that seems to plague some of the characters does not necessarily come across on the screen. Nor is the silliness of some of the characters truly on display. It did not strike me until re-reading Pride and Prejudice that single men and single women would 1) not be alone together and 2) would never exchange private letters to one another. This, however, seemed to happen often in this book. The worst among them are Willoughby and Marianne. They carry on together in a very, very open and impertinent way. Which would and eventually does lead to a bit of ridicule and gossip. Mrs.Jennings seems to be the main culprit in this, along with her daughter. A lot of the gossip and silliness seems based primarily in boredom and a selfish need to "uplift" oneself. We see this with the other all behavior of Lucy to Elinor. A lot of her "gossip" is used to a means to rub her connections to The Ferrars in Elinor's face. Towards the end of the book Lucy is seen for what she is by her ex fiancé and by Elinor; both of whom had misgivings about her character for sometime.

Overall in this book we see how money and the need for "good fortune" shapes the relationships of the characters. Edward Ferrars, who was engaged to Lucy ends up losing his rightful inheritance because of the engagement. Mainly because Lucy is poor and marrying her could in no way uplift the Ferrars family. However, after losing everything and going back to Oxford; Lucy breaks off the engagement in favor of Edward's brother, Robert. Who has now become the eldest son and will inherit all the money that Edward lost. Of course Robert suffers because of his entanglement with Lucy, but, it does not last and Edward is treated with indifference. The same happens with Willoughby even though he losing his inheritance because he was a cad and left a young woman in the family way and alone. So he breaks off his relationship with Marianne in order to run and find wealthy wife. Upon Marianne's entering London and sending word to him that she had arrived he does everything in his power to avoid her. Willoughby, after seeing her at a party decides to break all ties with her and rather nastily. We later find out that he is not the real author of the letter in a long conversation in which he explains himself to Elinor. Its rather heartbreaking and even though Elinor has to check her emotions to help mend his sisters broken heart. She knows that concealing her heart break over Edward and Lucy is for the best and that expressing it will get her no where. In better words she is just giving into Marianne's self centeredness and need to hog the spotlight. 

What I really enjoyed about the book was that it showed how messy and unpredictable relationships can be. Austen crafted this one beautifully, perfectly and it pulled at the heart strings. What I did miss however were the direct declarations of love that we see in Pride and Prejudice. While they do happen in the novel, they happen in directly. Willoughby and Colonel Brandon declare their love for Marianne directly to Elinor. Who never really gets a declaration of love at all. The love between her and Edward is a lasting and true one none the less but I would have loved to see more. Also, I missed the wit of Pride and Prejudice. The characters are more ridiculous than funny. I honestly must say that I gave this book four stars. It will still be counted as one of my all time favorites.

Quotes that I loved:

"The unkindness of your own relations has made you astonished to find friendship anywhere"

"You ought not to speak in this way, either of Mrs. Willoughby or my sister. You have made your own choice. It was not forced on you. Your wife has a claim to your politeness, to your respect, at least. She must be attached to you, or she would not have married you. To treat her with unkindness, to speak of her slightingly is not atonement to Marianne - not can I suppose it a relief to your own conscience"

"Do not talk to me of my wife, said he with a heavy sigh. She does not deserve your compassion. She knew I had no regard for her when we married"

"The whole of his behavior, replied Elinor, from the beginning to the end of the affair, had been grounded on selfishness. It was selfishness which made him sport with your affections; which afterward, when his own were engaged, made him delay he confession of it, and which finally carried him from Barton...."

"At present, continued Elinor, he regrets what he has done. And why does he regret it? Because he finds it has not answered towards himself. It has no made him happy."

For more reviews and observations be sure to follow me at www.delawarebookaddict.blogspot.com or www.facebook.com/thebookbabeofde

An Era of Civility: My re-reading of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

A few months ago Story Wonk (www.storywonk.com) announced that it would be running a seminar called "In Want of A Wife"; which examines Jane Austen's most popular novel, Pride and Prejudice. I thought that a great time to re-read the story and dive head first into the book for the second time. I read Pride and Prejudice the first time during my freshman year of college and fell head over heels in love with not only Darcy and Elizabeth but also regency England. Why did I love this time period you may ask; honestly simply because it was a era of good manners, a simple life and civility. Yes things are formal and a bit stuffy but in that world all that is good and proper is praised. Something that seems to be messing from the times we live in today. Not to mention that the prose written during that period is absolutely beautiful. What I also love about Jane Austen's take on family life during this time period is that she is so willing to poke fun at all the silly things that go on within a family; this is perhaps what makes Pride and Prejudice so engaging.

Pride and Prejudice is (in my mind) one of the most romantic books I have ever read because of the way Darcy and Elizabeth are thrown together. She thinks him proud and rude; very mean spirited and willing to control the lives of others simply because he can. Elizabeth is primarily judged , by Darcy, based on the actions of her family. She could be viewed as wild, loud and impertinent as her sisters Lydia and Kitty. As bookish as Mary, as sweet and impersonal as Jane. As well as, as much a gossip and phony as her mother. However Elizabeth, though headstrong, is only guilty of allowing her first impression and acquaintances to shape her opinions and views of those she comes into contact with. Elizabeth is also extremely observant but only when it come to the relationships of others. She seemed to be completely blindsided by Darcy's regard for her. Darcy once rejected by Elizabeth does his best to change her opinion of him. He takes inventory of his behavior and tries to right his wrongs. Its not until his Aunt, Lady Catherine (in one of the best chapters of the book ...56) confronts Elizabeth about her ties to Darcy that he has hope that she loves him back.

Through it all, we all get to see the feelings of Darcy and Elizabeth shift in a very natural and beautiful way. They grow from despising one another,  to civility bordering on indifference to a slow, burning, joyous love for each other. Most often relationships that happen this way in books (and sometimes in life) are the most memorable. 

 While re-reading the book my feelings about Jane changed. When I first read the book I liked her, but upon finishing it this time I no longer do. I found her to be weak and a tad selfish. For the life of me I can not understand how she so was so easily duped by Bingley's sister. Sadly, I like her better in the movie than I do in the book. Another character I found myself wanting to scream at was Lydia. I literally kept thinking of how badly I would have loved to be able to slap her. I did not remember her being as annoying as she was. Overall, I enjoyed my re-reading of the novel very much. In fact, I found myself kissing my book goodnight as I sled it back into its place of honor on my shelf.

Quotes I loved: 

"If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged but one word from you would silence me on the subject forever."

"I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is to long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun."

For more reviews be sure to follow me at www.delawarebookaddict.blogspot.com

Happy International Women's Day!!!

On this International Women's Day The Bookbabe would like to uplift every female author (both published and unpublished) who has been brave enough to give away a part of themselves in their writings! 

Oh Mr. Darcy...

Some of The Most Romantic Words Ever Written

Every February the prayer is the same!!!

And Maury Determined....That that was a Lie!

The First Annual Bookbabe Holiday Gift Guide for 2014....

So I came up with the bright idea to comply a list of books that make really wonderful gifts. The books in this guide will be broken down along several genres; from Faith and Inspirational to Children's books. All of the books can be found on several book buyers websites. Pricing will also be provided.

Faith and Inspirational

1) God thinks your Wonderful by Max Lucado ($11.89 on Amazon)

2) Love Wins : A Book about Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived ($5.99 on Bookoutlet.com)

3) The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch ($17.14 on Amazon)

4) Night with a Perfect Stranger: The Conversation that Changes Everything by David Gregory ($9.24 on Amazon)

Horror

5) Salem's Lot by Stephen King ($6.00 on Amazon)

6) Prince Lestat by Anne Rice ($17.37 on Amazon)

7) The Strain by G.Del Toro & Chuck Hogan ($12.85 on Amazon)

8) Psycho by Robert Bloch ($13.02 on Amazon)

10) Revival by Stephen King ($17.04 on Amazon)

Mystery/Thiller

11) The Demonologist by Andrew Pyper ($11.51 on Amazon)

12) Angels and Demons by Dan Brown ($10.45 on Amazon)

13) And Then There Where None by Agatha Christie ($6.00 on Amazon)

14) Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn ($9.00 on Amazon)

General Fiction

15) Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan ($11.75 on Amazon)

16) The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson ($8.06 on The Book Depository)

17) Austenland by Shannon Hale ($9.19 on The Book Depository)

18) The Color Purple by Alice Walker ( $10.38 on Amazon)

Classic Lit

19) Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen ($2.57 on Amazon)

20) The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald ($9.00 on Amazon)

21) The Little Women by Louisa May Alcott ($13.53 on Amazon)

22) Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte ($3.50 on Amazon)

Children's Books

23) The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis ($6.00 on Amazon)

24) Charlotte's Web by E.B. White ($6.00 on Amazon)

25) Coraline by Neil Gaiman ($6.00 on Amazon)

26) Harry Potter Series ($50.26 on Amazon)

Young Adult Books

27) Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl ($9.63 on Amazon)

28) Marked (House of Night Book #1) by P.C. & Kristen Cast ($8.04 on Amazon)

29) City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments Book #1) by Cassandra Clare ($7.37 on Amazon)

30) Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices Book #1) by Cassandra Clare ($7.93 on Amazon)

Oh Well....Mr. Darcy is!