I've never read Jane Eyre.
That's the look on your face about now, right?
I think I might be the only person in the book blogging world - and possibly even on the planet - that has not read Charlotte Brontë's masterpiece. I'm not sure how I got through high school and all of college (including multiple elective literature classes) without reading it, but it's true. I know the story. I've seen the play and bits and pieces of the multiple film adaptations. I know the characters and could probably even bluff my way through a conversation about the book and appear to know what I'm talking about. And I've read
Wuthering Heights which also lends me some credence to be able to talk about the Brontë sisters with some semblance of intelligence.
But I've never read Jane Eyre.
Until now.
With the release of the new movie version of
Jane Eyre (starring Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender), I think its time for me to get with the program and move this one off my TBR pile. I'm really interested in seeing the film - as I said before I already know the story and the trailers for this one have me hooked - but I want read the book first. So here comes my challenge -
Jane Eyre in a week! I know how long the book is and I know how slow I typically am in reading classics (yes, I started
The Count of Monte Cristo in December; no, I still have not finished it) but I really want to push myself to see if I can get through
Eyre in seven days or less. I have the book on my Kindle (oh trusty, glorious reading device!) and it's over 8000 "locations" long. I don't normally endorse speed reading and generally feel that great work should be savored, but for me
Jane Eyre has been my ultimate procrastination, so I'm hoping a potentially frenetic pace will get me to dive into this one and finally read it start to finish. (For those who see no challenge in getting through a tome this long in a week, keep in mind that I work full time and have multiple commitments outside my job as well. Everyone reads at their own paces, and for me this will definitely be a stretch!)
Wish me luck! I'll be sure to blog about my progress!
Posts
March 12, 2011 at 10:53 AM
There are many classics, particularly about women, that I haven't read. Either I've tried and not been able to get into them, or they just haven't called to me. I'm no longer ashamed to say this. When Shakespeare was, well, current, there wasn't as much to read as there is now.
Spending time reading is what counts, just as much or more than what's being read. We are blessed with choices!
March 12, 2011 at 2:56 PM
Don't feel bad. I haven't read Jane Eyre either. In fact, I just started reading it. I'm not very far at all, but I'm eager to finish it because I want to see the new movie. Also, I've heard so many things about it begin one of the best love stories ever written, so I think I'll enjoy it.
March 12, 2011 at 3:38 PM
I read Jane Eyre on my kindle about a month ago and did it in 8 days. So I'm sure you could do it in a week!
I loved it and found myself wanting to not put it down. Much better than Wuthering Heights in my opinion.
March 12, 2011 at 7:51 PM
I"ve yet to read this one as well. :( Maybe I'll have to try putting this book closer to the top of the pile.
Thanks for the support.
Mad Scientist
http://madsteampunkery.blogspot.com
March 12, 2011 at 9:49 PM
Good luck with Jane Eyre, and don't worry about not finishing The Count of Monte Cristo fast enough. It took me over a year to finish that book, mainly because the plot was all over the place. I have a feeling Jane Eyre will be different. You probably won't be able to stop turning the pages. :)
March 13, 2011 at 4:42 AM
I consider myself well-read, and I have a degree in English Literature, but there are still many classics I haven't read. You are not alone! Enjoy Jane Eyre, though - you'll see she was the basis for a rich seam of later books, such as du Maurier's Rebecca.
March 13, 2011 at 5:01 PM
Good luck, Lisa. I have every confidence in you!
March 13, 2011 at 9:52 PM
Don't feel guilty, I haven't read Jane Eyre either! From everyone's comments, though, it sounds like you are in for a treat. I'm looking forward to your updates/review.
March 14, 2011 at 10:39 AM
+JMJ+
This is one of my favourite novels of all time! I definitely wish you luck! =)
And I'll be coming back for your posts on your reading. It's always great to discuss this novel with other readers.
March 15, 2011 at 12:09 PM
You can do it, girl! I'm so glad you're reading it! Jane Eyre is one of my favorite books EVER!
March 22, 2011 at 11:30 AM
I haven't read it D: I haven't read any of the old classics. I'm a horrible reader, I know >__<
I just don't have the patience for that sort of literature I think. Not when I'm at the same time flooded with all these new amazing fantasy books. I do intend on trying to get all the way through Pride and Prejudice one day. Wuthering Heights I don't think I'll ever manage.
Also, thanks for the comment, led me to her and I'm a new follower now, you've got a great blog yourself :)
~iben
http://boroughofbooks.blogspot.com/