A Book A Month Challenge

This is a super late post because I am super lazy to blog. So last February, I kind of challenged myself to read a book or two every month. And by book I mean, a three hundred or so pagelength kind of novel. This book is what I read last month.

I'm a certified bookworm since I can't remember when. Saying I love to read is an understatement. Reading, to me, is like an addiction, a stress-reliever and a leisure rolled into one. If for some other people, their guilty pleasure is, eherm, food; mine's books. (Although I admit I love to eat, too! :D) Going back to books, I dunno why but I have this inexplicable wonderful feeling every time I open a book and its familiar yet indescribable scent fills my nostrils; and how the pages rustle every time I flip them next. Ah, heaven!

For the last decade or so of my life, I have read quite a number of books/novels/short stories already. It's such a shame though, that it's just now that I got to read Pride and Prejudice, that classic of a historical romance novel by Jane Austen. Bummer, I know.

Anyways, Pride and Prejudice is about...

The classic tale of love and misunderstanding unfolds in class-conscious England near the close of the 18th century. The five Bennet sisters – Elizabeth, or Lizzie, Jane, Lydia, Mary, and Kitty – have been raised well aware of their mother's fixation on finding them husbands and securing set futures. The spirited and intelligent Elizabeth, however, strives to live her life with a broader perspective, as encouraged by her doting father.

When wealthy bachelor Mr. Bingley takes up residence in a nearby mansion, the Bennets are abuzz. Amongst the man's sophisticated circle of London friends and the influx of young militia officers, surely there will be no shortage of suitors for the Bennet sisters. Eldest daughter Jane, serene and beautiful, seems poised to win Mr. Bingley's heart. For her part, Lizzie meets with the handsome and - it would seem - snobbish Mr. Darcy, and the battle of the sexes is joined.

Their encounters are frequent and spirited yet far from encouraging. Lizzie finds herself even less inclined to accept a marriage proposal from a distant cousin, Mr. Collins, and – supported by her father – stuns her mother and Mr. Collins by declining. When the heretofore good-natured Mr. Bingley abruptly departs for London, devastating Jane, Lizzie holds Mr. Darcy culpable for contributing to the heartbreak. But a crisis involving youngest sister Lydia soon opens Lizzie's eyes to the true nature of her relationship with Mr. Darcy.

The ensuing rush of feelings leaves no one unchanged, and inspires the Bennets and everyone around them to reaffirm what is most important in life.

Jane Austen satirizes society superbly in this romance about a young woman---Elizabeth Bennett, to whom you will come to love---who learns about her own prejudices and a man---Mr. Darcy---who learns to temper his pride.

The dialogue is brilliant though in old-ish English kind of way. The fun part of the book, aside from the 18th century etiquette and manners and puns on social class, is no matter how many times you read this book, the prose is so fresh that you always wonder if Lizzy and Darcy will hook up! :)

Pride and Prejudice is a classic work of literature that you should dare not miss!


Go forth and read,
Joey