I’ve been reading Jane Austen since I was in Junior High. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I began reading one Austen novel each year during my winter break from school. The first time I did it, I read Pride and Prejudice while traveling in England (crossed that off my “Bucket List”). The next year I read Persuasion (my favorite) and last year I read Sense and Sensibility.
I (normally) teach during the school year. So why did I choose to do it during my winter break and not the summer? For one thing, it’s cold outside and therefore it’s my favorite time of year (I live in Texas so it’s kind of a big deal.) I can curl up with one of my favorite authors, drink some cider, and treat myself to a much needed break. Plus winter vacation is usually about 2 weeks long. Just the right amount of time to enjoy a good book.
Of course, I changed the routine up a bit for the “official” Jane Event. For one thing, instead of starting on the first day of winter break like I have been, I realized that Jane Austen’s birthday is on December 16th. What better day to start on? Secondly, I broadened the time frame to one month, because some people are busy and need more time. Remember, no worries, just enjoy your novel.
This year I will be reading Emma. I also really like that it makes this time of year extra special because it’s the only time I will let myself read a Jane Austen novel. It might sound silly, and of course you can read her whenever you want, but I like making my own special tradition out of it. I look forward to it all year long. And I won’t be reading the same book again until I’ve finished all six. Which means that in another 2 years I can start all over with the book of my choice, coming back to it like an old friend. I can rediscover it, because the book will not have changed but I surely will have. So I can notice something I’d previously overlooked or come to a new understanding because my experience of life will have broadened. Perhaps it sounds strange but it works for me.
I’m really excited to share this tradition with you and I hope you enjoy being part of The Jane Event!
