Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Challenge 2024 discussion

Share what you are comfortable about yourself and what challenge level you are tackling. Ideas for sharing might include: where you're from, how you came to admire JA's books or Austenesque books in the JA world, how big your TBR pile is, favorite JA story or character, etc

Hi from Boston, MA!!! Will copy and paste my story from previous yrs. Soonish....maybe....

Howdy, all!

I'm a transplanted northern Californian to southeast Michigan. I've enjoyed a career in education and social work for a non-profit. Books and Jane Austen books in particular were my escape during those years and especially since I've been retired. I was tickled to discover there was such a thing as Austen retellings and JAFF back in 2014. My favorite Austen novel is Persuasion, but I confound the odds by adoring Mansfield Park almost as much.

I have a huge Austenesque TBR pile and it gets bigger each year thanks to this loving crowd of enablers (that was not a complaint, you understand) so I'll never run out of books for the challenge.

My goal is to finish the Catherine Morland level with 50 books. Cheering you all on to reach your goals, too.

I am Sam. I live in Jerusalem, Israel and I work for a non-profit - The Temple Institute.

I had happened to read a couple of Jaffesque books over the past 15 years or so, but I had never known it grew to be such an amazing genre!

Being a part of this group and reading JAFF is one of my biggest joys and escapisms these days. Looking forward to another year of enjoying rereads and exploring new releases.

Yay, Sam and Kirk are back! :)

Hi everyone. I’m now back in the Austenesque saddle for sure. Covid and Long Covid took a toll on many things, including reading new stuff (concentration problems).

I live in the spa town of Harrogate in North Yorkshire and have been a Janeite since around 1966/67 when I first read P&P, after seeing the 1940 Laurence Olivier/Greer Garson film. Like Sophia, I didn’t discover the world of Austenesque fiction until 2014 when I stumbled upon Abigail Reynolds’ blog, then the Austen Variations blog. At that time, The Darcy Brothers was being posted in weekly instalments with input from readers as to where the story went next. The rest, as they say, is history.

Since then, I've also been fortunate enough to put on my British beta hat to assist some of our lovely US authors. Again, concentration problems have slowed that down in the past couple of years but I've recently finished working on one that I'm sure you'll absolutely adore.

I’m a community pharmacist and been married to my amazing husband since 1977. Oh, and I've been a sci-fi geek for even longer than I've been a Janeite; that particular part of my geekdom happened more or less as soon as I learnt to read. So, today’s 60th anniversary of the first episode of the particularly British sci-fi TV series Doctor Who definitely resonates deeply with me.

Anji wrote: "Hi everyone. I’m now back in the Austenesque saddle for sure. Covid and Long Covid took a toll on many things, including reading new stuff (concentration problems).

I live in the spa town of Harr..."

Anji, I am glad you are feeling better enough to be back in the Jaff saddle.

Sam wrote: "Anji wrote: "Hi everyone. I’m now back in the Austenesque saddle for sure. Covid and Long Covid took a toll on many things, including reading new stuff (concentration problems).

I live in the spa..."

Thanks, Sam. I still have good days and bad days. Today, despite a lengthy spell in the dentist’s chair (new crown fitting) has been a good day. Chronic fatigue is an ongoing problem but I just have to deal with one day at a time

Sophia, I love the artwork you chose this year!

Hi everyone. I go by Linda. I grew up outside NYC, but have lived in Minnesota for a long time. I work in making sure the internet is accessible for all.

I don't remember how I discovered JAFF, but I know I've been reading it for at least ten years. I don't have a specific goal for this year, as I change up what I read. Some years, it is a lot of JAFF, other years, it is a lot of other genres.

Anji wrote: "Hi everyone. I’m now back in the Austenesque saddle for sure. Covid and Long Covid took a toll on many things, including reading new stuff (concentration problems).

I live in the spa town of Harr..."

I am glad you are improving, and I hope your concentration problems improve.

Hi, I'm from India and I discovered Austen in college and was reintroduced by the movie "You've got mail". But I discovered Austenesque Fanfiction only around 2013 and this group in 2020. I'm a homemaker who loves cooking and reading. I love mysteries, thrillers, fantasy and Austen. I enjoy reading all of your comments though I contribute less than most. Hope to reach Pemberley this year too.

So glad to see Anji, Linda, and abmom back!!!!

Greetings and Salutations!

I'm back again for another year of Austenesque reading pleasure! This was a slow reading year for me, but the acquisition of new titles on my TBR didn't slow down one jot, so there is still so much more for me to read.

As always, my plan is to start out visiting Miss Charlotte's library, and simply see where I go from there.

Even if I'm not posting much, I am FREQUENTLY reading this group, both for new titles to add to my TBR, and for the moments of joy and civility that are to be found. This group has been a refuge and a comfort to me for the past number of years, and I appreciate both it, and Sophia's hard work in making it available for all of us, immensely!

ladymurmur wrote: "Greetings and Salutations!

I'm back again for another year of Austenesque reading pleasure! This was a slow reading year for me, but the acquisition of new titles on my TBR didn't slow down one jo..."

You put it so well what I feel whenever I come and visit here in the group. I'm so glad you're back for another year, LadyMurmur! Hopefully, your reading will carry you right through a visit of several levels. :)

My grandma didn't own many books but she had Ylpeys ja ennakkoluulo, (P&P in Finnish) so that was my first contact with the author. Then I got the others from the library. Later the BBC version came out and I watched that of course... I got online sometime in the late nineties and found Austenesque variations through the fan fic sites. I wrote my first story at Pemberley in 2001 so sometime before that. And Austenesque books are a comfort read now. I prefer P&P and Persuasion.
Don't ask me about my TBR, it's always longer than last year.
And I'm in this group because I have found it to be a nice, supportive group of like-minded people.

Katja wrote: "My grandma didn't own many books but she had Ylpeys ja ennakkoluulo, (P&P in Finnish) so that was my first contact with the author. Then I got the others from the library. Later the BBC version cam..."

How intriguing your first encounter was a Finnish translation. Yay Int'l Jane! Oh neat that you wrote JAFF (fun tidbit).
LOL, yes the TBR challenge here is something of a misnomer.

I'm so glad you can be back and one of those supportive, like-minded people you mentioned, Katja!

I can’t imagine not keeping up with this lovely community even though I read very little Austenesque fiction these days. I’m a retiree living on the Oregon coast and much of my time is taken up with work for the League of Women Voters. Next year will be especially tough on my reading schedule because it’s a major election year here in the USA and I’m tasked with running the League’s nonpartisan voter information site, vote411.org, for Oregon. Wish me luck coping with unfamiliar cyber challenges! I’m sure my sanity will require that I squeeze in the occasional visit to Austenland.

Sophia, thrilled to hear that MP is growing on you! I don’t feel so lonely in my obsession.

Abigail wrote: "I can’t imagine not keeping up with this lovely community even though I read very little Austenesque fiction these days. I’m a retiree living on the Oregon coast and much of my time is taken up wit..."

Abigail the Advocate (sounds like she deserves a cape to wear)! I do hope your work goes smoothly even during a bigger election year.

I'm so glad you're with us once again. Even if you don't have as much space on the schedule for reading Austenesque, we love having you as one of the fab group here. :)

Thank you, my dear!

I really toyed with the idea of not joining in '24 because I've been so out of touch this year '23. But I just can't not keep in contact with this wonderful group-family. When I do manage to check in, I always: Feel guilty for taking so long to get back, and wonder why I didn't stop what I was doing long enough to come enjoy the comradeship here.

My feelings exactly, Michelle!

MichelleH wrote: "I really toyed with the idea of not joining in '24 because I've been so out of touch this year '23. But I just can't not keep in contact with this wonderful group-family. When I do manage to check ..."

That is wonderful, Michelle. We want you around for guilt-free visits even if its just every few months or you have to stop by without commenting. :)

Hi all,
I live in Denmark and my love for Jane Austen started back in University in 1995, when saw the BBC series of Pride and Prejudice.
So I started reading her novels, and re-read/re-heard P&P many times, which by far my favorite.
Through the years I have read the occasional P&P variation, but for some reason in May of 2023 I started a P&P binge. I prefer audiobooks, but since many are not available in audio, I also read a lot of ebooks. So I am usually reading and listening at least two at any time… Normally I go through several a week.
So I will aim for the highest level for 2024 - Mr Darcy’s library 😀😀😀

Nina wrote: "Hi all,
I live in Denmark and my love for Jane Austen started back in University in 1995, when saw the BBC series of Pride and Prejudice.
So I started reading her novels, and re-read/re-heard P&P m..."

Welcome!!!

Kirk wrote: "Nina wrote: "Hi all,
I live in Denmark and my love for Jane Austen started back in University in 1995, when saw the BBC series of Pride and Prejudice.
So I started reading her novels, and re-read/r..."

Thanks 😊

Kirk wrote: "Hi from Boston, MA!!! Will copy and paste my story from previous yrs. Soonish....maybe...."

From two year's ago intro.....Hi from MA! Austen class of 1995, S&S 1995 was my first Austen. Love at first sight for Marianne and I. However Jane Bennet has inched ahead slightly. Mr Knightley (alas I'm more like his grumpy brother John Knightley)and Col Brandon on favorites on the hero side. Once I read the big six, I found some Austenesque, such as a story about Margaret Dashwood. While my TBR is probably less than many (sorry not overly keen on a few areas of Austenesque) it grows and grows. Especially thanks to this group. :) Edit: of course, Team Marianne level :) Should take me (cough) weeks to get there. :)

Nina wrote: "Hi all,
I live in Denmark and my love for Jane Austen started back in University in 1995, when saw the BBC series of Pride and Prejudice.
So I started reading her novels, and re-read/re-heard P&P m..."

How fun that you discovered that wonderful TV Adaption and the rest is history, Nina. I enjoy the audio versions when I can get them, too. :) Cheering you on to finishing out with a cup of tea and cakes in Mr. Darcy's Library!!!

Kirk wrote: "Kirk wrote: "Hi from Boston, MA!!! Will copy and paste my story from previous yrs. Soonish....maybe...."

From two year's ago intro.....Hi from MA! Austen class of 1995, S&S 1995 was my first Auste..."

A couple *cough* weeks?... Hehe!

Oh yes, the TBR stack just never goes away, but that's not a stressful problem for our group. :)

Sophia wrote: "Nina wrote: "Hi all,
I live in Denmark and my love for Jane Austen started back in University in 1995, when saw the BBC series of Pride and Prejudice.
So I started reading her novels, and re-read/r..."

Thank you, I always dreamed of a library with a fireplace and chesterfield furniture 😀

Hi,

I’m back for my third year. I can’t remember if I saw the 1940 P&P or read the book in 1979 high school English first. I loved the book then later read it again in university in the Development of the English novel class and truly appreciated it.

I had a seven yr old in 1995 so didn’t see the series until it came out on VHS.

I’ve been reading variations since at least 2010. Their my comfort reading.

Anne wrote: "Hi,

I’m back for my third year. I can’t remember if I saw the 1940 P&P or read the book in 1979 high school English first. I loved the book then later read it again in university in the Developmen..."

I would love to watch the older versions. Does anybody know if they are available online? Searched but found it only on VHS…

Nina wrote: "Anne wrote: "Hi,

I’m back for my third year. I can’t remember if I saw the 1940 P&P or read the book in 1979 high school English first. I loved the book then later read it again in university in t..."

Anne wrote: "Hi,

I’m back for my third year. I can’t remember if I saw the 1940 P&P or read the book in 1979 high school English first. I loved the book then later read it again in university in the Developmen..."

Glad to have you back for another year of chatting Austeneque books and even reading a few. :) That 1940 version was a fun one.

Nina wrote: "Anne wrote: "Hi,

I’m back for my third year. I can’t remember if I saw the 1940 P&P or read the book in 1979 high school English first. I loved the book then later read it again in university in t..."

They are streamed on Amazon, but I don't know if other streaming services stream the older ones.

Nina wrote: "Anne wrote: "Hi,

I’m back for my third year. I can’t remember if I saw the 1940 P&P or read the book in 1979 high school English first. I loved the book then later read it again in university in t..."

The 1967 version is available on YouTube:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8...

I’m fairly sure the 1980 version is, too. Will keep on looking.

Nina wrote: "Anne wrote: "Hi,

I’m back for my third year. I can’t remember if I saw the 1940 P&P or read the book in 1979 high school English first. I loved the book then later read it again in university in t..."

I found a playlist for the 1980 version, but it appears to have been chopped up into 77 shorts. I think it’s the complete thing, though.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLb...

Nina wrote: "Anne wrote: "Hi,

I’m back for my third year. I can’t remember if I saw the 1940 P&P or read the book in 1979 high school English first. I loved the book then later read it again in university in t..."

And I just found this playlist of scenes from many different versions of P&P, including one in Italian and one in Dutch.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn...

Anji wrote: "Nina wrote: "Anne wrote: "Hi,

I’m back for my third year. I can’t remember if I saw the 1940 P&P or read the book in 1979 high school English first. I loved the book then later read it again in un..."

Thank you for the links :-D <3

Hi, all! Can't believe it's going to be 2024. Doesn't that sound so sci-fi futuristic?

Like Kirk, I'm writing from Massachusetts. (Brrrrr, it's cold here today!) I've been a member for a couple of years, though who knows? Time is such a funny thing.

Like MicheleH and Abigail, I'm not as much of an Austenesque reader as I once was, but I hope to reach Miss Marianne's library again in 2024.

Thanks, Sophia, for organizing this community. I love stopping by when I have a chance because you all are so warm and welcoming. Also, who doesn't want to hang out with people who love Jane Austen and all of the many ways we interpret her stories today?

Woohoo for JAFF! Enjoy these last few weeks of 2023, all, and see you next year!

Christina wrote: "Hi, all! Can't believe it's going to be 2024. Doesn't that sound so sci-fi futuristic?

Like Kirk, I'm writing from Massachusetts. (Brrrrr, it's cold here today!) I've been a member for a couple o..."

Glad to have you with us again, Christina! No pressure at all with this group- come when you can and participate as you can. We'll happily cheer you on to Miss Marianne level. :)

Thank you, Sophia, for continuing the group into 2024. I have trouble keeping up with the posts with my injury and long covid but I am happy to see everyone having fun. I wanted to thank everyone for sharing their reads here so that I can find my next book. I hope our next year is filled with swoon-worthy JAFF.

Talia wrote: "Thank you, Sophia, for continuing the group into 2024. I have trouble keeping up with the posts with my injury and long covid but I am happy to see everyone having fun. I wanted to thank everyone f..."

You've had it rough, Talia, but glad our group can be a source of great books and book talk for you. Oh yes, we are definitely hoping for some real gems in 2024. :)

Talia wrote: "Thank you, Sophia, for continuing the group into 2024. I have trouble keeping up with the posts with my injury and long covid but I am happy to see everyone having fun. I wanted to thank everyone f..."

Hi Talia. Long Covid is awful. I’m still climbing my way out of it from 2020. Since then, I’ve had Covid twice more (despite vaccinations) and both times it’s knocked me back again. However, I’m recovering again and feel as though I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Here’s hoping that 2024 will see you back to something like more and better health 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

Anji wrote: "Talia wrote: "Thank you, Sophia, for continuing the group into 2024. I have trouble keeping up with the posts with my injury and long covid but I am happy to see everyone having fun. I wanted to th..."

That is rough! Too much covid. It sneaks up on me and floors me for the day where I have trouble doing anything and then on other days, I walk my 5 miles a day as usual. It will be a year for me at the end of Jan. It somehow hurt my stomach so I have been eating the same limited food for almost a whole year. I am hoping that within another year that I can eat foods that are not what I can eat now and that I don’t tank. Thank goodness for JAFF books. I love them. They don’t hurt my brain and are easy to reread. If I can’t remember them after reading them, it is fine. I wish you a healthy new year and no more covid. Thanks for the support.

My name’s Kate and I’m very excited to join this group. I live in Massachusetts and work in the Boston Public Schools. I’ve been pushing myself to read a variety of genres the past few years. I think 2024 is the time to return to my favorites. I fell in love with Jane Austen in my teens. I saw the Colin Firth Pride and Prejudice version and that was it. My love of the characters and time period has just grown and grown.

@40 -- Sophia, thanks as always for the warm welcome!

@41 -- Talia, sounds like 2023 has had its share of challenges for you. Here's hoping 2024 brings you more joy and, as you put it, many swoon-worthy reads!

@45 -- Hi, Kate! So glad you're here! The Massachusetts contingent is getting stronger each year! (You know, I could see Elizabeth and Darcy enjoying aspects of life in Boston...) Hope you find some great Austenesque reads in 2024!

Katie wrote: "My name’s Kate and I’m very excited to join this group. I live in Massachusetts and work in the Boston Public Schools. I’ve been pushing myself to read a variety of genres the past few years. I thi..."

Oh yay, Katie! Glad you could join the group and hopefully savor the taste of some Austen while you're working on your goal to read a variety.

Feel free to poke about in all the nooks and crannies and jump in wherever you feel comfortable.

Katie wrote: "My name’s Kate and I’m very excited to join this group. I live in Massachusetts and work in the Boston Public Schools. I’ve been pushing myself to read a variety of genres the past few years. I thi..."

Welcome! Team Mass! I'm reporting in from near Paul Revere...house and statue :)

Sheila L. Majczan from the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania. I am aiming for 151 books again, which is less than before 2023 but life has kept me busy. I read mostly P&P Variation and use KU to borrow my books to read. I am retired but have a number of medical issues. I have a goal of walking a certain number of steps daily to keep my health on track. I enjoy how encouraging and positive this group is.

Sheila wrote: "Sheila L. Majczan from the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania. I am aiming for 151 books again, which is less than before 2023 but life has kept me busy. I read mostly P&P Variation and use KU to borrow..."

That's a tricky goal that will push you just like your health goals, Sheila. Cheering you on as you work on both.

I'm so glad your back and adding your own positive vibes to our group. :)