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.

April Reading Re-Cap & Expected May Reads

My April 2020 Reads: 

I realize I'm posting this a bit early, but I know I won't finish any more books before the end of the month so I thought I'd go ahead and share.

April brought lots of challenges into our household and I found myself gravitating toward lighter reading. Usually I'm all about deep character development and moving stories. But this month, the lighter, less probing books met my reading tastes.

In April, I finished:

1. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, annotated by Karen Swallow Prior. - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


2. Daughter of Rome by Tessa Afshar - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


3. Stay with Me by Becky Wade - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


4. Emberhawk by Jamie Foley - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


5. The House at the End of the Moor by Michelle Griep - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


6. The Chisholm Trail Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


7. Fierce, Free and Full of Fire: The Guide to Being Glorious You by Jen Hatmaker. - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Review coming 5/12/20.


8. The Prophet and the Dove by Kirby Lee Davis - ⭐⭐ - Review to come.

With so many five star reads, there's no way I can pick a favorite. 🤷 It was a great reading month! 🙂

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Expected May 2020 Reads:

In May, I hope to read:

1. An Uncommon Woman by Laura Frantz. - I've been looking forward to reading this book for months!!! It's my local book club's selection for May and we'll be chatting with the author! Can't wait! 🙂


2. Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano. - This author is not new to the Christian fiction scene, but she is new-to-me.


3. Ruby Moon by Jennifer Knipfer. - Both this book and it's sequel have been sitting on my shelf for months! Sometimes I get soooo behind! 🙈


4. The Lost Lieutenant by Erica Vetsch. - A new to me author. I've already heard lots of good buzz about this novel.


5. A Mosaic of Wings by Kimberly Duffy. - Looking forward to this one!


6. The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall. - A group read I'm doing with some friends.

What will you read this month?

Book Review: Sense and Sensibility

About the Book:

Sense and Sensibility. Frankenstein. The Scarlet Letter. You’re familiar with these pillars of classic literature. You may even be able to rattle off a few quotes, but do you really know how to read them? Do you know how to read them as a Christian?

Through this beautifully designed series, bestselling author, literature professor, and avid reader Karen Swallow Prior will guide you through a selection of classics. She will not only navigate you through the pitfalls that trap readers today, but show you how to read them in light of the gospel, and to the glory of God.

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My Thoughts:

This beautiful hardcover edition of Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen features a built-in bookmark, an introduction by Karen Swallow Prior, and an abundance of reflection questions. Many years have passed since the last time I read Sense and Sensibility and Prior’s introduction helped reacquaint me with the backgrounds of both the author and this work. She deftly avoided spoilers while pointing out major themes of the story and suggesting how to read the novel as a modern-day Christian.

I enjoyed reading this edition of Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. The notes within the text furthered my understanding.  Austen’s talent and wit shine. The reflection questions are what I would expect in a college literature class. Most of them require thoughtful consideration of the text and examination of one’s own opinion. The questions would be suitable for use in a book club setting.

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.

Sense and Sensibility

Sense and Sensibility is the classic tale of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, two sisters who share a remarkable bond of love despite their differences. Marianne is given to emotionalism; Elinor is refined and self-controlled. Both women indulge in unhealthy extremes of these mindsets throughout the story and yet they find that they are in many ways alike as they walk through life and search for love.

Jane Austen is one of my favorite historical authors. Her characters are real and I found that I could identify with Marianne especially. The only thing I found to be questionable was the character of Margaret. She was rarely present and did not seem to contribute much to the story.

The version of this book that I read was very insightful. Throughout the story there were notes in the side margin that explained certain words that may have been unfamiliar to some readers. The notes also mentioned parallels between Jane’s life and the lives of her characters. Having seen the 1995 version of the movie, I had some expectations as to what the book would be like. As with most films that are based on books, I found that I enjoyed the book more than the movie simply because the book gives so much more depth to the characters and their situations.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

A Bit of Jane Austen Trivia

Jane Austen was 19 when she began writing Sense and Sensibility. It was published when she was 36. 

Sometimes good things take awhile.  And that's okay.