my old friends

    

I have been reading "March" by Geraldine Brooks - a novel about the civil war chaplin and father of the Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy in Little Women. So far I am intrigued by the way the characters are growing and transforming as the story progresses and they are faced with the various moral crises during the rocky civil war. I would recommend this book if you are looking for a good read. 

On Jane Austen: 

I've read all the Austen novels, some two and three times, and I am still discovering new ways to enjoy her work! I just stumbled upon the Jane Austen Society of North America website and I can't believe that 4,000 people across North America actually get together and talk, read, have tea, and dance Jane Austen. There is actually a regional group in my state, SC, so maybe one day I will have to join. It sounds like such fun. In the mean time, I might actually read all the books again. I haven't read any Austen yet this year and the year is almost gone. Although I did enjoy Becoming Jane and The Jane Austen Book Club - two modern movies with Jane Austen themes. The latter actually surprised me. It wasn't really about Jane Austen as much as about real life and how good literature really can change your way of thinking and your life. I really enjoyed it though I was skeptical of the story line at first.