I'm rather ashamed to admit this, especially on a Jane Austen fan website, but I've never read a book by her. Many of my friends rave about her, and lately, I've noticed the publication of many sequels to her books. While I do prefer contemporary over classics, I really would like to give Austen a chance.

Does anyone have a suggestion as to which book I should begin with? Pride and Prejudice seems like the obvious choice, although I've never even seen the movies.

Thanks so much!

Do not be embarrassed! It is never too late to discover Jane Austen. At least you are doing so in this lifetime!

My recommendation is to start with Pride & Prejudice, you just can't go wrong, and if you're as in love as I think you're going to be, follow with Sense & Sensibility, followed by Emma.

I envy you because you have such a delightful treat ahead of you! Enjoy!

yes read pride and prejudice at once!!
i started with that of course then i read emma, now i read sense and sensibility and after that comes persuasion and at last masnfield park. i am afraid it isn`t possible to get northanger abbey in norway so as you may understand i am quite new too. i am also hoping to see as much movies as possible.
i am so glad having it in front of me.
poor you who knows everything, hehe.

For "elsieb" or anyone else -so many on this site had read 'Jane' in high school-I was one that wasn't 'formally' introduced until-"ahem"-later (in my late thirties)-but had I read her in school I don't think I would have quite enjoyed her as much- I would have looked at it as "homework" and not(maybe)found the 'joy'in it- I wasn't as much of a 'romantic'then,nor was I keen on the society and where she was placed in history- now after spending time in fashion design courses understand those things and are more aquainted with the 'language'-Relax and enjoy - Jane does have the variety and the familiar you crave and the "new" authors are recommended too (but not til later)You won't be bored for a long time!

Agree with everyone on the order. P&P, S&S, Emma. Just so you know, there are illustrated editions on this site of all the books (including Northanger Abbey and Mansfield Park I think). And you can just download them from the Complete Works area. I really loved the illustrated editions. dmr

oh,i envy you,i wish that i can experience her books like i did the first time,start with pride&prejudice,as soon as posible

I haven't yet read all the books as well. A few years ago, I read P&P for school and loved it. This summer I read Emma, folowed by Mansfield Park. Right now, I've begun in S&S. Northanger Abbey and Persuasion are still on my list. I had no order in my mind, I just want to read a novel (no, more than 1!) by Jane Austen.
Enjoy the books, eliseb!

Okay, I admit that I am not completely new, I did read P&P in high school and spent the rest of the school year defending Jane Austen to everyone who called her boring. I never really read on after that, but after feeling the enthusiasm here I am going to the library tonight to renew my acquaintance with dear Jane, and if that goes well, I'm off to the bookstore to buy all of her books and all of the sequels!

Austenfans, I have converted!

That's what we like to hear, Bookmole!

Enjoy!