Julie is a quiet bookworm. Her best friend Ashleigh, on the other hand, is an "Enthusiast." As long as they have known each other, Ash has been obsessed with one thing or another. Now it is Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, which just happens to be Julie's favorite book. Before Julie knows what hit her, she and Ash are decked-out in 19th-century garb, smelling like mothballs, and crashing the local all-boys prep school formal dance. Their mission is to find their personal Misters Darcy. But when they set their sights on the same young gentleman, their journey into the world of proper English courtship looks like it might cause a broken heart or two. First-time novelist Polly Shulman has earned glowing critical praise for this funny and romantic tale that even Miss Austen herself would be proud of. Jennifer Ikeda's skillful narration perfectly captures both Julie's inner turmoil and Ashleigh's sheer enthusiasm. "[An] involving and often amusing narrative of friendship, courtship, and (of course) true love."-Booklist, starred review "A charming romantic comedy."-School Library Journal "Several cuts above the usual fare."-Kirkus Reviews
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"Cute high school love story. I usually prefer characters to be a bit more drawn out, but this fit the bill for a quick and cute brain candy story. The prep school boys, Parr and Ned, are adorable and the story reminded me of my chaste and sweet feelings in high school."
— Stefanie (4 out of 5 stars)
" This was a very cute story. Though at times it was corny. I still enjoyed the story. "
— Janet, 2/14/2014" Read as part of Stephenie Meyer's TwilghtMOMS book club. Loosely based on one of Jane Austen's books. A quick easy enjoyable read. "
— Inspired, 1/31/2014" Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice re-told for teens who are not quite ready for the original: a fun and quick read. "
— Diane, 1/21/2014" Do not listen on audio. The narrator's voice drove me to utter annoyance and rage. But otherwise, a harmless and light book. "
— Cristine, 1/20/2014" Quick read, very cute, teen romance novel, with some Jane Austin thrown in the mix! "
— Mandi, 1/16/2014" This was such a funny book! It was fun to imagine having a friend who is an "enthusiast" who takes every interest to the extreme. I always love a Pride an Prejudice theme as well! "
— Annette, 1/2/2014" It's a fast read with characters living an Austen story in today's time period. Cute romance, fun writing. "
— Tasha, 12/31/2013" A realy good book. Great romance, and stuff from Jane Austin which is always great. "
— Isabel, 12/25/2013" I am a sucker for anything Jane Austen related. Smart heroine, good friends, and plenty of Shakespearian and Austenian references to make me smile. "
— Kathleen, 12/12/2013" Another fun escape. Thought some of the writing was original and fun (like the way the sonnets were dispersed throughout the book and furthered the plot). "
— Terressa, 12/5/2013" I absolutely loved this book!! I was out-loud laughing through half of it. It was a good mix of humor (hilarious humor), teen drama and a sweet romance...what more could you ask for?!? This will definitely be a re-read for me. Thanks Karen for the great referral!! "
— Hillory, 11/26/2013" Not much today but that it's a great romantic story and how friendship can go through anything, like a guy, and still stay strong. I loved this book so much! "
— Quinn, 11/20/2013" A light and fluffy book for teens. It was cute, but a little too light for my taste. "
— Jessica, 10/16/2013" I had fun with this book... cute romance story. if you like jane austen and are looking for something light and easy this is good... if you don't know who jane austen is you might not get it. sorry. "
— Polly, 10/7/2013" I loved this book. It was really well written and it had Jane Austen stuff in it. Also, the characters were well developed and complex but relatable. It was appropriate. It did not talk about drugs or alcohol and I do not think that it swore. Anyway it was good. "
— Sammie, 8/31/2013" Cute teenage life and budding romance. No vampires, but the boy does stay in the girls room over night once. No sex, but I think it could have been written just as well without the sleep over scene. "
— Colleen, 8/17/2013" THis was a really good, romance adventure story. I really liked this book. its a good story about friendship and boys. "
— Aasha, 1/28/2013" If you loved Pride and Prejudice, you will enjoy this modern day story of two teenage girls looking for their own "Mr. Darcy". Very fun and quick read. "
— Geri, 1/15/2013" Needed a little light reading after the long biography I just finished... There were a few bits I didn't like but overall this was a fun read. "
— Tiffany, 1/13/2013" I got this as a brainless summer read and it delivered. A typical teenage romance. No swearing or anything else bad. "
— Wendy, 10/16/2012" This book was a little slow at the beginning. It was ok, but I don't think I'd recommend it. "
— Jodi, 4/30/2012" Read this book in a few hours. Fun little read. About a girl in high school, her friend and finding the perfect boyfriend. A little Jane Austen was mixed in too which is never a bad thing. It was sweet. "
— Ilene, 3/19/2012" Another cute YA book I giggled through. Loved the characters...loved the "enthusiasm" for all things Jane Austen. Pretty clean: a few mild 4-letter words. "
— Shiralea, 2/18/2012" Slow getting started, but I was furiously flipping through the pages at the end, hoping for a happy ending. A sweet almost-romance. But not really my taste. "
— Ms., 1/22/2012" Predictable, so occasionally boring, but cute. "
— Sarra, 8/3/2011" very fun romance with Jane Austen flair. "
— Kathryn, 6/3/2011" I really loved this book. It was really about being loyal to your family and friends. And how love always finds a way. :)<br/><br/> "
— Carli, 5/20/2011" I am a sucker for anything Jane Austen related. Smart heroine, good friends, and plenty of Shakespearian and Austenian references to make me smile. "
— Kathleen, 5/4/2011" I really great book witgreat description and characteristics! Loved the ending!!! "
— Juweria, 4/29/2011" A light-hearted, slightly chick flicky novel. A good filler, I love books that reference classics! "
— Maggie, 4/10/2011" Quick read...cute teenage girly book! <br/> "
— Amy, 4/7/2011" What a cute book! I own this book but never thought to read it. When I did I was so happy because it was the cutest thing ever. I love her writing techniques, the way she can make me so frustrated. Enthusiam was a good read. "
— Caylin, 4/2/2011" This was a very unique book. It's plot is very similar to Pride and Prejudice, in the love aspects. I love how there were so many mistakes. However, the book didn't have much action or excitement and I felt that Julia was in constant denial about things that were ever so obvious. "
— Klymene, 3/17/2011" Something light for a stressful time :) "
— Sara, 3/8/2011" Fun quick teenage read; saw my teen cousin reading it and thought to try it. "
— Ana, 3/1/2011" It turned out okay, it just took a long time to get there. "
— Elizabeth, 2/10/2011Polly Shulman is the author of The Grimm Legacy and Enthusiasm. She has written for the New York Times, Discover, Newsday, Salon, Slate, Scientific American, Archaeology, and the Village Voice, and she edits news stories for Science magazine. She is an alumna of Yale University, where she majored in math. She currently lives in New York City with her husband.
Jennifer Ikeda has been narrating audiobooks since 2002. Among her readings are When My Name Was Keoko by Linda Sue Park; Just Listen by Sarah Dessen; and After the Wreck, I Picked Myself Up, Spread My Wings, and Flew Away by Joyce Carol Oates. She has won six AudioFile Earphones Awards.