currently reading: Austenland by Shannon Hale

(Titularly connected to children's books, because Hale is a Newbery Honor winner. Not for this book, natch.)

Austenland surprised me, which surprises me. Austen has been recooked and warmed over by so many authors by now, many of whom don't seem to actually get her books. Hale actually knows her Austen, which is surprising in itself. But Austenland really doesn't have all that much to do with Austen; it's about romantic pretense, albeit in a funny, lighthearted way. I was reminded a bit of the story "Pilgramage to Earth," but I suppose naming it Sheckleyland wouldn't get nearly as many readers.

I don't want to say much more, since it might constitute spoilers.

(I have yet to see the infamous Colin-Firth-in-a-wet-shirt version of "Pride and Prejudice," but nonetheless, I love the dedication to him. The follow-up in the acknoweldgements is even better.)