Back in August of 2012, I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to read and review The Jane Austen Guide to Life: Thoughtful Lessons for the Modern Woman by Lori Smith. This nonfiction book is half biography, half self-help guide and came in hardcover with some beautiful illustrations by David Grant. I found this volume to be elegant, informative, and thoughtful.
Jane Austen’s Guide to Life (slight title change) is now being released in paperback (just this month) and the kind people at Skirt! Books have sent me a copy to give away in celebration!
To enter this giveaway, read my review of The Jane Austen Guide to Life and tell me what interests you about this book.
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GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
- This giveaway is open worldwide!
- This giveaway ends April 25th!
The statement you made that it was like having a casual conversation intrigued me. Who would not benefit from reading such a book. Would put this on my reading list.
I was very attracted to how all the information, history, and biography were presented. Very engaging. 🙂
I do like the idea of having a converstion with dear Aunt Jane about life. A large part of what makes her books masterpieces are her observations of life around her. People I know who dislike Austen (!) usually comment on the lack of action while I relish the action of her characters’ character.
To answer the original review, if I knew for sure the character would read the book and change, MIss Bingley being a better sister to Jane and Charles would be delightful.
Excellent choice, Theresa! Great points! I love observing character development and growth too!
I am always interested in learning more about Jane’s life and how it shaped the characters in her book. Beautiful cover.
Both covers are lovely, aren’t they? It is always interesting to see how an author’s life and experiences shape their writing.
I like the idea of the illustrations but I also just like the idea of the whole book. You mentioned the book showed she had done her research so it should be a great addition to any Austen library.
Absolutely! It was fun to have part bio, part guide. I really enjoyed it!
I loved that their were illustrations. I often wonder if the picture in my head is accurate. 🙂 I need this book. Thanks.
The illustrations are lovely little sketches, would love to blow them up and frame them! 🙂
I have Jane Austen’s Handbook and it is delightful. I’m sure that Jane Austen’s Guide to Life must be as well. I would love to win this book.
Loved that one too! Such fun books!
This book would be fascinating and a treasure which I would cherish greatly. Thanks.
🙂 Best of luck!
What a delightful and unique book that sounds so special. Illustrations would be a great addition.
I agree! 🙂
This book would open up vistas for me which I would enjoy.
🙂 Wonderful!
I like that Lori Smith’s style is approachable and full of information about Jane Austen’s life, her novels and her letters. In addition the cover is really beautiful and elegant and I don’t mind looking at it on my bookshelves.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Yes, the pink cover is very eye-catching a lovely, isn’t it?
It would be funny to read a self-help like this! Moreover you gave the book 5/5 and I trust your opinion! 🙂
Thank you for the kind compliment, Loren! I’m honored! Yes, this self-help book is perfect for Janeites!
The concept of semi-biography/semi-guide book intrigues me. And you rated it so highly!
I think you will greatly enjoy it!
“I can never get enough of Jane Austen’s wise and valuable counsel”. That’s what I’m always saying! And a 5 of 5 stars from you is a very good recommendation. Thank you for the giveaway 🙂
Right! Jane Austen has the answers to everything! 🙂
I like the idea of living by following dear Jane’s advices, and I’m always eager to get to know her better! 🙂 Thanks for this chance, Meredith!
For sure! She is a fount of wisdom!
There were several points in the review that sound interesting to read. To quote the review… “Traveling through the story of Jane Austen’s life, women can learn and benefit from her experiences with relationships, love, career, and hardships.” and “…evident that Lori Smith scoured Jane Austen’s novels, letters, and several biographies written about her to deliver a most informative and thorough guide.” I’d like to know more about Jane, but sadly admit that I have only read a few of her personal letters to her sister and others that are available. It sounds like this book gives a great overview of more about Jane and how her personal life helped her to create some of my favorite literary characters. Plus it is done is a relaxed, interesting and easily readable tone from the author, sounds great! Thanks for the giveaway chance.
Absolutely, Lori Smith did a fantastic job of compiling all pertinent information, it must have taken a long time!
The knowledgeable content looks intriguing. I am always looking for more information to pull out. Plus I love quotes.
Jane Austen has some the best quotes ever, doesn’t she?!?
In your review, you asked what character needs this book – Miss Bingley! She must understand that Darcy just isn’t into her. Thank you for the giveaway.
Poor Miss Bingley, she needs someone in her life to help her out!
Please do not enter me as I purchased the book. My comment number is #1. Thank you. I couldn’t wait.
That’s wonderful! 🙂 Happy reading!
I haven’t read many books like this about Jane and her books, just Among the Janeites by Deborah Yaffe.
This book might be perfect for you, Michelle! 🙂