Reading

Want to escape?

Me too. So that’s what I did last weekend, I retreated to Jane Austen.

For me this meant rewatching Hallmark’s Paging Mr. Darcy and then streaming Austenland. And then I was down the research rabbit hole.

Discovered this is Jane’s 250th birthday year. Then I found a new book about the women authors who inspired Jane’s writing. Off to Barnes and Noble I went and pounced on that volume, then found a collection of all seven of her novels. Score! Snatched that up too.

Austen confessions. I haven’t actually read the books. Not growing up. Not sure how I missed her in all my high school literature classes. But I was reading Harlequin books from the git go. And a huge Shakespeare fan, so not sure how I got derailed. But then, I saw the 2005 movie Pride and Prejudice. With Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfayden.

Sweet mother of boots and breeches.

I know. Let’s all take a moment. In reverence. Make sure to breathe.

The rain scene?

Then when Darcy strides across the fields?

Never in all my born days… Vapors. Swooning. Breathing optional.

I adore that film so much I have two DVD copies in case one gets scratched.

Say what you want about us Baby Boomers and our analog media, but the Army taught me; if you don’t have it, you don’t HAVE it.

Then I discovered something else.

It’s the 20th Anniversary of the movie and they are bringing it back to the big screen in selected theaters on April 20th!

Not sure my heart can take it. I checked locally and it is in three theaters here in Vancouver, Washington, and in Beaverton, Oregon, on April 18. Ladies and gents, check your theater listings. It’s movie go time!

Now, if for some unromantic reason you don’t prefer Jane Austen, you do you, but here are some other escapes.

Opening March 28th is The Penguin Lessons, which I didn’t know about, based on the book of the same name. A story of a teacher and his bird. Based on a true adventure. This is a must see for me.

Last night on Netflix I started watching The Residence, a murder mystery series set in the White House. It is brilliant. Of course, Shonda Rhimes produced it, so expect only the best. I stopped at three episodes. Not easy. Had to get some sleep. Back at it tonight.

Or go outside for a promenade.

It’s been rumored we might have three days of sun next week. Always a win.

Or hunt down where you can view other Jane Austen inspired movies from Hallmark like An American in Austen, Sense and Sensibility, and Jane and Love from 2024, or Unleashing Mr. Darcy from 2016. Or the gazillion others made over the years. Emma is a big favorite of mine too, with Ann Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn, and Bill Nighy.

Right now, I am reading Undressing Mr. Darcy by Karen Doornebos.

Love is the greatest power on earth.

Let’s refill our hearts and work toward everybody getting a happily ever after.

Inside and outside the book pages.

I leave you with the 20th Anniversary film trailer to make your day.

You’re welcome.