Catherine Morland is not your average heroine. As far as her books tell her, the heroes should be brilliant, cultured, and witty. Catherine is none of these, but delights in the adventures of her novels, rather than having one of her own.
Until one day, she is invited to holiday in Bath. This holiday will change her life entirely. Her small, rural town at home now miles away, she is forced into the spotlight of the culture of a busy, bustling city. Catherine is not amused, until a certain young man appears in her life. Mr. Tilney is everything a man should be, but can Catherine deserve him? What will her friend Isabella, and Isabella's lovesick brother think? Can Catherine abandon her friends for someone she barely knows? Then, upon being invited by the general to Northanger Abbey, she discovers the family may have some secrets. What mysteries will she find in those old stone halls? What secrets lay hidden in the rooms of the Tilney family household?
Made in Austen's brilliant style, Northanger Abbey shines out as on of the most unusual of her novels. It was written over the span of 13 years, so that Austen from a young writer to become a more accomplished one, had time to make many changes to this work of art. Beautiful in style as well as a compelling read!!
Grade Level: 10.8
The most wonderful news has come to the ears of the mother of the Bennet Daughters: Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty and Lydia. A young gentleman will be renting a large manor who is fabulously wealth and, of course, single. Mrs. Bennet is exceedingly desperate to marry of each of her daughters as not let them become burden upon society. Little does she know that with all of her meddling wiles, Mrs. Bennet could not conceive the events which were to follow Mr. Bingley's coming.
Jane, the eldest, develops a certain fondness for Mr. Bingley right away. Love at first sight seems very real to Jane. She confides in her sister Elizabeth, who has a very different view of love. Upon meeting Mr. Bingley for the first time, the also happen to meet his dear friend, Mr. Darcy. He seems sour; brooding even and wants very little to do with the things of this world which are enjoyable. Upon meeting, he insults Elizabeth who swears that she will never understand why such an arrogant and unpleasant man could exist.
Thought to be one of Austen's finest novels,Pride and Prejudice is certainly among the most well known. And while character development is present in all of her novels, this one in particular I believe has the most drastic changes and some of the most relate-able characters.
Grade Level: 12.0
Interest Level: 8.0-12.0
Emma Woodhouse is the wealthy daughter of a nervous but loving man. She has no want of anything, and therefore proceeds to become the town match-maker in the hopes of making everyone 'happy'. Little does she realize, that the matters of the heart are a treacherous plaything. This book is filled with quick, witty remarks, shocking turns of events, and of course, true love. Has Emma really met her match? Or is it too late? READ TO FIND OUT!!
This novel is one of my all time favorites!! This book is simply a MUST read for high school age/level students, and especially for girls. As you read, you explore the inner-workings of a clever mind who learns that being prideful and flaunting her cleverness can get cause serious problems for her and those close to her.
Grade Level: 9.3
In this twist of Austen's classic, the Dashwood sisters are send to a mysterious island where they are left at the mercy of stormy seasons, violent octopi battles, and frightening sea monsters of a lively variety. In an interesting twist, Colonel Brandon is now a tentacle-covered yet kind individual with eyes only for sweet yet misguided Marianne. The sisters must fight against their own short-comings, biases, and aversion to those who might be squid-like.
I must admit, at first I was a little skeptical of any variation to my beloved Austen classics. However, I simply cannot express fully how much I enjoyed this book! Making Brandon a sea-creature has significant affect on the story, and teaches the reader to love based on personality, kindness and courage; not get caught up in appearance.
Grade Level:8.7
