Confessions of an Austen Addict

I fell into Jane Austen's novels when I was completing my college education. My high school English teacher introduced me to several classics, but for whatever reason, Austen wasn't among them. I still remember the massive volume my roommate brought with her. Three inches of book in an archaic language should have been daunting, but my roomie's passion was catching. I devoured them. These days I have my own thick volume as well as a respectable collection of DVDs. 

When my friend Raylynn Sleight recommended Jane Austen Ruined My Life and continued to rave about the series, I had to pick it up. Not only was the writing superb and the research behind it impressive, but the theme rang true. Emma, a woman whose entire world has been upturned by a cheating husband and a blight on her professional career, takes to England to follow the steps of her favorite author Jane Austen and do her best to clear her name and reclaim her life.

These days I never expect novels to rattle me to the core. So many books are badly written or are based on themes I can't relate to. A woman's story of self-discovery with a side of romance is a breath of fresh air.

“...These years, snug in our cottage have taught me that had I home and husband of my own, I should not have birthed my novels...My writing box and my little table by the window have been the happiest of endings. You, dearest sister, will know the truth of it, but others who know me less may not comprehend the truth of it.”

Jane Austen Ruined My Life, p 232

My own life choices, Bella's journey in Becoming Beauty, and the life Austen herself led converged on me and tears coursed down my cheeks as I read this section. I didn't expect that, just as I didn't expect Bella's journey to result in tears when I wrote it. My life, like Austen's, has been very quiet. Little romance has entered it. I lamented the fact in private until I realized that because of my quiet life, I have had the time to teach and write and come to know myself. That knowledge is perfectly precious to me.

Someday romance will enter my life again and the days of teaching and writing will have to shift around to accommodate them. But for now, I am grateful for writers who take me on meaningful journeys. Like Beth Patillo. And a certain Miss Jane Austen.

I'd love to know what you're reading! Leave me a comment. And if you need anything else to read...
Book Hangover
Miranual for Life
Letters to My Future Husband
Author, Ninja, Fangirl
Anne-with-an-E
Where Life Takes You
Persuaded
Pass The Pepper
Tragically Flawed or Not
Okay, it's official. I'm addicted to books. And romance.