I found this great new challenge hosted by Roof Beam Reader called “Austen in August.” I realized I haven’t read any Austen this year, so I thought this would be a great opportunity to finally read Emma. They are also hosting a book group for Northanger Abbey. There are also several Jane-inspired books on my shelves that need to be read.
With that in mind, I’ve decided to add a new mini-challenge for the month of August. My plan for the challenge is to complete five books. Here are my specially designed categories:
1. An Austen novel I’ve never read: Emma
2. An old favorite: Northanger Abbey
3. An unfinished work completed by another author: The Watsons
4. An interesting mashup/adaptation of a Jane Austen work: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
5. A nonfiction book about Jane Austen or her time period: Jane Austen and Her Times by G.E. Mitton
I’m planning to add a page to this site outlining the challenges I’m participating in this year. Hopefully, my personal challenge has inspired you to pick up an Austen book and create your own challenge. Click THIS POST to sign up!
Are you involved in any reading challenges? What are some of your favorite Austen classics? Comments are always welcome!
I Would Rather Be Reading 
Another excellent non-fiction read about Austen’s time period is “What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew” by Daniel Pool. It sheds so much light on Regency & Victorian era classics.
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Thank you Sir! I will definitely look for this one.
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I haven’t read Northanger Abbey yet but I really want to!! This sounds like a fun list. 🙂
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Northanger Abbey is an old favorite, definitely worth reading.
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Thanks for letting me know how to find you (from Roof Beam Reader).
I listened to the P&P and Zombies a year or two ago as I did my daily walking. It was a lot of fun.
I will also be rereading Northanger Abbey with the group.
And I just ordered (from the library) “What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew.”
I am looking forward to this reading challenge.
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I’m curious about reading P&P and Zombies as I’m still on the fence on whether mashups like these are ok. You are the second person to tell me about “What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew.” I will definitely look for that one!
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love the variety of your selection
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Have you ever seen the old BBC movie of Northanger Abbey starring Peter Firth (no relation to Colin apparently) & Robert Hardy (who sadly died this week)?
I adored it.
I’ve just finished Lady Susan and hope to now watch Love & Friendship.
Happy Austen in August 🙂
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I haven’t seen the old BBC Northanger Abbey but will add it to my list as I love old BBC dramas. I need to read Lady Susan as well. Happy Austen in August!
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I’m joining in with Austen in August. This is my 4th year. I read and reviewed Emma this time.
The whole month is a lot of fun with various posts and prizes and such. I think you’ll enjoy it!
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You have loftly goals for the month of Austen. Good luck with the challenge. I would be honored if you would read my first review for the challenge. Longbourn
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Great review! Thank you for directing me to this book. I posted a comment on your blog but not sure if it actually posted.
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