Little Miss Bronte & Little Master Carroll by Jennifer Adams

As you well know, I don't usually review children's books here on the bloggy. But when I recieved a review request for a series of board books which use classic novels to teach counting and colors to babies, well you can be sure I was pretty much sold. Especially since you all know (and understand) my longstanding obsession fascination with all things Jane Eyre. 

When Little Miss Bronte: Jane Eyre and Little Master Carroll: Alice in Wonderland first arrived on my doorstep I admit to squealing a bit. Because seriously, these books are utterly brilliant! Rich, vibrant colors and intricate, textured illustrations all but shout out 'Read Me!' Which I did. Several times. And maybe I read them to my kids too. Once or twice. Although I confess that they currently live on my bookshelf and not theirs. To be fair however, as I write this review my four year old has wandered over to read the books to himself and is currently laughing himself silly over Alice in Wonderland. 

Thankfully, it seems that both the author and illustrator actually know these classic stories -- there are subtle quotes and pictorial references to some of my favorite scenes from the books. Like this one from Jane Eyre, which references what is probably my most favorite quote ever. Plus the pearls!

 Or this one:

Which although the picture looks quite cheery, the text is suitably foreshadowing. Love. 

Upon further research it looks like there are several other ones including a Pride & Prejudice and a Romeo + Juliet story. Which both look so stinkin' adorable that I just might have to pick up those as well.  If you are looking for a unique baby shower or birthday gift you really couldn't go wrong with these two perfect little board books. They would also make excellent gifts to any bibliophile. Especially one of the Jane Eyre disposition. 

book source: provided by the publisher

Jane Eyre Winner

Mucho thanks to everyone who entered my Jane Eyre giveaway this past week. I can't tell you how fun it was to read about all your favorite scenes from the book that you hoped would make it into the newest Jane Eyre flick. And now for the winner...

Liviania

Who said she most wanted to see Rochester cross-dressing like a gypsy! 

Now if I could only find a theater near me actually showing the movie, I'd be a happy camper. 

Jane Eyre Giveaway!

Well do I ever have something exciting for you today! Many of you already know of my deep and long lasting love for the story of Jane Eyre - all that tension and drama just gets to me every single time. Which is why I was so excited when the kind people at Focus Features contacted me about doing a giveaway in conjunction with the recently released drool-worthy film, Jane Eyre. I haven't seen it yet (since I'm in one of those unlucky areas where it isn't showing yet), but you can be sure it's currently topping my list of must-see flicks. Just check out this lovely trailer...

Now onto the good part: Thanks to Focus Features, I have some great prizes in store for one lucky winner:

• Soundtrack sampler
• Bookmark
• Journal
• Pencil
• Copy of the book, Jane Eyre, movie tie-in edition

All you need to do, dear reader, is to leave me a comment telling me what scene(s) from the novel you will be forever crushed if they don't include in the movie. Please be sure to leave me your email address. Contest will run until March 30th and is open to US residents only.

Jane Eyre - The Official Website
Facebook page
Jane Eyre Goodreads Challenge

Jane by April Lindner

Lately there has been an influx of all sorts of classic novel retellings hitting the book scene. There are too many that you couldn't pay me to pick up (Pride & Prejudice & Zombies anyone?), but I have come across a select few that I find immediately intriguing. Ever since I caught the breathtaking cover for Jane by April Lindner and then learned it was a modern retelling of one of my all-time favorite novels, Jane Eyre, I knew this wouldn't be a book I could pass by.

Ms. Jane Moore couldn't be more desperate. After losing her parents a few months prior in an unexpected car crash - leaving her penniless and bereft - Jane is facing the harsh reality of having to drop out of college to become a nanny to simply pay the bills. A decision that leads her to Discriminating Nannies, Inc. and eventually a job offer as a nanny for the daughter of one Nico Rathburn. Even studious Jane has heard of Mr. Rathburn, a rock star of epic proportions who's known more for his out-of-control lifestyle as much as for his music. On the brink of launching his comeback album and tour, Mr. Rathburn is in search of a nanny for his five year-old daughter Maddy and as someone who isn't much for celebrities or popular culture, Jane fits the bill nicely. And just that quickly, Jane is bustled off to his sprawling estate, Thornfield Park, where she no doubt feels like a fish out of water. But as she settles into the lifestyle of nanny and eyewitness to the lifestyles of the rich and famous, Jane unexpectedly finds herself safe, trusted and among true friends for the first time in her life. Because nothing is as she expected it would be at Thornfield Park, least of all Nico Rathburn.

I cannot begin to tell you how quickly I devoured this book. Like Jane herself, her words are unique and quiet yet too forceful to be ignored. There is such depth of feeling contained within the pages of Jane; Jane Moore is an old soul who has faced innumerable heartaches in her life - an indifferent family, financial ruin - yet she still manages to see such good and hope in every person she meets. That said, Jane is also unfailingly honest in every aspect of her personality. Many times Mr. Rathburn is baffled by her seeming indifference to his 'sex appeal' - scenes which I found deeply gratifying on so many levels. Tho it's the stunning relationship between Jane and Nico that makes Jane so special above all; the sheer contentment of watching such a splendid relationship develop that makes me love them so. Both are a little wounded and both wind up finding something in the other that they never dreamed was possible but let me tell you, it's a pleasure to watch it all unfold.

Jane is a beautiful and haunting tale full of atmospheric descriptions that enable Jane's iconic story to transfer effortlessly into a modern setting. Knowing (and loving) the original story of Jane Eyre, I of course knew what was in store for our heroine every step of the way, but I was still breathless with anticipation for the actual events to unfold. Because April Lindner basically managed the impossible; she took very specific, very recognizable details from Jane Eyre, but then turned them into something new and utterly refined for Jane. I already know that Jane is going to be one of those books that I will wind up returning to again and again, not only for the truly affecting romantic bits but for Jane's own unflinchingly honest and pure narration. Because at heart she's a kindred spirit. Reader, you'll want to know that I was helpless to resist.

Because Everyone Likes a Second Opinion:
An Addicted Book Reader review
Angieville review
Book Harbinger review
Happy Book Lovers & Co. review

book source: ARC provided by the publisher

Classic Literary Love: Jane & Rochester

Let's talk classic, classic literary couples for a moment here shall we? That's right. I'm talking Jane. Jane Eyre. Jane Eyre and Edward Fairfax Rochester to be exact. Reading this book never fails to leave me utterly spellbound. What more could you possibly want from a Charlotte Bronte Gothic Romance? A downtrodden, plucky yet pure governess meets a wealthy, wastrel aristocrat with the requisite mad wife hidden in the attic. It's got amnesia, ghosts, missing heiresses, witty conversation, and more angst than you can shake a stick at. Grab a chair and watch the sparks fly.Perhaps what makes Jane and Rochester so unforgettable is that they have to work ever so hard to have their happily ever after even though they see each other as their true home almost immediately. They have to surmount differences in class, in age, in *cough*experience*cough*, and they have to overcome that tiny detail that Rochester is already married and that Jane is his employee when they first meet. But they don't give up. Rochester continually prods her with his electric wit and charm while Jane staunchly resists even as she begins to find herself unfolding into this forthright and passionate creature before their very eyes. Take this outburst for example. Jane believes Rochester is going to be marrying the local, vapid beauty and finally gives in to her despair at his seeming indifference.

"Do you think I am an automaton? — a machine without feelings? and can bear to have my morsel of bread snatched from my lips, and my drop of living water dashed from my cup? Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and heartless? You think wrong! — I have as much soul as you — and full as much heart! And if God had gifted me with some beauty and much wealth, I should have made it as hard for you to leave me, as it is now for me to leave you. I am not talking to you now through the medium of custom, conventionalities, nor even of mortal flesh: it is my spirit that addresses your spirit; just as if both had passed through the grave, and we stood at God's feet, equal — as we are!"

Of course, Rochester then makes Jane understand just how much he truly loves her and a multitude of stolen kisses and a proposal follow. Even though Rochester set out trying to bring the isolated and unloved Jane out of her shell, I think maybe she ends up surprising him with her quick rejoinders just a little.

"I am not an angel," I asserted; "and I will not be one till I die: I will be myself. Mr. Rochester, you must neither expect nor exact anything celestial of me - for you will not get it, any more than I shall get it of you: which I do not at all anticipate."

Ha! I truly love these two. She's not letting him get away with anything and that's why Jane and Rochester must be listed as one of my favorite Literary Love couples.

And even though the Hubby calls her 'duck-lips' I absolutely adore the recent Masterpiece adaptation. I highly recommend you give this swoon-worthy miniseries a go if only for the perfect characterization of Rochester.

Who is your favorite Classic literature duo? Nominate your favorite Literary Love couple here or in the comments.