Gifts for Readers - "Read 'em and Weep" homage to Jane Austen available for purchase from philanthropic start-up GoneReading.
Based solely on emails and comments that I receive, Jane Austen has to be one of the most popular authors among GoneReading fans. To make sure that I keep in touch with our incredibly loyal fan base, I’ve decided that I need to do something I’ve never done before: Actually read a book by Jane Austen and learn what the fuss is all about.
I’ll admit that I feel a bit like Tom Hanks’ character in the film You’ve Got Mail as he tries to understand just why women love Austen’s work. But I’m keeping a completely open mind about this.
My wife Eileen, a huge Austen fan herself, thinks it’s a great idea. We’re headed on vacation next week, so I’ll be packing a couple of Austen volumes. Hopefully Eileen won’t need to serve as interpreter.
I don’t really do book reviews, but I will be sharing my perspectives – that of a male book lover – as I read through Austen works. I hope you enjoy following along.
Any suggestions on which book to read first, or other suggestions as I set out on this little experiment? Please share your comments below!
Past blog posts that mention Jane Austen:
- On Jane Austen: “I want to dig her up and hit her over the skull with her own shin-bone.”
- Bernie Madoff’s Reading List: Random News for Book Lovers
- “Literally” the Most Misused Word
- Elizabeth Bennet-Darcy Marries Sherlock Holmes?
Happy reading!
Bradley S. Wirz, Founder & CEO
Jane Austen for President – Women’s Shirt 
Book Journal – “Books I’ve Read” – Full Size 
Book Journal – “Books To Check Out” 
Book Holder – Wooden Reading Rest 
Charles Dickens Action Figure 
Bookstore Gift: “Paradise Found” T-Shirt for Women
Beach T-Shirt for Women: “GoneReading”
Book Journal – “Books I’ve Read” – Mini Size
Reading Shirt for Women: Read. Nap. Repeat.
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[...] headlong into Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. I’m not a book reviewer, but as promised previously, allow me to offer up my observations on Jane Austen from a male [...]
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Hi Brad.
I have made a post referencing your AMAZING work on our Jane Austen blog. If you would like to send me more info then I can add it to the post but hopefully even the reference to your work will raise awareness.
I have been to Brazil, Ghana and India to work with deprived young children so I fully appreciate the great need for education and books.
Thanks, the world needs more people like you. Rachel
Rachel, you are terrific! It’s people like yourself that are helping to make our work – which has only just begun – a big success! I will email you more info! Thank you thank you!
[...] A Dude Reads Jane Austen – Volume 1 [...]
[...] Gone Reading sells typical stuff — t-shirts, mugs, totes, &c. — featuring their own designs and slogans. So, what does all of this have to do with Jane Austen, besides the obvious connection of books and reading? Mr. Wirz blogged, Based solely on emails and comments that I receive, Jane Austen has to be one of the most popular authors among GoneReading fans. To make sure that I keep in touch with our incredibly loyal fan base, I’ve decided that I need to do something I’ve never done before: Actually read a book by Jane Austen and learn what the fuss is all about. (From A Dude Reads Jane Austen) [...]