I have set a reading goal for myself in recent years. I like to read. I'm not going to lie, I like to read a lot of mindless stuff. I like romance, young adult, general fiction and lately even sci-fi and fantasy. I'm open to suggestion. I also like the books that are $3.99 or less on Amazon. I've been reading more and more classics and am trying to take on more British authors since I do live in the UK.
Pride and Prejudice is one of my favourite novels of all time. I had never even read it until 2010. If you have not read it, I suggest you give it a go. I decided I would try another Jane Austen novel since I enjoyed P&P so much. I chose Mansfield Park. The style of writing takes longer to get in to, but in the end, I enjoyed it, too. The thing I found most interesting is that 90% of the "easy" reads I've been reading could easily be modern day, watered down, less modest versions of Jane Austen works. Let's compare.
Mansfield Park: Girl from wrong side of society taken in by wealthy relatives, meets boy of prominence. Feels unworthy. Through trials and mishaps there is ultimately a happily ever after for our heroine.
VS
Broken (recent .99cent kindle book): Girl from sketchy background who has self-proclaimed baggage, attracts a well to do man. Of course, there is some drama, but in the end, boy sweeps girl off her feet and though the series has not been completely written, it looks as if there will be a happily ever after.
Very Cinderella, no? I read this stuff and find pleasure in it. A little escape from the day to day, but quite honestly, I mostly laugh at myself in the end. The formula is basically the same, the characters fluctuate. The classics have more elaborate plots, sub-plots and style than the modern day twists, but I like them equally.
It probably wouldn't be as exciting to read a story about a 29 year old, slightly out of shape, man who lives at home with his parents trying to find his soul mate. ;-)
Anyhow, I've rambled on enough. If you are looking for something to read and you own a kindle, I highly recommend the under $3.99 section. You may be surprised by some of the really great writing there. Whatever your taste, happy reading friends.
