Book Review: Jane Austen's Little Book of Wisdom

QUICK FACTS

• Title: Jane Austen’s Little Book of Wisdom: Words on Love, Life, Society, and Literature
• Author: Jane Austen
• Compiled by: Andrea Kirk Assaf
• Genre: Literary Quotes, Self Help, Gift Books
• Publisher: ‎Hampton Roads Publishing (March 1, 2023)
• Length: (400) pages
• Format: Trade paperback & eBook
• ISBN: 978-1642970494
• Tour Dates: July 10-24, 2023

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BOOK DESCRIPTION

The ultimate companion for the Jane Austen fan filled with her penetrating insights and humor on life, love, and death.

Jane Austen is one of the most popular female writers in history, best known for her stories of love, loss, and hope, which are cleverly intertwined with her witty insights into the traits and expectations of English Georgian society.

Here, in this stunning little book, you will be able to read hundreds of individual quotes from her famous works—from Pride and Prejudice and Emma to Persuasion and Sense and Sensibility—each prompting an emotional response, thoughtful musing, or even a little snigger at the wise and shrewd perceptions that Austen had of the world around her.

Utterly charming and very profound, fans of Jane Austen can revel in these much-loved quotes, while a new audience will be introduced to the joys that her books have provided since their publication many years ago. With each chapter focusing on a different theme—from Love & Longing to Female Strength—this gorgeous gift book is the perfect compilation of Austen’s funny, moving, and thought-provoking words.

Content of themes:

❤️ Love & Longing
❤️ Friendship
❤️ Society
❤️ Female Strength
❤️ Life & Death
❤️ Faith
❤️ Art & Literature

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MY THOUGHTS

Jane Austen’s Little Book of Wisdom: Words on Love, Life, Society, and Literature, compiled by Andrea Kirk Assaf, is adorable, yet stylish. At nearly 400 pages, the book is thick, but remains compact. I can fit it in my purse.

As expected, Jane Austen’s Little Book of Wisdom showcased the wit, depth, humor, and intelligence of this beloved author. Included quotes came from the entirety of Jane Austen’s works – novels, letters, prayers, juvenilia, and poems. Eight sections divide the quotations by topic. One of my favorite Jane Austen prayers appeared on page 92: “May we now, and on each return of night, consider how the past day has been spent by us, what have been our prevailing thoughts, words, and actions during it.” A wise word, indeed. I noticed that a handful of quotes repeated partially or in full at different points in the book.

Perhaps my favorite part of reading Jane Austen’s Little Book of Wisdom was trying to place the quotes within their respective stories and scenes. I recommend Jane Austen’s Little Book of Wisdom as a gift for Jane Austen fans.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

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PRAISE FOR JANE AUSTEN’S LITTLE BOOK OF WISDOM

“A valuable resource for any Austen lover to use for quick reference or to read through.” —Library Journal

“It’s a lovely way to spend a little time each day revisiting and reflecting on Austen’s beloved works without embarking on a full reread—and also to test your ability to peg each isolated quote to specific events in its respective story. Feel free to invite your fellow Austenites over and turn it into a full-fledged trivia game.” —Mental Floss

“For Austen fans and lovers of wise words, Jane Austen’s Little Book of Wisdom: Words on Love, Life, Society, and Literature compiled by Andrea Kirk Assaf, provides a genuine treasure trove. Assaf has curated a wonderful collection here, her other works encompassing popes and saints, precisely in line with the reverence Austen deserves.” —NewPages.com

“This lovely book will provide a daily diet of Austen sensibility every day of the year. My vote: 4 out of 4 teacups.” —JaneAustensWorld.com

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PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS | BOOKBUB

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AUTHOR BIOS

Jane Austen was an English novelist known primarily for her six major novels, which interpret, critique and comment upon the British landed gentry at the end of the 18th century. Austen's plots often explore the dependence of women on marriage in the pursuit of favourable social standing and economic security.

Andrea Kirk Assaf is an editor, journalist, and translator who divides her time between Rome and Michigan.

Summer Reading Suggestions from Sheila Gregoire!

One of my favorite bloggers, Sheila Gregoire, at To Love, Honor, and Vacuum, posted a Summer Reading List on Twitter and I'm re-sharing it here. 

What should you bring to the beach to read this summer? As my email subscribers may know, a few Fridays ago I sent out an email with links to some posts about the problems my daughters … https://t.co/Hzl9tg4XZ0

— SheilaGregoire (@sheilagregoire) July 18, 2018

Disclaimer: Like I said, Sheila is one of my favorite bloggers, but I do not share all her views on Christian fiction. In fact, I love Christian romances! However, I am always looking for book recommendations that expand my reading boundaries and Sheila's list is certainly worth noting. Now, without further ado....

The only ones I've read that made her list are Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion Series and Jane Austen's books, Emma and Persuasion.

I would really like to check out Catherine Ryan Hyde's novels as I recognize the name, but haven't read any.

And I have a friend who has recommended Agatha Christie novels for years.

That being said, I still have my stack of novels that I posted about last week: (minus The Prayer Box, which I read this past weekend)

So, I think I have plenty of reading to do.  And that makes me happy!

(P.S. - I have no idea why there are two different fonts in the post and I can't seem to resolve it... Sorry!)

Emma by Jane Austen

Emma is essentially the story of the transformation of Emma Woodhouse from a self-righteous, headstrong young woman to a wise, joyful woman. Emma prides herself on her matchmaking ability. The happiness of the marriage of her former governess is her obvious proof. When she takes on Harriet Smith as her charge and determines to find the perfect match for her, her attempts fail time and time again. Disappointed in the outcome of her attempts, she resolves to only contribute to Harriet's happiness as her friend. In the end, when it seems that a match for Harriet may finally be made between Harriet and Mr. Knightley, only then does Emma realize the truth she has denied for so long and the folly of what she worked so hard for may cost her heart.

Emma is a classic by Jane Austen and this is my first time reading one of Austen's works. I certainly understand why the book is considered a classic. Austen engages the reader who wonders about the outcome until the very end. The style in which it is written requires thought and time to truly understand the story. It is definitely not one that can be read through at a high speed and still comprehended at a high level. I browsed the introduction to this book as it was probably close to 50 pages long. The writer of the introduction seems to think that Emma had some gender-identity issues. I completely disagree. The portions he cited did not seem to prove his point to me and I believe the ending settles any question of if Emma is attracted to men or women. Personally, I loved this book. I would not recommend it to anyone who does not enjoy reading, but I would recommend it to people who are fans of romance.