Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

Mansfield Park. Where do I begin? I really liked this book, but I wish I could pinpoint the exact reason why, since really it has all the odds stacked against it - a weak-sauce romance for the leading lady, and frankly, a leading lady I don't like or relate to. Maybe I am fond of this novel because it was a far departure from Emma…

September is a love-ly month for Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

This is the first -- and only -- Austen novel where the main character is the title of the book. So straight out of the gate you know who will dominate this story. But in Emma, Austen creates a character who is totally unique from the other Austen leading ladies. In a time when women were encouraged to marry, Emma Woodhouse was having none of it.

Pride and Prejudice is beautiful, romantic and oh-so-Austen. If you haven't already, just read it.

It has all the usual trappings of her stories (a leading lady, the love interest, talk about money and marriages, dancing, etc.), but throw in the story's heroine being kind of not-so-secretly interested in the macabre and mystery. Essentially, to the point where she even concocts in her head a story that her friends' dad could have had something to do with the death of his wife. Whaaaaaat?! Let's dive in.

I am doing my own version of The Jane Austen Book Club. Yes – I took my inspiration from a romantic comedy (it was a book first). Just chalk it up to another symptom of my basic status. One Austen book a month for six months so I can read all of her major novels. In random order, the first book is…Persuasion. So let’s dive in, basic girl style.

Looking for book recommendations for your toddler? Look no further; these books are toddler tested, mom approved!

And then there comes the day when the self-professed non-runner, decides to run. Come May, I will be participating in the 2017 Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon 5K. The reason: to raise money and awareness for Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

I cannot even tell you how long it has been since I picked up a collection of short stories (seriously…it’s pretty embarrassing). But I have always loved diving into a good short story. Filled with symbolism and a conclusion that doesn’t take 300 pages to get to, they are a true literary snack. Or in some cases like, Children of the Night: The Best Short Stories by Black Writers 1967 to the Present, a great meal.