The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler

It has been a long time since I ran across a book that made me laugh out loud and feel sentimental at the same time. The book was delightful: a story about six women who form a club to discuss Jane Austen's complete works. I know it doesn't sound particularly enticing, but most of the book is spent on each woman's personal narrative, with bits of Austen commentary woven in. There are stories about romance, friendship, mothers and daughters - all with a predictable but appeasing ending. Flowler's writing is thoughtful and inspiring, ideal for anyone in need of a chuckle and a light, touching read. Favorite Quote: "Sylvia thought how all parents wanted an impossible life for their children - happy beginning, happy middle, happy ending. No plot of any kind. What uninteresting people would result if parents got their way."