A few weeks ago I was having coffee with the fabulous Shauna of Mackenzie Image Consulting. We started discussing different books we were reading / had read, and I found myself writing down a few titles and getting onto her for not reading some of the books I had mentioned. It’s always great hearing what other people are reading and getting their input on books. For me, it’s a lot easier having a book recommended to me than strolling through the isles of a book store searching for the perfect one. (Don’t get me wrong, I do that on a regular basis anyways – Barnes & Noble is my equivalent to a shopaholic’s Saks)
And so from that one talk I decided that every 3rd Thursday of the month I would put out the SSM Book of the Month. The first book just happens to be my all time favorite book. A book that I believe every person should read and re-read on a regular basis.
Now I know many of you are thinking “yea, yea I read that back in high school…or I’ve already read that a few years ago…” Well, have you walked outside since you’ve read it? Have you fallen in love or had your heart broken since reading it? Have you grown as a person since the last time you’ve read it? I can almost guarantee this book will affect you differently now than it did .. a few years ago .. or back in high school. You could find that when you once related to Jane, you are now more aligned with Elizabeth, vice versa, or could it be Mother or Father Bennett you now admire.
There is something about watching the dynamics of Elizabeth Bennett’s relationship with the tall, dark and handsome Mr. Darcy that made me yell, laugh, scream and even tear up a bit .. all in the same book. I don’t know of a lot of books that can do that, do you? I didn’t think so. One of the truly greatest love stories I have ever read is one of the realest depictions of happen-stance than can still be applied to modern day life. Yes, it is a bit wordy – but well worth it. Austen builds up the anticipation of Elizabeth’s, her sister Jane’s and all the characters outcomes in a way that is unique only to Austen’s writing. No wonder she’s one of the literary greats!
I hope you will take some time to yourself and read (and re-read) Pride and Prejudice. With the hustle and bustle of the Holidays coming up, the Bennetts are the perfect escape. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the book, even if you’ve already read it, and don’t forget to stay tuned to next month’s SSM Book of the Month.
For a plot summary of the book click here. And by the way – the movie is good, but no where near as good as the book. Read first, then watch. You’ll thank me later!
Can’t find your copy of the book and don’t have time to make it out to the book store? Cruise on over here to Amazon and order it today. ( I even ran the search for you already!)
