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My favorite book. Darcy and Elizabeth...my favorite love story for how perfectly imperfect it is. I first read this in 11th grade. I've reread it so many times since then, own various editions, listened to it, have seen many adaptations (I own 3 copies of the Colin Firth edition). So, I end my #35bookparty with this book.

Thank you everyone! I enjoyed the interaction. The graphic shows all of the books I highlighted over the past 35 days.

I was completely mesmerized by this biography - recluse Huguette Clark and her desire to be away from society. The empty mansions sitting vacant for decades. Her family's robber baron days. The healthcare workers who did or did not take advantage of her naive and caring nature. Her heirs who battled for an inheritance they felt they deserved. Clark is such a lonely, eccentric figure in this tale. Such a fascinating read. #35bookparty

I wanted to be Jo, her adventurous spirit, her spunk and her deep-down caring nature. That hasn't changed over the years; Jo March is one of my favorite literary characters. So much of this book is the typical 19th century American novel - the family centric look, the too good to live child who does not fear death. But, Alcott creates a special family unit that sees hardship but doesn't forget the little things in life that matter. #35bookparty

I reread this earlier this year and was captivated again by Kent's writing style. The Salem Witch Trials is a tragic event in US history that showed the cruelty & overall general paranoia people feel when faced with difficult circumstances. Kent writes a fiction of her ancestor, Martha Carey, who was convicted of witchcraft and executed. There are parts of this book that mirror what is taking place today. So scary, so timely, so good. #35bookparty

In school, I had to write about Rossetti's poetry for a class project. Before Rossetti, I had no interest in poetry. I read Poe, but his poetry is dark & has an edge. I fell in love with her poetry, so much so that I begged my parents to buy me a few different editions. Happiness, love, humor but also sadness and grief sprinkle her poems. I'm still not a huge poetry reader, but I have a much better appreciation thanks to Rossetti. #35bookparty

The Dashwoods. Sensible Eleanor and energetic Marianne. The second Austen I read, and my third favorite. What I adore most about this novel is how the sister are so close. They are pretty much opposites, but they rely on each other during crises, exhibiting strengths neither knew they had. This novel introduces Willoughby, a character who is a scoundrel (think Wickham).

I will always picture Alan Rickman as Colonel Brandon! #35bookparty

Women made their mark on the American Civil War too. Abbott looks at four women - two Union and two Confederate - and how their actions aided their cause. Going into this book, I knew the story of two of the women, but I learned so much. Yes, it's chunky, but the pages fly. Abbott also focuses on one woman at a time, and leaves her story in a cliffhanger to move onto the next woman. So good, so valuable to know...definite standout. #35bookparty

I talked about this recently on Litsy; this was a One Book choice for my library system. I read this when it first came out, and I was struck by the writing and research Brown did. In American history, the Donner Party serves as the worst case scenario for being stranded in the wilderness. The choices made have left an indelible mark on the group's name, but Brown masterfully puts their whole story into context. Worth a read. #35bookparty

I'm not a fan of circuses. Yet, somehow, I was drawn to this book. I wanted learn more about the traveling circuses of the past. Anything that brings out the history nerd in me is a book to remember. Gruen's writing style took me right there. You do have to look past the scenes of violence against animals - I stay away from anything that I know has a tragic ending for an animal. After I read this, I had to pick up a copy for myself. #35bookparty

Pretty cover for some of Dickinson's more memorable poems. I really came to know Dickinson several years ago on my first solo vacation - no family, no friends, just myself. I chose Amherst, home of the Dickinsons, and really got to know Emily. I hadn't read much of her poetry before, but came to quickly appreciate the beauty and sadness of every line. I visited her grave site and enjoyed quiet reflections. She's worth getting to know. #35bookparty