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The Jane Austen Diaries #1
Pride & Popularity
***AUTHOR'S DISCLAIMER***
If you are hoping to find a YA book full of paranormal beasts, sex, or teens who act much more like under-aged adults, I suggest you save your money and do not buy this book. In fact don't buy any of The Jane Austen Diaries. However, if you are looking for a clean, lighthearted, sweet romance, where teens are good and happy and normal--like all of the teens I know (including my own!) then read on. You've come to the right place. :) --Jenni
Chloe Elizabeth Hart despises the conceited antics of the popular crowd, or more importantly, one very annoying self-possessed guy, Taylor Anderson, who seems determined to make her the president of his fan club! As if! Every girl in the whole city of Farmington, New Mexico, is in love with him, but he seems to be only interested in Chloe.
This modern high school adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice” is a battle of wits as Chloe desperately tries to remain the only girl who can avoid the inevitable—falling for Taylor.
If you are hoping to find a YA book full of paranormal beasts, sex, or teens who act much more like under-aged adults, I suggest you save your money and do not buy this book. In fact don't buy any of The Jane Austen Diaries. However, if you are looking for a clean, lighthearted, sweet romance, where teens are good and happy and normal--like all of the teens I know (including my own!) then read on. You've come to the right place. :) --Jenni
Chloe Elizabeth Hart despises the conceited antics of the popular crowd, or more importantly, one very annoying self-possessed guy, Taylor Anderson, who seems determined to make her the president of his fan club! As if! Every girl in the whole city of Farmington, New Mexico, is in love with him, but he seems to be only interested in Chloe.
This modern high school adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice” is a battle of wits as Chloe desperately tries to remain the only girl who can avoid the inevitable—falling for Taylor.
240 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2011
78 people are currently reading
5651 people want to read
About the author
Jenni James
76 books1,282 followersCLEAN ROMANCE FOR TEENS:
*The Jane Austen Diaries*
Pride & Popularity (Aug 2011)
Persuaded (Aug. 2012)
Emmalee (Jan 2013)
Mansfield Ranch (Dec 2013)
Northanger Alibi (Feb. 2012)
Sensible & Sensational (July 2015)
Sand & Sun (2016)
The Wilsons
Queen Sydney
*Jenni James Faerie Tale Collection*
Beauty and the Beast
Sleeping Beauty
Rumplestiltskin
Cinderella
Hansel and Gretel
Jack and the Beanstalk
Snow White
The Frog Prince
Twelve Dancing Princesses
Rapunzel
The Little Mermaid
Peter Pan
Return to Neverland
The Forgotten Princess
The Princess With the Golden Touch
Little Red Riding Hood
(and more...)
MIDDLE GRADE READERS:
Prince Tennyson (May 2012)
EARLY READERS:
*Andy & Annie Collection*
A Ghost Story
Greeny Meany
WOMEN'S FICTION:
*Revitalizing Jane Series*
Drowning
Swimming
Crawling
Walking
Running
Soaring
CLEAN ROMANCE FOR ADULTS:
*Eternal Realm Series*
Eternity
Destiny
Divinity
*The Jane Austen Diaries*
Pride & Popularity (Aug 2011)
Persuaded (Aug. 2012)
Emmalee (Jan 2013)
Mansfield Ranch (Dec 2013)
Northanger Alibi (Feb. 2012)
Sensible & Sensational (July 2015)
Sand & Sun (2016)
The Wilsons
Queen Sydney
*Jenni James Faerie Tale Collection*
Beauty and the Beast
Sleeping Beauty
Rumplestiltskin
Cinderella
Hansel and Gretel
Jack and the Beanstalk
Snow White
The Frog Prince
Twelve Dancing Princesses
Rapunzel
The Little Mermaid
Peter Pan
Return to Neverland
The Forgotten Princess
The Princess With the Golden Touch
Little Red Riding Hood
(and more...)
MIDDLE GRADE READERS:
Prince Tennyson (May 2012)
EARLY READERS:
*Andy & Annie Collection*
A Ghost Story
Greeny Meany
WOMEN'S FICTION:
*Revitalizing Jane Series*
Drowning
Swimming
Crawling
Walking
Running
Soaring
CLEAN ROMANCE FOR ADULTS:
*Eternal Realm Series*
Eternity
Destiny
Divinity
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 679 reviews
March 3, 2013
I received this book as part of a Goodreads Giveaway.
Let me start out by saying that I absolutely hated this book.
I am eighteen years old, so I assumed that since I am a "young adult" that this book should have been directed to girls who are at/around the same level of maturity as I am. I was wrong.
"Pride and Popularity" by Jenni James claims to be a more realistic portrayal of teenagers today. I have yet to find anyone over the age of 13 who would be willing to play a game of "Oink Piggy Oink" at a party (let me add that there was absolutely no sarcasm or satirical nature to this part, they were actually excited to play).
Now, before you think that I am just bitter because I am not like these "normal" and "perfect" girls and that there must surely be some young adults like that in this world, let me point out that I (not to sound conceited) am I perfect example of what a "normal" young adult is.
I am a university student studying journalism and human rights. I currently have alcohol in my fridge (even though *gasp* I am underage). I am an above average student. I have a pretty good relationship with my parents. Also, I am an atheist.
Before even getting into how awful the plot of the book is, I should point out that the author is deluded into thinking that any girl who has gone through a public high school would act like her character Chloe Hart. I also should mention that Chloe's parents are complete assholes and I hope that Jenni James doesn't act like that with her kids.
One last thing that drove me crazy... Why are they not allowed to wear waterproof mascara? The only plausible reason that I could think that the author has is, "IT REPELS WATER. IT IS OF THE DEVILLL". Refer to crazy Christian mothers via Youtube for what I have pictured in my mind right now.
So the plot. It was not very creative since it was a weak adaptation of the classic "Pride and Prejudice". There were about four pages of "climax" while the rest was mainly Chloe crying because Taylor doesn't like her. Quite pathetic, actually.
I'd give this book half a star if I could. Do yourself a favour. Buy this book. Use it as kindling and burn it. Buy Harry Potter. Sit by a fireplace and read a classic Young Adult novel, one that focuses on overcoming your fears and doing what is right, not one that focuses on how important it is to have a boyfriend.
P.S. I don't actually condone burning books... maybe just recycle it?
UPDATE
Oh god Jenni James has written more books.
Also it honestly disappoints me how many people think this is a good book, and it disappoints me even more when I see that they're not 10 years old.
Let me start out by saying that I absolutely hated this book.
I am eighteen years old, so I assumed that since I am a "young adult" that this book should have been directed to girls who are at/around the same level of maturity as I am. I was wrong.
"Pride and Popularity" by Jenni James claims to be a more realistic portrayal of teenagers today. I have yet to find anyone over the age of 13 who would be willing to play a game of "Oink Piggy Oink" at a party (let me add that there was absolutely no sarcasm or satirical nature to this part, they were actually excited to play).
Now, before you think that I am just bitter because I am not like these "normal" and "perfect" girls and that there must surely be some young adults like that in this world, let me point out that I (not to sound conceited) am I perfect example of what a "normal" young adult is.
I am a university student studying journalism and human rights. I currently have alcohol in my fridge (even though *gasp* I am underage). I am an above average student. I have a pretty good relationship with my parents. Also, I am an atheist.
Before even getting into how awful the plot of the book is, I should point out that the author is deluded into thinking that any girl who has gone through a public high school would act like her character Chloe Hart. I also should mention that Chloe's parents are complete assholes and I hope that Jenni James doesn't act like that with her kids.
One last thing that drove me crazy... Why are they not allowed to wear waterproof mascara? The only plausible reason that I could think that the author has is, "IT REPELS WATER. IT IS OF THE DEVILLL". Refer to crazy Christian mothers via Youtube for what I have pictured in my mind right now.
So the plot. It was not very creative since it was a weak adaptation of the classic "Pride and Prejudice". There were about four pages of "climax" while the rest was mainly Chloe crying because Taylor doesn't like her. Quite pathetic, actually.
I'd give this book half a star if I could. Do yourself a favour. Buy this book. Use it as kindling and burn it. Buy Harry Potter. Sit by a fireplace and read a classic Young Adult novel, one that focuses on overcoming your fears and doing what is right, not one that focuses on how important it is to have a boyfriend.
P.S. I don't actually condone burning books... maybe just recycle it?
UPDATE
Oh god Jenni James has written more books.
Also it honestly disappoints me how many people think this is a good book, and it disappoints me even more when I see that they're not 10 years old.
February 15, 2012
I don't think it's possible to fully express how much I disliked this book. In fact, if goodreads would let me, I'd give it a half star or less.
The writing is juvenile, filled with telling instead of showing. James often has her narrator, Chloe, spell out subtext for the reader with annoying, italicized thoughts. Not to mention her vocabulary is on the same level as the average ten year old. On discovering something negative about the "Darcy" character, she thinks to herself, Taylor Anderson is such a chicken butt! Seriously? Chicken butt? The girl is supposed to 17 and devastated. The emotion is just as superficial and the character motivations are so shallow as to be nearly non-existent.
The novel really doesn't work when you consider it's supposed to be a re-telling or homage to Pride and Prejudice. The original is a gentle satire with a sarcastic-yet-likable heroine and a shy, initially prideful hero. In Pride and Popularity, the "Elizabeth" is a whiny, judgmental brat and the "Darcy" is a smug player who is a jerk on purpose. While the original Darcy let his pride get in the way of his better judgment, Taylor Anderson has no judgment to speak. He's just a jerk. Chloe isn't any better - Austen's heroine was smart but Chloe is just an idiot.
ARGH! I was hoping for a sweet, smart adaptation of an Austen novel and got this instead. Save yourself the money and the trouble. Avoid Pride and Popularity.
The writing is juvenile, filled with telling instead of showing. James often has her narrator, Chloe, spell out subtext for the reader with annoying, italicized thoughts. Not to mention her vocabulary is on the same level as the average ten year old. On discovering something negative about the "Darcy" character, she thinks to herself, Taylor Anderson is such a chicken butt! Seriously? Chicken butt? The girl is supposed to 17 and devastated. The emotion is just as superficial and the character motivations are so shallow as to be nearly non-existent.
The novel really doesn't work when you consider it's supposed to be a re-telling or homage to Pride and Prejudice. The original is a gentle satire with a sarcastic-yet-likable heroine and a shy, initially prideful hero. In Pride and Popularity, the "Elizabeth" is a whiny, judgmental brat and the "Darcy" is a smug player who is a jerk on purpose. While the original Darcy let his pride get in the way of his better judgment, Taylor Anderson has no judgment to speak. He's just a jerk. Chloe isn't any better - Austen's heroine was smart but Chloe is just an idiot.
ARGH! I was hoping for a sweet, smart adaptation of an Austen novel and got this instead. Save yourself the money and the trouble. Avoid Pride and Popularity.
August 11, 2016
When I finished this on Goodreads, a GR friend asked me "Have you no shame?" and I just want to state for the record: no, I do not. I will pick up every damn thing with "Pride and _________" or "___________ and Prejudice" in it... Nor do I regret that, because sometimes they turn out to be worth it. This was actually really enjoyable, though certainly aimed at a particular segment of the reading public.
It started out really rocky for me, actually, because it just felt like James was getting the characters (or the characters of the characters) wrong; Chloe-aka-Lizzie was really closed-off and downright rude, and Taylor-aka-Darcy was too suave and likable. I mean, Darcy's not likable - he's an ass. You grow to love him, and you appreciate him for appreciating the fantasticness that is Elizabeth, but he didn't write the book How to Win Friends and Influence People, ya know? (Well, maybe How to Influence People, but not so much the making of the friends...) The dynamic that works so well about this story is that Elizabeth is strong, smart, and lovable - but blinded - and Darcy is honorable, caring, and thoughtful - but doesn't show it. When you mess with that dynamic, you may have a pleasant story that works in its own right, but it fails as a P&P retelling by default. (For me, anyway.)
So on some level, yes, this did fail as a P&P retelling, because I don't think their characters were ever fully rectified, though they did have the classic moment of understanding and the reversal. But that aside, it's very recognizable as P&P, even as modern and young as it is, and (amazingly, because I wasn't expecting it), it did even inspire some of the same feelings I had with P&P. It pulls you in in a similar way, and you find yourself loving how the characters are always talking at cross-purposes and misunderstanding each other (willfully or otherwise), just as in P&P. The story moves very quickly, and other than a tendency towards telling over showing and some general cheesiness (especially in the dialogue, which is rough, and which was a big part of what was throwing me off in the beginning), it remains charming and wholesome throughout.
Now, that being said, I think I should share the author's disclaimer:
This is going to be the major deciding point for most readers. Pride and Popularity is a very youthful, very wholesome retelling, definitely geared toward younger readers, and those hoping to avoid even the whiff of anything "questionable" - and readers should know this going in. I didn't know, and just plunged right in, and it took me a bit to readjust my perception of what the story was going to be and who it was aimed at. The characters are, I wanna say, fifteen, which inevitably means the content is going to be cutesied up and a bit fluffier - and even more immature - than some Janeites may be looking for in their adaptations. I myself am hesitant when it comes to "fluff" but I think in this case, it's well done fluff. It's just wholesome and harmless, and it made me smile. And as I mentioned, it's a very quick read, so certainly not a waste of time for insatiable Janeites or those looking for something age-appropriate and sweet to introduce P&P to their pre/young-teens.
It started out really rocky for me, actually, because it just felt like James was getting the characters (or the characters of the characters) wrong; Chloe-aka-Lizzie was really closed-off and downright rude, and Taylor-aka-Darcy was too suave and likable. I mean, Darcy's not likable - he's an ass. You grow to love him, and you appreciate him for appreciating the fantasticness that is Elizabeth, but he didn't write the book How to Win Friends and Influence People, ya know? (Well, maybe How to Influence People, but not so much the making of the friends...) The dynamic that works so well about this story is that Elizabeth is strong, smart, and lovable - but blinded - and Darcy is honorable, caring, and thoughtful - but doesn't show it. When you mess with that dynamic, you may have a pleasant story that works in its own right, but it fails as a P&P retelling by default. (For me, anyway.)
So on some level, yes, this did fail as a P&P retelling, because I don't think their characters were ever fully rectified, though they did have the classic moment of understanding and the reversal. But that aside, it's very recognizable as P&P, even as modern and young as it is, and (amazingly, because I wasn't expecting it), it did even inspire some of the same feelings I had with P&P. It pulls you in in a similar way, and you find yourself loving how the characters are always talking at cross-purposes and misunderstanding each other (willfully or otherwise), just as in P&P. The story moves very quickly, and other than a tendency towards telling over showing and some general cheesiness (especially in the dialogue, which is rough, and which was a big part of what was throwing me off in the beginning), it remains charming and wholesome throughout.
Now, that being said, I think I should share the author's disclaimer:
If you are hoping to find a YA book full of paranormal beasts, sex, or teens who act much more like under-aged adults, I suggest you save your money and do not buy this book. In fact don't buy any of The Jane Austen Diaries. However, if you are looking for a clean, lighthearted, sweet romance, where teens are good and happy and normal--like all of the teens I know (including my own!) then read on. You've come to the right place. :) --Jenni
This is going to be the major deciding point for most readers. Pride and Popularity is a very youthful, very wholesome retelling, definitely geared toward younger readers, and those hoping to avoid even the whiff of anything "questionable" - and readers should know this going in. I didn't know, and just plunged right in, and it took me a bit to readjust my perception of what the story was going to be and who it was aimed at. The characters are, I wanna say, fifteen, which inevitably means the content is going to be cutesied up and a bit fluffier - and even more immature - than some Janeites may be looking for in their adaptations. I myself am hesitant when it comes to "fluff" but I think in this case, it's well done fluff. It's just wholesome and harmless, and it made me smile. And as I mentioned, it's a very quick read, so certainly not a waste of time for insatiable Janeites or those looking for something age-appropriate and sweet to introduce P&P to their pre/young-teens.
January 16, 2013
Honestly, this sucks. I do not understand how this book has an average rating of 4.08 stars.
-There is no character development.
-Elizabeth's (I only remember her second name, that's how boring it was) moodswings gave me whiplash.
-Just because Taylor does some nice things (she knows of) suddenly she doesn't hate him anymore and even loves him while she actually doesn't even really know him. (he said so himself, but after a couple of days, if that, she was already talking about knowing him like other people don't)
-The only thing she talked about when thinking of Taylor (and this annoyed me something fierce) is how friggin HOT he is. Seriously, I have never read about a more superficial protagonist while she's always saying how she's not like the rest of 'em.
-The were some other major flaws in this book but there are too many for me to sum up and quite frankly, it would be a waste of time to spend more than the 3hours I've spent reading it to a book that is so incredibly flawed and unable to capture my interest. (that sentence may not be completely right but idc)
-There is no character development.
-Elizabeth's (I only remember her second name, that's how boring it was) moodswings gave me whiplash.
-Just because Taylor does some nice things (she knows of) suddenly she doesn't hate him anymore and even loves him while she actually doesn't even really know him. (he said so himself, but after a couple of days, if that, she was already talking about knowing him like other people don't)
-The only thing she talked about when thinking of Taylor (and this annoyed me something fierce) is how friggin HOT he is. Seriously, I have never read about a more superficial protagonist while she's always saying how she's not like the rest of 'em.
-The were some other major flaws in this book but there are too many for me to sum up and quite frankly, it would be a waste of time to spend more than the 3hours I've spent reading it to a book that is so incredibly flawed and unable to capture my interest. (that sentence may not be completely right but idc)
March 5, 2015
DID NOT FINISH
SKIMMED AFTER ~30 PAGES
DID NOT GET BETTER.
I found it hard to like the characters.
Taylor - that guy who thinks he God's gift to the female population, winks at random girls, and appreciates a fan club. Okay. Stop right there. He's.....Darcy? God, no.
Introducing Chloe - who is watching Taylor (and is supposedly unimpressed) , doesnt give sh*t about the smarmy boy. Then winks at her. She falls for him. Did that just happen in....5 minutes?
In her own words -
How in the world did I, for two seconds, fall for his
charm? Of course he has a girlfriend. She’s probably the most popular girl in the whole school. The guy’s
obviously a player. I, of all people, should be able to withstand egotistical morons like Taylor Anderson.
I dont like that throughout the book she's just so...grateful to be acknowledged by The Taylor Anderson. I'm just going to give up and go back to bed.
I was looking for a Pride and Prejudice kind of book but...I didnt really see a resemblance between the characters.
Austen would swoon or implode in outrage.
SKIMMED AFTER ~30 PAGES
DID NOT GET BETTER.
I found it hard to like the characters.
Taylor - that guy who thinks he God's gift to the female population, winks at random girls, and appreciates a fan club. Okay. Stop right there. He's.....Darcy? God, no.
Introducing Chloe - who is watching Taylor (and is supposedly unimpressed) , doesnt give sh*t about the smarmy boy. Then winks at her. She falls for him. Did that just happen in....5 minutes?
In her own words -
How in the world did I, for two seconds, fall for his
charm? Of course he has a girlfriend. She’s probably the most popular girl in the whole school. The guy’s
obviously a player. I, of all people, should be able to withstand egotistical morons like Taylor Anderson.
I dont like that throughout the book she's just so...grateful to be acknowledged by The Taylor Anderson. I'm just going to give up and go back to bed.
I was looking for a Pride and Prejudice kind of book but...I didnt really see a resemblance between the characters.
Austen would swoon or implode in outrage.
December 6, 2011
Worst YA P&P adaptation yet. Was going to give it a 2, but when "Darcy" gave "Elizabeth" a bible charm at the end b/c she loves church (not once before this was church or bible mentioned), I just got angry at the apparent propaganda. Characters were immature (yeah, YA, but still...) and "Darcy" didn't live up to his namesake. This "Darcy" didn't even learn to love the "heroine," he loved her from the start! Argh. This might have been OK if this were not a P&P story.
I hated this book so much, I actually took the time to write a review via my smartphone.
I hated this book so much, I actually took the time to write a review via my smartphone.
November 6, 2015
It always amazes me when I read a lot of good reviews and high ratings, and then I rate the same book like this. I think it is a terrible retelling of P&P. I even couldn't stop thinking while I was reading it 'Mmmm I could be reading the last book of The Ghost and the Goth' (which I am going to do now).
To me the book is like a fanfic. The writing is amateur-ish, the behavior of characters is so forced; it does not look real or flowing. Even the cover looks fanfic.
Chloe... my God, what an obnoxious character! She proclaims she does not care for Taylor, but all she does is talk about him and think about him, in a bad way. The only thing the poor guy ever did was to be a flirt. Is that a sin?? That is no reason for being so disagreeable with him!
Taylor, the 'Darcy'. WOW, what an unappealing boy! Darcy at least did not went out with every single girl available. The same with Blake.. the conversations he has with Chloe over the phone were so unnatural, forced, zero chemistry.
And I could go on and on about the negative aspects of the book. It is so bad it is not even funny.
To me the book is like a fanfic. The writing is amateur-ish, the behavior of characters is so forced; it does not look real or flowing. Even the cover looks fanfic.
Chloe... my God, what an obnoxious character! She proclaims she does not care for Taylor, but all she does is talk about him and think about him, in a bad way. The only thing the poor guy ever did was to be a flirt. Is that a sin?? That is no reason for being so disagreeable with him!
Taylor, the 'Darcy'. WOW, what an unappealing boy! Darcy at least did not went out with every single girl available. The same with Blake.. the conversations he has with Chloe over the phone were so unnatural, forced, zero chemistry.
And I could go on and on about the negative aspects of the book. It is so bad it is not even funny.
July 7, 2020
Started reading yesterday afternoon and finished this morning. Best book ever! Chloe Elizabeth Hart is the only girl who seems to not be in love with Taylor Anderson. To prove her point she ignores him for 3-4 years after the fateful day that she went to one of his basketball games. That is until he joins her art class and decides to sit right beside her! Chloe tries to get the idea of being in love out of her mind, partially by trying to get other boys in mind. She learns to trust a boy in particular. Turning her farther against Taylor with rumors, she then learns some life changing information. But it seems falling for Taylor is inevitable, but making him jealous is also inevitable. Getting revenge Chloe learns that she can't stop some things from happening. Amazing book everyone who loves clean romance should read this modification of the book "Pride and Prejudice" by. Jane Austen.
AGE RECOMMENDATION: Ages 13 and up.
PARENT NOTE: Perfectly clean!
If you want to discuss this book I am the Mod of a Clean Romance group! Feel free to join! https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
AGE RECOMMENDATION: Ages 13 and up.
PARENT NOTE: Perfectly clean!
If you want to discuss this book I am the Mod of a Clean Romance group! Feel free to join! https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
February 9, 2017
This was such a fun retelling of Pride & Prejudice. The story takes place in a modern-day high school, with Chloe and Taylor as our leads. Chloe was really likable. I really liked her personality and thought she was fun to read about. I'm glad she didn't fall all over Taylor like literally every other girl. He really had to earn it. =) Taylor was also likable, we're able to see his charming side, but also his sincere side as well. I had to give the book five stars simply because I caught myself with a huge idiot smile a few times while reading. Jenni James did a great job of making P&P her own. It was fun to see the different characters in P&P worked into this story, and it was just fun to see it all take place in a modern setting. Really well done.
This is a fun series. I think this is my favorite so far, but they are all cute. Definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys a fun, clean romance!
Content: Clean, PG.
This is a fun series. I think this is my favorite so far, but they are all cute. Definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys a fun, clean romance!
Content: Clean, PG.
August 7, 2015
A GREAT summer read!
I was laying in my bed, bored to death, when I saw I had this book and just thought, why not?
The minute I started reading I fell in love with Taylor and was able to identify myself with Chloe. It's such an easy-going read, I finished the book in an afternoon. I couldn't bring myself to let it go.
Maybe it is because I LOVE high school drama, but Pride & Popularity made my day. It exasperated me and at the same time kind of melted me with all the romance and cuteness from the characters and all that in the middle of all my laughing.
Another thing I really liked from the book is that it was from one of the average-girls in high school: it wasn't from a nerd or from a super-popular cheerleader, so the whole story seemed more real, more possible.
The only thing I didn't like is that when I finished it, my first thought was I don't know a guy half as good as Taylor which in my opinion sucks and totally frustrated me. But I can't hold that against the book, can I?
So, this summer read was perfect, light-hearted and funny. I absolutely recommend it to anyone. I have to warn you: You'll have a huge and dumb goofy smile when you finish reading it.
I was laying in my bed, bored to death, when I saw I had this book and just thought, why not?
The minute I started reading I fell in love with Taylor and was able to identify myself with Chloe. It's such an easy-going read, I finished the book in an afternoon. I couldn't bring myself to let it go.
Maybe it is because I LOVE high school drama, but Pride & Popularity made my day. It exasperated me and at the same time kind of melted me with all the romance and cuteness from the characters and all that in the middle of all my laughing.
Another thing I really liked from the book is that it was from one of the average-girls in high school: it wasn't from a nerd or from a super-popular cheerleader, so the whole story seemed more real, more possible.
The only thing I didn't like is that when I finished it, my first thought was I don't know a guy half as good as Taylor which in my opinion sucks and totally frustrated me. But I can't hold that against the book, can I?
So, this summer read was perfect, light-hearted and funny. I absolutely recommend it to anyone. I have to warn you: You'll have a huge and dumb goofy smile when you finish reading it.
December 6, 2011
This books was fun. I love Jane Austen and I love clean young adult fiction so this was a perfect mix for me. Pride & Popularity was completely predictable but that didn't keep me from enjoying every minute of it. It's a cute story that retells Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice in a modern day setting.
If you read for enjoyment you'll likely be taken with this book. If you read with a more critical eye there are a few things that might detract you from the story. Since I am one who reads purely for entertainment and enjoyment this book was a hit with me.
There are 6 books planned in this series:
Pride & Popularity
Northanger Alibi
Persuaded
Emmalee
Mansfield Ranch
Sensible & Sensational
I'm looking forward to reading them all!
If you read for enjoyment you'll likely be taken with this book. If you read with a more critical eye there are a few things that might detract you from the story. Since I am one who reads purely for entertainment and enjoyment this book was a hit with me.
There are 6 books planned in this series:
Pride & Popularity
Northanger Alibi
Persuaded
Emmalee
Mansfield Ranch
Sensible & Sensational
I'm looking forward to reading them all!
January 10, 2014
Ahhhh. I've waited so long to read this book and it did not disappoint!!!! LOVED it!!
June 24, 2018
2011 Pre-Review
Not a single one-star review? That is impressive, especially for a Austen/retelling/fanfiction....I'm curious
2018 Review
Alas for crushed expectations.
This book suffers from a bad case of...
It was cute and corny but really...really...really...random. And just plain weird.
This line basically sums up the entire story:
Chloe "I'm-So-Embarrassed-My-Middle-Name-Is-Elizabeth" Hart is an 18 year old who acts like a 12 year old. She doesn't realize she likes Taylor "My-Middle-Name-Is-Darcy-And-If-You-Tell-Anyone-You're-Dead" Anderson, the most popular boy in school. However, because every girl in school loves him and apparently high schoolers have nothing better to do than treat their school lives like Gossip Girl, Chloe wisely ignores that crush. Taylor obviously likes Chloe but, instead of acting on that crush, he spends all his time dating other girls and making semi-flirtatious conversation at Chloe.
You can imagine how this goes.
The book blends pure wish fulfillment with juvenile ideas about public school life and really bizarre plot points in an attempt to follow the original P&P retelling. For example, Chloe's mother FREAKING out when she won't date Collin.
Not, go on a date with Collin.
No, date.
Or at the climax where the Wickham-esque character does something slightly sketchy and everyone acts like he did something truly awful. Like talk a 15 year old into eloping with him. Call it the future lawyer in me but guilty until proven innocent, y'all. Can't go freaking out when he ~ spoiler ~ doesn't actually do anything
I call this book juvenile because Chloe and her friends never actually seem to act their age. They run around squealing, attend a high school where the teacher literally puts in earbuds and ignores them, and never struggle with anything outside of relationships. Future plans? Family issues? Grades? Nothing.
I get that the author wanted to tell a clean story. That's awesome. Cut out the sex! I applaud her! But at the same time, don't dumb the characters down.
Finally, Pride and Popularity clearly represents wish-fulfillment for teenage girls. The hot, wealthy, most popular boy secretly loves you (but dates other girls because...reasons?) Only you really know him. He's not shallow...just misunderstood! Given the right makeover (and not-attractive but sexy anyhow date?), he'll have to confront his feelings. Seems legit.
SIDE RANT: Sure, it is cute that Taylor grabs her hand and later unexpectedly kisses her but, um, also not okay? Glad she was okay with it but I always hold it to the standard of, 'Would we be equally delighted if Collin did that?' Don't think so.
ANYWAY, I didn't hate this book. It made me laugh often...unfortunately, more often at it than with it. I enjoyed the story for what it is....all cheesy and messy and over the top but at its heart, fun.
And yeah, clean.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend it, but neither would I warn against it. Target audience probably a homeschool teen looking for something fluffy and fun.
Not a single one-star review? That is impressive, especially for a Austen/retelling/fanfiction....I'm curious
2018 Review
Alas for crushed expectations.
This book suffers from a bad case of...
It was cute and corny but really...really...really...random. And just plain weird.
This line basically sums up the entire story:
Chloe "I'm-So-Embarrassed-My-Middle-Name-Is-Elizabeth" Hart is an 18 year old who acts like a 12 year old. She doesn't realize she likes Taylor "My-Middle-Name-Is-Darcy-And-If-You-Tell-Anyone-You're-Dead" Anderson, the most popular boy in school. However, because every girl in school loves him and apparently high schoolers have nothing better to do than treat their school lives like Gossip Girl, Chloe wisely ignores that crush. Taylor obviously likes Chloe but, instead of acting on that crush, he spends all his time dating other girls and making semi-flirtatious conversation at Chloe.
You can imagine how this goes.
The book blends pure wish fulfillment with juvenile ideas about public school life and really bizarre plot points in an attempt to follow the original P&P retelling. For example, Chloe's mother FREAKING out when she won't date Collin.
Not, go on a date with Collin.
No, date.
Or at the climax where the Wickham-esque character does something slightly sketchy and everyone acts like he did something truly awful. Like talk a 15 year old into eloping with him. Call it the future lawyer in me but guilty until proven innocent, y'all. Can't go freaking out when he ~ spoiler ~ doesn't actually do anything
I call this book juvenile because Chloe and her friends never actually seem to act their age. They run around squealing, attend a high school where the teacher literally puts in earbuds and ignores them, and never struggle with anything outside of relationships. Future plans? Family issues? Grades? Nothing.
I get that the author wanted to tell a clean story. That's awesome. Cut out the sex! I applaud her! But at the same time, don't dumb the characters down.
Finally, Pride and Popularity clearly represents wish-fulfillment for teenage girls. The hot, wealthy, most popular boy secretly loves you (but dates other girls because...reasons?) Only you really know him. He's not shallow...just misunderstood! Given the right makeover (and not-attractive but sexy anyhow date?), he'll have to confront his feelings. Seems legit.
SIDE RANT: Sure, it is cute that Taylor grabs her hand and later unexpectedly kisses her but, um, also not okay? Glad she was okay with it but I always hold it to the standard of, 'Would we be equally delighted if Collin did that?' Don't think so.
ANYWAY, I didn't hate this book. It made me laugh often...unfortunately, more often at it than with it. I enjoyed the story for what it is....all cheesy and messy and over the top but at its heart, fun.
And yeah, clean.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend it, but neither would I warn against it. Target audience probably a homeschool teen looking for something fluffy and fun.
October 12, 2011
I love Pride and Prejudice and find myself reading many spin-offs, and enjoying most of them. This one was soooo cute--a definite must read for YA/P&P fans. Jenni James took the story and completely molded it to a 21st century fit.
Chloe Hart is apparently the only girl immune to Taylor Anderson's charms. He is almost a local celebrity at the high school and Chloe has a thing against popularity. He was almost mean at times, yet so utterly adorable.
I love how the story was completely adapted to modern teens and current situations. It was cute, humorous, and completely clean!! The romance was almost knee-buckling. I can't wait for the other books in this Jane Austen Diaries series to come out!
Chloe Hart is apparently the only girl immune to Taylor Anderson's charms. He is almost a local celebrity at the high school and Chloe has a thing against popularity. He was almost mean at times, yet so utterly adorable.
I love how the story was completely adapted to modern teens and current situations. It was cute, humorous, and completely clean!! The romance was almost knee-buckling. I can't wait for the other books in this Jane Austen Diaries series to come out!
March 4, 2012
Three stars.
But SO close to being four.
Lemme tell you what I thought:
This is a perfect example of a rewrite of Pride and Prejudice. Everything I read felt like a deep connection with the original book, which I absolutely loved. It's the perfect modern example, and I felt Chloe's thoughts throughout the whole story.
This would be what I'd call a chick-lit, with scenes which are, "Awww" worthy. But some of the characters felt very 2 dimensional. First off, I felt as if both Chloe's best girlfriends were both the same, just squealing and running along with Chloe without an opinion of their own. I understand in the actual book, there wasn't much explanation of the sisters, but I felt it was pretty self-explanatory. Maybe just little bits of information would make their friendship matter a little more. Sure, they're Chloe's best friends, but that's about all I realise. Did Chloe used to hate them when she was younger, thanks to her "pride"?
I actually liked how Jenni portrayed Taylor throughout the whole book, which was very realistic. Taylor is very popular, and it's natural for Chloe to think, "Wow, he's full of himself. Another person to avoid." And that was pretty good.
Despite all this criticism, she sucked me straight in. At time, things felt a little far-fetched and I found myself flinching away from the computer, but somehow, Jenni managed to convince me through the events happening to Chloe.
Chloe herself doesn't seem to contain flaws. Is she bad at bowling? Does she always bite at her pencil during class? Just little things like that would put us off the fact she's perfect. The thing is, details like this can be SO easily inserted anywhere. While she's washing the clothes, maybe she has no idea how a washing machine works?
Then there's Taylor, who I quite liked throughout this story. But why was he playing with girls? Does he have his own valid reason or is it just something boys do? Maybe he did for respect.
The scene where Cassidy was taken by Blake was one of those unbelievable scenes. At first, when I was reading it, I thought Taylor was joking with Chloe just to go, "Haha. Scared you." But no, it was real. Just a little hint of a warning: Maybe Cassidy was taking extra care of her looks that day, and made Chloe the slight bit suspicious? Yes, that'd be fabulous.
The teachers all seemed mean. This isn't what it's like in high school. Sure, teachers always ruin my mood sometimes, but there are all those AWESOME teachers who respect your opinion and things that the characters do. I felt at least one of them should be included, so that it doesn't make them look like the bad guys.
Hmm... What next?
Enough of negatives:
I LOVE the whole concept of this book. Love, love, love it. Hate/love relationships RULE! But I'm not sure if Taylor had a valid reason for telling everybody that he wouldn't hang out with Chloe back when they were younger.
Gah. Negative again! >.< I PROMISE I have good things to say.
Okay.
Lemme see...
Chloe's narration was SO awesome. It was just like a teenage girl would think like, and I'm impressed with the author for this slight detail. Then there was her sister, with the high vocabulary, who made me laugh out loud at several times. Just like the original Elizabeth Bennet, Chloe was smart and witty but had a fault for judging people without knowing the whole story.
I'm gonna leave this right here.
THREE STARS!
I swear, if all the things were fixed (my suggestions), this would be BEYOND five stars. ♥
Remy xx
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2011
Jane Austen’s books have been rewritten countless times, but not like this. Gone are the complicated courtship rituals and subtleties of old English society, but that hardly means there aren’t any similarities between then and now.
Pride and Popularity drops you right into the middle of the modern teenage life filled the same problems Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy faced in their day, just funnier. Chloe Hart is determined not to fall for the superstar of her hometown because she’s positive she knows the real him better than the other star-struck, drooling girls. Her quest to ignore him entirely turns her entire life upside down.
Pride and Popularity can best be described by two words, in my opinion. Super Cute. The characters are very entertaining all around. I could see people I’ve grown up with or met along the way that reminded me of Ethan, Cassidy, Kylie, and even Taylor. You feel like you’re surrounded by your friends as soon as you start reading.
Being a rewrite, there were some parts of the book that followed Austen’s original work closely, and others that diverged. Overall, I thought Jenni did a great job of working in those parts of the original that fit with her characters and leaving those that didn’t. Needless to say, there were no impromptu piano recitals for dinner guests (although I’m sure Jenni would have made that a hilarious experience if there were) or guided tours of palatial mansions.
Working in the original disgrace between Wickham and Lydia was handled very nicely in the book without having to cross over into the typical graphic tragedy seen in many books and movies today. That was a theme carried throughout the book. No obscenities, sex, graphic violence, or things that are just plain disturbing. Pride and Popularity was a fun, light read that left you feeling happy and hopeful in the end.
The beginning of the book was rather teenage-girl-gooey-and-gushy (so be prepared if you’re not a fan of super mushy stuff), but for the most part it wasn’t carried through the book to that level. Chloe determines right away that she isn’t going to one of those girls. Or at least she thinks so. The main character is a teenage girl, and we all know that means lots of emotion, drama, and goof ups, but it was all presented in a way that keeps you laughing. I loved the humor in this book. Following Chloe through her last years of high school and her quest to not be the next brainless girl on Taylor’s arm is great fun, a book I’m sure you’ll enjoy.
Would I recommend Pride and Popularity? Yes, have fun reading! You’ll laugh all the way through.
Who would I recommend this book to? Teenage girls (of course), and anyone looking for a fun read without the typical language, violence, and all that other stuff.
check out other other reviews at www.theediblebookshelf.blogspot.com
Pride and Popularity drops you right into the middle of the modern teenage life filled the same problems Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy faced in their day, just funnier. Chloe Hart is determined not to fall for the superstar of her hometown because she’s positive she knows the real him better than the other star-struck, drooling girls. Her quest to ignore him entirely turns her entire life upside down.
Pride and Popularity can best be described by two words, in my opinion. Super Cute. The characters are very entertaining all around. I could see people I’ve grown up with or met along the way that reminded me of Ethan, Cassidy, Kylie, and even Taylor. You feel like you’re surrounded by your friends as soon as you start reading.
Being a rewrite, there were some parts of the book that followed Austen’s original work closely, and others that diverged. Overall, I thought Jenni did a great job of working in those parts of the original that fit with her characters and leaving those that didn’t. Needless to say, there were no impromptu piano recitals for dinner guests (although I’m sure Jenni would have made that a hilarious experience if there were) or guided tours of palatial mansions.
Working in the original disgrace between Wickham and Lydia was handled very nicely in the book without having to cross over into the typical graphic tragedy seen in many books and movies today. That was a theme carried throughout the book. No obscenities, sex, graphic violence, or things that are just plain disturbing. Pride and Popularity was a fun, light read that left you feeling happy and hopeful in the end.
The beginning of the book was rather teenage-girl-gooey-and-gushy (so be prepared if you’re not a fan of super mushy stuff), but for the most part it wasn’t carried through the book to that level. Chloe determines right away that she isn’t going to one of those girls. Or at least she thinks so. The main character is a teenage girl, and we all know that means lots of emotion, drama, and goof ups, but it was all presented in a way that keeps you laughing. I loved the humor in this book. Following Chloe through her last years of high school and her quest to not be the next brainless girl on Taylor’s arm is great fun, a book I’m sure you’ll enjoy.
Would I recommend Pride and Popularity? Yes, have fun reading! You’ll laugh all the way through.
Who would I recommend this book to? Teenage girls (of course), and anyone looking for a fun read without the typical language, violence, and all that other stuff.
check out other other reviews at www.theediblebookshelf.blogspot.com
July 6, 2018
I always find James's characters to be very naive and imagine them to be younger than they are, this book was no exception. The plot very closely followed P&P, which could be annoying at times.
July 7, 2018
This book was a kindle loan from a friend.
In my opinion this is definitely a book for teens or very young adults. It is cute and a fast read and many can probably find characters and/or events with which to identify from their own lives. Books, i.e., Mean Girls, reinforce information given about the terrible angst all teens experience (unless you are in the "in" crowd) while living ages 13 to 18. As a substitute teacher in Middle School and as the mother of three I witnessed up close and personal how cruel these teens can be and we certainly see, read and hear about it in texting, tweeting, etc. among teens today.
I did find myself trying to discern who was who from canon as it was not always obvious. And as for events: Stranger things happen than a teen being elected Prom King when someone else is the most popular so that event was not unsettling for me. My son's class rebelled against the "in" crowd and ran a campaign to elect a young man completely opposite from that standard. I did find Mrs. Bennet forcing her daughter on a date with Collin totally unrealistic. I know some parents who do try to persuade a child to date a teen they like but NOT one of them forced a daughter on a date.
I have to wonder at Taylor, saying he loved Chloe from their first interaction as freshmen not making other overtures at all until their senior year. That just makes me speculate - why? He didn't seem like a retiring young man. And in all those years Chloe never learned that he was going about town doing good deeds? She describes the town as a small town so one would think she would sooner or later hear of his works.
The one event that really blew my mind was on Valentine's Day with all those deliveries (flowers, candy and a giant bear) from Zack for Alyssa at school...no school would ever permit such. So you may allow it, in your mind, just for the idea of a romantic interlude but NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.
This was interesting and kept my attention. However knowing it is aimed at the younger crowd and knowing that there are so many others aimed at a more mature audience, I doubt I will continue to read this series. I would recommend it to my granddaughter when she is old enough.
In my opinion this is definitely a book for teens or very young adults. It is cute and a fast read and many can probably find characters and/or events with which to identify from their own lives. Books, i.e., Mean Girls, reinforce information given about the terrible angst all teens experience (unless you are in the "in" crowd) while living ages 13 to 18. As a substitute teacher in Middle School and as the mother of three I witnessed up close and personal how cruel these teens can be and we certainly see, read and hear about it in texting, tweeting, etc. among teens today.
I did find myself trying to discern who was who from canon as it was not always obvious. And as for events: Stranger things happen than a teen being elected Prom King when someone else is the most popular so that event was not unsettling for me. My son's class rebelled against the "in" crowd and ran a campaign to elect a young man completely opposite from that standard. I did find Mrs. Bennet forcing her daughter on a date with Collin totally unrealistic. I know some parents who do try to persuade a child to date a teen they like but NOT one of them forced a daughter on a date.
I have to wonder at Taylor, saying he loved Chloe from their first interaction as freshmen not making other overtures at all until their senior year. That just makes me speculate - why? He didn't seem like a retiring young man. And in all those years Chloe never learned that he was going about town doing good deeds? She describes the town as a small town so one would think she would sooner or later hear of his works.
The one event that really blew my mind was on Valentine's Day with all those deliveries (flowers, candy and a giant bear) from Zack for Alyssa at school...no school would ever permit such. So you may allow it, in your mind, just for the idea of a romantic interlude but NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.
This was interesting and kept my attention. However knowing it is aimed at the younger crowd and knowing that there are so many others aimed at a more mature audience, I doubt I will continue to read this series. I would recommend it to my granddaughter when she is old enough.
October 5, 2023
!!!DO NOT READ OR BUY!!! this is a “fan fiction” of two REAL PEOPLE who were STUDENTS OF THE AUTHOR as teenagers. DO NOT SUPPORT THIS AUTHOR.
September 30, 2012
Do you always find it interesting when you read other people's reviews on books ? Especially if it is a book that you enjoyed ? For me, whenever I review a book, I always like to check out the one-two star reviews on Goodreads as I sometimes can't believe that people waste all that time to write a negative review.
I will admit as soon as I read the Jane Austen part and that it was a modern rendition of one of her tales, I was immediately hooked and knew I just had to read it. I Paula Phillips am a sucker for two things that this book had 1) It has a Jane Austen Connection and 2) It is a rendition novel.
Pride and Popularity starts off with newcomer Chloe Hart and the setting is her and her new friends Alyce and Madison at a Basketball game and the pair of them are fawning over the hottest guy in school Taylor Anderson. Chloe, not really that impressed soon joins the fan club as he introduces himself to her. The novel then flips forward three years and Chloe is Number #1 on the I hate Taylor Anderson Campaign. One more year and she is out of there for good and no more Taylor. Though it seems that this year is all about Taylor as he turns up in her Art class. This book made me laugh in places as the main character Chloe has a thing where she substitues swear words for silly words like sugarplum fairies and chickenbutt :) . Without giving too much of the story away as we all know the tale of Pride and Prejudice, to get the gist imagine Pride and Prejudice in the 21st Century and instead of Regency England , think your local high school.
This is a series that I look forward to reading the remaining books and seeing how the other renditions pan out.
I will admit as soon as I read the Jane Austen part and that it was a modern rendition of one of her tales, I was immediately hooked and knew I just had to read it. I Paula Phillips am a sucker for two things that this book had 1) It has a Jane Austen Connection and 2) It is a rendition novel.
Pride and Popularity starts off with newcomer Chloe Hart and the setting is her and her new friends Alyce and Madison at a Basketball game and the pair of them are fawning over the hottest guy in school Taylor Anderson. Chloe, not really that impressed soon joins the fan club as he introduces himself to her. The novel then flips forward three years and Chloe is Number #1 on the I hate Taylor Anderson Campaign. One more year and she is out of there for good and no more Taylor. Though it seems that this year is all about Taylor as he turns up in her Art class. This book made me laugh in places as the main character Chloe has a thing where she substitues swear words for silly words like sugarplum fairies and chickenbutt :) . Without giving too much of the story away as we all know the tale of Pride and Prejudice, to get the gist imagine Pride and Prejudice in the 21st Century and instead of Regency England , think your local high school.
This is a series that I look forward to reading the remaining books and seeing how the other renditions pan out.
January 24, 2012
I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of this book for review. When it came in the mail yesterday I paused the book I had been reading to start this immediately. Once my kids were in bed at 7:30 last night I started reading Pride and Popularity and couldn't put it down! I stayed up until 1:30 in the morning to finish. I've never been happier to lose sleep. I was still happy this morning. You can't help but be happy when reading this feel good book. Thank you Jenni for the fun night!
I know I've said this before, but let me remind you. I love retellings! There is something peaceful and relaxing about knowing how a book will end but not knowing how it will get there. I love Jane Austen books and her characters. Before I began reading I knew I would love the "Elizabeth" and "Darcy" characters, and I was right. Chloe and Taylor are so fun!
The chemistry between Chloe and Taylor is amazing! Don't worry, it wasn't steamy or anything. :) I loved every scene with Chloe and Taylor whether they were hating or loving each other. The tension was so great. Chloe was fiery, prideful, and afraid of getting hurt. She surprised and mesmerized Taylor. I don't think I'll say any more about how these two change throughout the book; I'll let you read and find out for yourself.
This was a fun, light, clean read that I loved! If you're in the mood for a light-hearted fiesty romance go read this book!
I also reviewed this book on my blog. Clean Teen Fiction
I know I've said this before, but let me remind you. I love retellings! There is something peaceful and relaxing about knowing how a book will end but not knowing how it will get there. I love Jane Austen books and her characters. Before I began reading I knew I would love the "Elizabeth" and "Darcy" characters, and I was right. Chloe and Taylor are so fun!
The chemistry between Chloe and Taylor is amazing! Don't worry, it wasn't steamy or anything. :) I loved every scene with Chloe and Taylor whether they were hating or loving each other. The tension was so great. Chloe was fiery, prideful, and afraid of getting hurt. She surprised and mesmerized Taylor. I don't think I'll say any more about how these two change throughout the book; I'll let you read and find out for yourself.
This was a fun, light, clean read that I loved! If you're in the mood for a light-hearted fiesty romance go read this book!
I also reviewed this book on my blog. Clean Teen Fiction
May 12, 2015
Full review at http://networkedblogs.com/mE7m8
With as many young adult books as I read there are very few I would definitely recommend to my daughters and friends as completely worth the time and purchase. But Pride and Popularity is one I can whole heartedly stand behind. Jenni James takes Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice into the 21st century and adapts it to teens. I found myself totally immersed and grinning ear to ear at the end.
Chloe has been burned by the popular crowd at her old school and at age 15 is determined it won't happen again when she relocates with her family to Farmington. The only problem is that there happens to be an uber popular, stunningly cute and charming boy there. But mark Chloe's words to her two best friends...Taylor Anderson will NOT win her over. Forget the fact that Taylor has beautiful blue eyes, serves others plus is ever persistent in his attention. (Girls and moms alike will swoon at the fact that Taylor's middle names is Darcy.)
Pride and Popularity not only won my heart, but it also addresses witholding judgement, the risks of online sites for young teens, and the importance of involved parents. The characters are real, the teen perspective spot on. I can not wait to see all of Jenni James re-tellings in her Austen series. She's a YA author to watch! Thanks so much to Brigham Distributing for sending me such a fun amazing book.
With as many young adult books as I read there are very few I would definitely recommend to my daughters and friends as completely worth the time and purchase. But Pride and Popularity is one I can whole heartedly stand behind. Jenni James takes Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice into the 21st century and adapts it to teens. I found myself totally immersed and grinning ear to ear at the end.
Chloe has been burned by the popular crowd at her old school and at age 15 is determined it won't happen again when she relocates with her family to Farmington. The only problem is that there happens to be an uber popular, stunningly cute and charming boy there. But mark Chloe's words to her two best friends...Taylor Anderson will NOT win her over. Forget the fact that Taylor has beautiful blue eyes, serves others plus is ever persistent in his attention. (Girls and moms alike will swoon at the fact that Taylor's middle names is Darcy.)
Pride and Popularity not only won my heart, but it also addresses witholding judgement, the risks of online sites for young teens, and the importance of involved parents. The characters are real, the teen perspective spot on. I can not wait to see all of Jenni James re-tellings in her Austen series. She's a YA author to watch! Thanks so much to Brigham Distributing for sending me such a fun amazing book.
November 15, 2012
It's not very often that I sit down with a book and not move from my spot until I've read the book cover to cover. But that's what I did with this book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Despite knowing the whole story before I even opened the book, I still felt Chloe's indignation at Taylor's egocentricity, her anger at his ability to constantly get under his skin. And even though I knew there was more to him than meets the eye, I couldn't help but hate him along with Chloe, adding my own nonverbal "You go, girl!" every time she said something snotty to him.
But of course, Taylor wins in the end, forcing women everywhere to fall for his many, many charms, the jerk. I'll admit, this fictional character made me swoon. Several times.
And I have to say, Jenni James knows her audience. She writes about teenagers, for teenagers. This may mean that words like "awesome" and "sheez" are WAY overused, but the kids are normal, the events believable. Even though I'm not a teen, I enjoyed this book. Immensely.
It doesn't matter how this story is told--in nineteenth-century England or a modern high school--this story is timeless and will always attract women young and old, no matter how many times they are exposed to it.
Oh, and "Taylor Anderson is a chicken butt!" is one of the funniest lines I've ever read.
Despite knowing the whole story before I even opened the book, I still felt Chloe's indignation at Taylor's egocentricity, her anger at his ability to constantly get under his skin. And even though I knew there was more to him than meets the eye, I couldn't help but hate him along with Chloe, adding my own nonverbal "You go, girl!" every time she said something snotty to him.
But of course, Taylor wins in the end, forcing women everywhere to fall for his many, many charms, the jerk. I'll admit, this fictional character made me swoon. Several times.
And I have to say, Jenni James knows her audience. She writes about teenagers, for teenagers. This may mean that words like "awesome" and "sheez" are WAY overused, but the kids are normal, the events believable. Even though I'm not a teen, I enjoyed this book. Immensely.
It doesn't matter how this story is told--in nineteenth-century England or a modern high school--this story is timeless and will always attract women young and old, no matter how many times they are exposed to it.
Oh, and "Taylor Anderson is a chicken butt!" is one of the funniest lines I've ever read.
January 5, 2013
Chloe Hart is just an ordinary senior in high school. She's not one of the "Popular" crowd, but she does have plenty of her own friends. Her family is just a little crazy, but whose isn't? I love the character of her mom, she is such an individual! It seems she had asked Chloe's younger sister, Cassidy, to clean her room for 3 weeks, she decided that was long enough and starts to "clean" it herself, using garbage bags for all of the stuff on the floor. Chloe finally has what she's been waiting her whole high school career for, an art class with her two best friends, Alyssa and Maddie. Unfortunately for her Taylor Andersen is also in that art class. Chloe has been avoiding him for ages, all of the girls in school are in love with him, except Chloe and he seems to have a problem with that. Chloe can't understand why he wants her, when all those other girls like him. Things get pretty crazy when Chloe gets an "urgent" message from Taylor to call him on his cell phone. But when she calls him back, he claims to have not called her at all, but who would have called her? This is a modern day re-telling of Pride and Prejudice, on of my very favorite books of all time! I LOVED this book! I read this book in less than a day, it really held my attention. I can't wait to read the second book in this series, Northanger Alibi.
January 7, 2016
Aunque se lee rápido y es entretenido a veces, tengo que admitir que esta bastante mal escrito. Todas las escenas pasaban demasiado rápido, no parecía haber ninguna profundidad, tanto en la historia como en los personas. Taylor era un raro Mr. Darcy (no en el buen sentido) y a Chloe le falta todo el encanto de Elizabeth. Tal vez si la historia hubiera estado mejor no me hubiera importado, pero ese no fue el caso con este.
(Even when is fast pace and sometimes entertaining, I have to admit that is poorly written. Everything just go to fast, lacking deepness in story and characters. Taylor was wird as Mr Darcy (not in the good way) and Chloe lacks all the charm that Elizabeth had. Maybe if the story was better I wouldn't have minded, but this was not the case.)
(Even when is fast pace and sometimes entertaining, I have to admit that is poorly written. Everything just go to fast, lacking deepness in story and characters. Taylor was wird as Mr Darcy (not in the good way) and Chloe lacks all the charm that Elizabeth had. Maybe if the story was better I wouldn't have minded, but this was not the case.)
October 5, 2023
There are rumors that she wrote this about her students, but true or not, it's a bad book.
January 18, 2016
*2nd read review*
I really enjoyed this series a lot when I read it a couple years ago, and have also really enjoyed the other books by this author so much so that I have been slowly purchasing them for my home library. I love reading and want a large library for my family to be able to have access to lots of good, clean and wholesome books to choose from. My oldest daughter and I read this together and it was fun to see her making the connections to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. She hasn't read any novels by Jane Austen yet but my husband and I love them so much that we have several versions of her books turned into movies, especially masterpiece theater versions!
This is a fun series to share with teenagers, if they have or haven't read any of Jane Austen's novels I think they will really enjoy these. They have good characters and are clean of swearing and sex. Can't wait to get the next in the series and see what my daughter thinks about it.
Thanks Jenni James for such great books that I don't have to wonder if they are clean or not and knowing I can share them with my children. We have loved reading your faerie tale collections as well!
Happy Reading!!!
*1st read review*
LOVE YOUR BOOKS!!!! what a fun series. I am a huge Jane Austen fan and thoroughly enjoyed reading your spin on her novels. Thank you! I have and will continue to recommend these to friends and family.
I love reading a clean, fun book!
I really enjoyed this series a lot when I read it a couple years ago, and have also really enjoyed the other books by this author so much so that I have been slowly purchasing them for my home library. I love reading and want a large library for my family to be able to have access to lots of good, clean and wholesome books to choose from. My oldest daughter and I read this together and it was fun to see her making the connections to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. She hasn't read any novels by Jane Austen yet but my husband and I love them so much that we have several versions of her books turned into movies, especially masterpiece theater versions!
This is a fun series to share with teenagers, if they have or haven't read any of Jane Austen's novels I think they will really enjoy these. They have good characters and are clean of swearing and sex. Can't wait to get the next in the series and see what my daughter thinks about it.
Thanks Jenni James for such great books that I don't have to wonder if they are clean or not and knowing I can share them with my children. We have loved reading your faerie tale collections as well!
Happy Reading!!!
*1st read review*
LOVE YOUR BOOKS!!!! what a fun series. I am a huge Jane Austen fan and thoroughly enjoyed reading your spin on her novels. Thank you! I have and will continue to recommend these to friends and family.
I love reading a clean, fun book!
August 12, 2011
This book was awesome. I've never wanted to read any of Jane Austen's books before, but after I read this book and most of the others in the series, I want to read the original works. Pride and Popularity opened my eyes to the wonders of Austen's books. I look forward to more novels from this fantastic author.
May 8, 2015
Oh wow, wow, wow, wow! I loved Pride And Prejudice but this modern day twist on it just made me love it even more. It was only about half way through the book that I started to make the connections between who each character was representing and all of the scenarios, but it was soooooo perfect, so clever, so funny and romantic.
August 21, 2011
This book deserves a 4.5 star!! A modern Jane Austin story. A book for Austin fans of any age. Taylor is the most popular boy in school and Chloe is determined not to give him the time of day. I couldn't put this book down. I can't wait until the next book!!
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