The Lost Guide to Life and Love

The Loser's Guide to Life and Love has ratings and reviews. Over zealous pop-culture references which were surprisingly not lost to me, weighed me.
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May 17, Roxanne A. I didn't really feel as if I was reading Jane Austen's advice. As a whole for me, I didn't hear Austen's voice. Nonetheless, I very much enjoyed the book and found some of the letters amusing. It's a fun read. Sep 02, Udine rated it liked it. I am not a fan of fan fiction but this was ok. Jan 08, Julie Bestry rated it really liked it. A Heroine's Guide To Life could have been better, but it could have been much, much worse.

The premise is not exactly simple. The author is writing as Jane Austen, in her own time. She's prescient and I guess omniscient. She knows how her own life will turn out, about what Cassandra will do with her letters after she's done, and so on. The conceit is that she's receiving handwritten letters, by post, from modern-era would-be heroines in the fashion of Dear Abby. She gives advice to these women based on the actions and descriptions of her own Jane Austen characters, even the ones she hasn't "officially" written yet. An updated "The Rules" perhaps, written by a text-based time traveler.

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It's obvious the author, Patrice Hannon, is well-grounded in literary theory. She's got a PhD in English literature from Rutgers, and she shows it off. By writing from Jane's perspective, she offers up mostly good advice that trickles down to platitudes, but it's her analysis of the situations via comparisons with the characters that makes it hold one's attention. I sometimes felt I was in a really good senior English seminar, though sometimes I found the inclusion of works other than the novels i. And I really disagree with her characterization of Mr.

Woodhouse as having been "no worthier of the woman he somehow managed to win as a bride" than Walter Elliot. I believe, and continue to believe, that Mr. Woodhouse's timid wobbles of hypochondria and fear are entirely the result of his beloved wife having died and that he fears any change as potentially bad and terrifying. Sir Walter is an ass and deserves no pity; Mr. Woodhouse deserves a cup of tea, a warm fire and a daily appointment with a therapist.

I wonder what our peering-through-the-time-vortex Jane would say to that! Jun 15, Bookworm rated it really liked it. A Heroine's Guide to Life and Love is a fun little book that is written in the voice of Jane Austen giving advice on love and life to current day females. This book made me smile, it's a well written tribute to Jane Austen that I think most fans of hers would enjoy. The book starts in where Jane Austen is finishing off the last sentence of Persuasion when her niece comes in with letters for her.

Women write to Jane asking her for advice on life and love. Jane gives some so Dear Jane Austen: Jane gives some sound advice, while making references to her novels as well as to the people in her own life, such as her sister. There are also several Austen novel quotes throughout the book. I finished this book in one sitting and really enjoyed it.

I laughed out loud at a few of Jane's comments. Especially when Jane refers to gothic novels like Wuthering Heights. It is evident that my Emma is not the only clueless female. The questions are very specific and the answers are thought out and very well written. You can see how knowledgeable the author is concerning Jane Austen's work as well as her private life. I recommend this book to any Jane Austen fan.

It is a quick and sweet Austen fix. Dec 07, Noordiana rated it it was ok. Jane Austen receives letters from 21st century heroines-in-training seeking advice on friends, family, marriage and such. She responds by making references to characters in her novels, and sometimes her own family and experience. The letter-writing is interspersed with interactions between Jane and her siblings and nieces who come to visit it seems to be an especially busy day at Chawton Cottage.

This 'novel' it is labelled as fiction did not live up to my expectations. The blurb and author' Jane Austen receives letters from 21st century heroines-in-training seeking advice on friends, family, marriage and such. The blurb and author's preface promises a 'compelling drama' in the background, and although the date 18 July and some of the circumstances point to the onset of Jane's fatal illness, nothing dramatic ever happens.

And despite her advice that heroines move on from romantic disappointments, she is constantly reminiscing about Tom Lefroy. There are enjoyable moments, though. The novel gives a glimpse into her life and history of some family members, and an analysis of her novels' characters, including secondary and minor ones. I also discovered one of her unfinished novels, 'The Watsons', from this book - that would have been a favourite had it been completed. May 29, Sarah rated it it was ok. First, there's the fact its cover claims its fiction, and the back cover speaks of a compelling drama play[ing] out in Austen's drawing room".

That promise never materializes; the book teaches no more about Austen than one can learn from a Wikipedia biography and a few blog posts. It's definitely not a novel, but nor is it criticism. While it contains some interesting insights into Austen's craft and va There is very little wrong with Patrice Hannon's "Dear Jane Austen", but still less is right.

While it contains some interesting insights into Austen's craft and values, it's didactic tone takes away from any scholarly or intellectual power it might otherwise hold. Perhaps this is an ironic judgment coming from me, always eager to discuss Austen as moralist and ethicist.

Indeed, I've had a commenter on my blog complain that I seem to regard Austen's fiction as so much more valuable than that of other literary greats because of the moral underpinnings rather than the art. Well, I still hold by that position, but I see it's best elucidated by good criticism, or good fiction. In-between didactics will not do in those who have not Austen's genius. Imagine, if you will, that Jane Austen can somehow receive letters from her modern-day readers, asking for her sage advice in love and marriage.

That's the premise for this charming little book. Part "autobiography", part self-help book, and part critical analysis, Dear Jane Austen is full of practical advice for all women, no matter what era they're living in. Told in a tone that is mostly pitch-perfect, Austen weighs in on topics ranging from beauty to friends and family, to sex. The only thing Imagine, if you will, that Jane Austen can somehow receive letters from her modern-day readers, asking for her sage advice in love and marriage.

The only thing that jarred was when she used modern phrases in her answers. There's something of an explanation included, but it still bothered me a little. There are some spoilers included if you haven't read Austen's entire body of work. I haven't yet, but this didn't really bother me. I think I'll have forgotten the little bits and pieces I learned by the time I actually get around to reading all of her other books. I thought it was funny how certain characters started out liking someone and then found out they were in love with someone else, but it made the ending fun and happy.

If you are looking for a light and fun read, you should look out for this novel in July from HarperTeen.

Jun 28, Sarah Noll rated it liked it. It mainly follows the quirky and humorous journey of Ed McIff, his two best friends Scout and Quark, and a potential romantic interest, Ellie as they deal with the highs and lows of falling in love. This is definitely a book I'd recommend to younger i. The jokes within revolve around a lot of LDS humor, but were well-explained enough that any teen is likely to find it enjoyable. Although I had already predicted how it would turn out in the end, I found the ending especially well-done and clever in the resolutions that each character had.

I think the characters were very well-developed and understandable, and that the ending provided the best possible case scenario for all involved in the story. The only thing I didn't totally understand was why the dragonflies kept being mentioned Overall, though I love romance novels, I'd have to say that this one was a little too goofy for me.

Oct 23, Kathleen rated it it was amazing Shelves: The story is a lead-up to a midsummer night's party being held by the owner of Reel Life video rental store and employer of two of the main characters.

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It's told from the points of view of those two characters, plus that of the two others in the quadrangle, and the author gives all four of them their own, distinctive voices. It's a story about how we can hurt each other by not being ourselves, and how hard young people have to struggle with the expectations they believe others have of them and their own failure to live up to those expectations. When the characters realize that they are the ones who get to figure out who they really are and what they really want, and that they don't have to be as concerned by the expectations of others as they think they need to be, they are free to love themselves and to be loved.

And the quadrangle sorts itself out almost magically. Aug 13, Jennifer Wardrip rated it really liked it Shelves: Reviewed by Steph for TeensReadToo. Often, to pass the time, Ed and his best friend, Scout, like to imagine who the mysterious "Sergio" really is. One day, when a beautiful girl comes in named Ellie, Ed pretends to not be his loser-self, but the super-cool and suave Brazilian Sergio. While pursuing Ellie, Ed finds that he actually has feelings for his longtime best friend, Scout. But the only problem is that Ed's other best friend, Quark, also wants to be with Scout.

What will happen when Ellie finds out that Ed is really Sergio? What will happen when Quark and Ed battle for the same girl? What will come of this complicated love square? Cannon creates truly entertaining characters in this very fast-paced story about a teenage boy finding out who he is and what he wants. The main character of Ed is hilarious in a dorky way that makes him the favorite of any reader.

Sep 05, Christian rated it liked it. By and large, I was disappointed with this book. I'm sure that it likely failed for me because of higher-than-appropriate expectations. The mechanics of the writing weren't bad, but I feel the novel as a whole lacked spark. For starters, this is yet another novel told in alternating character views; it doesn't work here. I'm inclined to think it ought to have been told solely from Ed's perspective as Scout's, Ellie's, and Quark's perspectives really didn't bring much to the table.

I think the mul By and large, I was disappointed with this book. I think the multiple perspectives also stripped the novel of the magic it should have inherently pulled from Midsummer Night's Dream. Instead, it just seemed to be trying too hard to be a take on MND. The other area where I believe it failed me is in its locale—my neighborhood. I realize that people seldom think their own neighborhood is magical, but that hasn't stopped authors from turning ordinary neighborhoods into magical places.

So, in the end, there are other local authors and novels with whom your time would be better spent. Oct 04, Julia rated it really liked it. This book was just a random pick from my local library, something to keep me occupied while staying at my Nonna's house -you can only lounge in the sun for so long without looking for something to do- it surprised me. In the space of two -sun lounging days- I finished it, due to one man. Ed- I loved him. While I did get a bit frustrated at his stupidity and blindness to Scout, he was adorable.

Sometimes when an author writes about geeky guys they come off as cheesy and naive. I con This book was just a random pick from my local library, something to keep me occupied while staying at my Nonna's house -you can only lounge in the sun for so long without looking for something to do- it surprised me. Cannon on pulling it off in a superb fashion. His geekiness was fresh and funny. I strongly recommend this as a romantic story to enjoy in the sun. Apr 20, Josephine biblioseph rated it liked it Recommends it for: When I first started reading this book, I'll admit I wasn't enamored by it.

Over zealous pop-culture references which were surprisingly not lost to me, weighed me down at first, but once I got through more of this story that changed. It was only one character whose story was riddled with these, and even if he was the main character, it was well done.

I feel the story should have gone on for much longer once it started rolling - I read the most of this book in a period of 24 hours - and I found t When I first started reading this book, I'll admit I wasn't enamored by it. I feel the story should have gone on for much longer once it started rolling - I read the most of this book in a period of 24 hours - and I found that I liked the characters very much, and liked how they reacted with one another. I loved the frank ability the author has of portraying the main characters fear of awkward teenage romance and relationships.

Some things were too short and over before they really began, but nothing dragged and nothing became boring for me. I really enjoyed this authors slight base on Midsummer's Night Dream - and would like to read more from A. Sep 23, Dlora rated it really liked it Recommends it for: A cute teen romance with all the angst of teens' self-image and insecurity issues. Told from everyones'viewpoints, the story trips quickly along and makes you giggle. Ed, a budding movie director, works at a video rental store and has to wear the name tag "Sergio" while he waits for his boss to get his tag made.

However, that works to his advantage when a dreamboat girl comes into the store and thinks it is so cool that he is from Brazil.

Pretending to be "Sergio," Ed feels less gawky and inadeq A cute teen romance with all the angst of teens' self-image and insecurity issues. Pretending to be "Sergio," Ed feels less gawky and inadequate and finds that he is able to talk and flirt with this amazingly beautiful girl. But then Ed doesn't realize that his great girlfriend Scout, who works with him at the store, has had a crush on him forever, And that relationship is complicated when Ed's next-door-neighbor, nerdy Quark, decides that he has a crush on Scout and wants Ed to help him out. The whole story was just a little too silly to start with but then I was sucked into their real problems and real personalities, wanting the best for them all.

No bad guys in this story, just mixed up romances and loyalties. Feb 24, Miriam rated it really liked it. This book is cute! Made me laugh and for anyone looking is a great quick read! Not something that I would say you HAVE to read because there isn't much intellectual meaning to it in my opinion. I am sure that will change when I read "Midsummer's Night Dream" or something like that, I am sorry Shakespeare fans, I don't know the exact title! Anyway this was based on it other than the twist with teenage life and after I read that I think that the details in the book that once struck me as crude or This book is cute!

Anyway this was based on it other than the twist with teenage life and after I read that I think that the details in the book that once struck me as crude or cheesy might come as a connection after I read it! I this was a quick pick off the shelf since I did not know what to pick! Four star rating just because unless you've read the "Midsummer's Night Dream" thing, then it won't strike you as important or something to remember. It has some good tips in it though. May 03, Dianna rated it it was amazing.

The Lost Guide To Life And Love Part 27 Chapter Navigation:

What a fun, original story. It follows the story of our four main characters: Ed Sergio , Scout, Quark and Ellie as they fall in and out of love and test their friendships along the way. It was enjoyable reading from each perspective and just how they actually view on another. It moves along at an entertaining pace and keeps you wanting more. I was entertaining seeing the different relationships evolve and I was wondering and hop What a fun, original story. I was entertaining seeing the different relationships evolve and I was wondering and hoping certain people would end up together. Again, a very fun read and I think everyone would enjoy this cute story.

Mar 27, Michelle Stimpson rated it really liked it Shelves: I am a sucker for a contemporary remake of Shakespeare and this one didn't disappoint. The characters ring true, especially Ed and the way he thinks admittedly in cliches. I love the way Cannon portrayed Salt Lake City and anyone who has been to Liberty Park on a summer evening knows it's potential for magic. Some people have classified this as a "Mormon" book, but I didn't feel that way.

The Lost Guide to Life and Love

Some of the characters are Mormon and there are LDS references, but there is nothing religious about it. I I am a sucker for a contemporary remake of Shakespeare and this one didn't disappoint. Fry the lamb shanks in the oil for five minutes or so until they're golden on all sides. Put them on the layer of vegetables.

Add the water, seasoning and herbs. Cover with a right fitting lid or tin foil. Put in a low to moderate oven for around two hours. Stir the sugar, orange juice and cider together in a big pan and simmer gently for a few minutes. You can leave them whole with their stalks on, which looks pretty, but they are less messy to eat if you slice them in half and take the pips out. Put in an oven proof dish. Put the cinnamon stick and cloves in a bit of muslin in the dish, add the scrape of nutmeg.

Pour the cider mixture over the top and put in a moderate oven for 45 minutes or so, until the pears have absorbed a lot of the mixture. Serve hot or cold. For extra indulgence, whip up a dash of Calvados into some thick cream to top. There is, sadly, no such place as High Hartsone Edge, which exists only in my imagination. But if you go to the top of England where the high Pennine Dales of Durham, Northumberland and North Yorkshire soar up and meet the fells of Cumbria, you will find places very much like it.

To find out more try the centres at Killhope www. Many thanks to all those who let me pick their brains during the writing of this.