Jane Bites Back by Michael Thomas Ford

Instead of reading one of the books on my reading list for September, my father presented me with a copy of Jane Bites Back by Michael Thomas Ford. According to the blurb at the end of the book, this is the first in a series.

Jane Austen has finally gotten her last novel published, after 116 rejections over the last 200 years. Suddenly, she is faced with the issues of plagiarism as her original manuscript turns up in the hands of the Brontes' biggest cheerleader. Bigger problems follow when her maker returns to claim her affections and whatever is she going to do about the local carpenter that keeps asking her out on a date.

Probably one of the quickest reads I've had in a long time. I started it this morning and couldn't put it down. Though, it's definitely what I would call a "Beach Read." There isn't anything complex about this novel; it moves very quickly from one event to another with little characterization. I wish there had been a little more depth to the characters and their relationships. However, it is definitely an entertaining read.

Ford touches on the Bronte/Austen feud that has been going on in English Literature classes for years. He gives a nod to the ridiculousness of things like the Jane Austen Cookbook as well as the cleverly written Pride & Prejudice & Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith in our modern world of cross-marketing and movie tie-ins.

I am definitely looking forward to the next novel in this series and would recommend the book to anyone looking for something quick and easy.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

I sort of cheated on this one and bought the book on tape for my road trip to the beach. It was probably the best decision I made the whole week. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith was incredibly entertaining and kept my attention for the entire six hour drive to the Outer Banks. The biggest difference between reading this book and listening to it is that, from time to time, I forgot it was a fictional history.

Seth Grahame-Smith does an excellent job of incorporating vampires into real historical events. The style is very similar to his Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, in that he weaves his own tale into a well known one. From what I can tell, his Lincoln research is very thorough and very informative. Though I am by no means a Lincoln or Civil War expert. This book has actually inspired me to do a little research of my own into the real life events depicted in the novel. My father recently finished Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin, so I may borrow his copy.

Of course, the Civil War is used as front for a secret war between feuding Vampires and their human counterparts. John Wilkes Booth had more motive than in real life. And the deaths of family and friends throughout Lincoln's life are not always accidental or the result of the rough frontier life. I only wish I had gotten a copy of the novel as well so I could see the photographic "evidence" supplied.

Definitely a book I would recommend to the Vampire fan. Lincoln purists may not appreciate this approach to their hero but it could be an excellent way to interest the younger generation in history.