Jane Austen book club
It's been a while since we profiled a local book club, but we're back at it. We asked coordinator Marge Critcher about the Northern Baltimore County reading/study group that's part of the Jane Austen Society of North America. (If you'd like us to profile your club, send us an email.)
What do you read: Our group chose to read Pride and Prejudice first. ... Eventually we will cover her six novels, her other writing, and related books by contemporary authors.
Beyond books: Meetings feature topics such as “Popular Dances of Jane Austen’s Time” and vocal and instrumental music of the Regency period, tours of homes featuring period architecture, and private showings of Jane Austen films.
What makes Austen so appealing: I feel Jane Austen’s writings appeal to the masses because they are timeless, exciting, relevant and provide enjoyment, intrigue, and, most of all, can be reread with fresh insights not only into her writing skills but in her powerful observations of the human condition and the notion of civility in the Regency period.
How often does the group meet: We meet two times per year because many of us also attend local, regional, and general JASNA events.
Recommendation for the first-time Austen reader: Many JASNA members recommend reading Pride and Prejudice for its universal appeal, while others might recommend Persuasion or Emma.
To join or get more information, contact Marge Critcher at mcritcher@comcast.net.
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