As a reminder, this week we are discussing pages 1-127.

*No spoilers please. If you've read ahead, just be polite.
*Respect the opinions of others.
*Feel free to go off topic! The questions are just guidelines!

Okay ladies and gents, let's talk The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet!

*Share out: Have you read Pride and Prejudice? What expectations did you have going into this book?

*What do you think of modernization of this story? Do you like the "tech savvy" additions?

*What are your opinions on the characters so far? Do you have a favorite?

So first off, I have to confess that Pride and Prejudice is one of my all time favorite stories. I've probably read it more times than any other book, and to this day Elizabeth Bennet is one of my favorite characters. She's so full of wit, and I can't help but love her. Needless to say, I was a little worried going into this book. Anything that takes a book I love and modernizes it scares me. Will they do it right?

That being said, I actually really enjoyed the beginning of this book! I wasn't sure how they'd take Mrs. Bennet and make her a modern woman, but Lizzie's mother is actually pretty spot on. Especially in her fits of wailing. That made me laugh. I also very much enjoy the fact that Lizzie's main focus is social media, and thus her vlogs are her window to the world. I'm interested to see how this pans out.

The only things I don't particularly like so far is Darcy. I mean, I think Darcy is always meant to be slightly abrasive, but in the modern sense he's even less palatable. I kept thinking "What an ass!". Lol. I know he always has been, I just think the setting made him less despicable. I know he'll get better. Favorite character so far? Charlotte!

I have read Pride and Prejudice. I think the general theme of that story could translate rather easily into a modern setting. I was pretty excited to see what that would look like and see if the same messages and feels would come across in such a vastly different time period. I think so far it's pretty well done.

I did have concerns that the character depictions might have been hard to really stay true to in a modern setting but I honestly think it seems pretty well done so far. I agree, Mama Bennett especially comes through in all her glory! I did enjoy the addition of technology, it's a huge part of the time we're living in now, so it was just another great way of completely modernizing this story. I can also say that by doing the vlogging that really opened her audience up! When I got this book, I asked my YouTuber loving 12 yr old if she had ever heard of the Lizzy Bennett Diaries, and she said she's heard about it but never watched it. So, we watched the first one together, and then she has now watched about 9 more and even asked to borrow the book when I'm finished! You have no clue how happy this makes me! My daughter has a really hard time finding books she's interested in. And throw in there the fact that this is a really creative modern retelling of a classic novel, double win! I think it's really something pretty special and awesome when people find such a fun inventive way to bridge the generational gap and bring a classic story to a new audience in a way they can relate to!

I like characters well enough so far. As far as favorites.....I think I'd say Lizzy's father. Could you imagine living in a house with all those women, especially Mama Bennett?! He seems like a very patient, kindhearted guy.

Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorites so I honestly wasn't very excited to jump into the LIzzie Bennett Diaries this month, but the whole point of book club is to try new things, so here we are.

So far I'm still on the fence about the modernization of the book. I agree with both Jess and Tricia- Mama Bennett translates really well into a modern overbearing mother. I do love Charlotte and she seems more no-nonsense than the original character but in a positive way. I like Jane a lot, especially the most recent occurrence with her little scare. I'm glad that they decided to modernize the romance between her and Bing and not leave it in the olden times.

Lizzie herself is a bit more whiny than the original, or perhaps moving her insecurities into the 21st century has added to the "he couldn't possibly like me" scenario with Darcy and that's what is annoying to me? I'm not sure yet. Darcy seems very much the same and I am glad. Putting his character into a modern man does really change the perspective though because modern times are even less forgiving of his faults so I understand why you don't like it Jessica.

All in all it's been an okay start, I will jump into the next section and see how I feel after that.

Just curious, has anyone watched any of the videos?

Not yet Tricia, but I want to! I'm planning on watching some this weekend :).

They're pretty good! A bit dramatic, but good. It felt like a modern day soap opera lol. I loved this costume theater scenes!