Book Review: Lost in Austen: Create Your Own Jane Austen Adventure by Emma Campbell Webster

Posted on July 22, 2009 by CarrieK

lostinaustenTitle: Lost in Austen: Create Your Own Jane Austen Adventure
Author: Emma Campbell Webster
Genre: Choose your own adventure for grown-ups
Publisher: Riverhead Books
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
First line: It is a truth universally acknowledged that a young Austen heroine must be in want of a husband, and you are no exception.

Emma Campbell Webster’s Lost in Austen: Create Your Own Jane Austen Adventure is like a Choose Your Own Adventure book, but for Austen addicts. You remember those books, right? They’re written in second person: “You open the door and see a pirate. He is grinning wickedly at you.” And then you’re given the chance to drive the plot yourself: “Do you draw your cutlass and challenge him? Turn to page 64. If you decide to turn and run, turn to page 53.”

Well, this book is the same exact thing, but it is designed to give those of us who love all things Austen a chance to live vicariously through Elizabeth Bennett. The book has a game component, too – you start off with so many confidence, intelligence, and fortune points and you either earn or lose them along the way, depending on the choices you make. Can you earn enough points to score a rich husband – or the love of your life?

This book is so much fun. I had a blast making my way through each of the stages. Twice I dead-ended and had to page backward and make another decision, because I didn’t want the story to end until I had secured my Mr. Darcy. Ms. Webster had a brilliant idea when she conceived of this book, and all of you who love anything Austen-related should definitely get your hands on a copy.

This completes the first item on my Everything Austen Challenge list. Yay!

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26 Responses to Book Review: Lost in Austen: Create Your Own Jane Austen Adventure by Emma Campbell Webster

  1. Stacy says:
    July 22, 2009 at 10:27 am

    I loved those choose your own adventure books! I had no idea this was even out there. I’ll have to keep it in mind for the challenge because it sounds like great fun :)

    Reply

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  3. iliana says:
    July 22, 2009 at 11:39 am

    This does sound fun! Can you believe I never read one of those choose your adventure books? Oh well, I guess I’ll just have to try this so I won’t feel left out :)
    .-= iliana´s last blog ..Currently Reading =-.

    Reply
  4. Sandy
    Twitter:
    says:
    July 22, 2009 at 1:29 pm

    Wow. I love the premise! I’ve never read a “choose your adventure” book either, but I am so there. Thanks for bringing this to our attention!
    .-= Sandy´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Gdansk #3 =-.

    Reply
  5. Debbie says:
    July 22, 2009 at 2:08 pm

    What a great review! I can’t wait to start my copy. So glad I picked it up.
    .-= Debbie´s last blog ..Kindle version of Thorn Queen by Richelle Mead available for free download =-.

    Reply
  6. Melody says:
    July 22, 2009 at 4:44 pm

    This sounds like fun! Will add this onto my wishlist. :)
    .-= Melody´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.

    Reply
  7. heidenkind says:
    July 23, 2009 at 1:39 am

    How fun! I haven’t picked up one of those books in a looooooong time. :) And who doesn’t want to find their own Mr. Darcy, amirite?
    .-= heidenkind´s last blog ..Mr. & Mrs. Darcy: Two Become One =-.

    Reply
  8. Beth F
    Twitter:
    says:
    July 23, 2009 at 9:12 am

    OMG! This sounds like way to much fun to pass by! I’m going to have to try it. I love that first line.
    .-= Beth F´s last blog ..Thursday Teas (July 23): Delectable Mountains by Earlene Fowler =-.

    Reply
  9. Belle
    Twitter:
    says:
    July 23, 2009 at 7:00 pm

    I had no idea Lost in Austen was a choose your own adventure book! It sounds like such fun.

    I have to ask … do you pick out the anti-spam word for each of your posts? I always marvel because the word is usually something to do with your post!
    .-= Belle´s last blog ..Winner of June and July Giftaway =-.

    Reply
  10. Stephanie says:
    July 23, 2009 at 7:56 pm

    This is on my challenge list and I am looking forward to reading it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
    .-= Stephanie´s last blog ..The Hunger Games =-.

    Reply

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  12. Deanna says:
    July 25, 2009 at 4:21 am

    This sounds like a wonderful book to not be passed up.
    Onto my list it goes.
    Actually, I am thinking of joining the Everything Austen Challenge and this one does sounds like a nice fit for the challenge.
    .-= Deanna´s last blog ..My Mom Has Talent!! =-.

    Reply
  13. Serena (Savvy Verse & Wit)
    Twitter:
    says:
    July 30, 2009 at 7:00 am

    this sounds like a great book and perfect for the austen challenge and this austen addict. great review.
    .-= Serena (Savvy Verse & Wit)´s last blog ..Susan Helene Gottfried Reveals her Past and Inspiration =-.

    Reply
  14. Celia says:
    August 5, 2009 at 3:27 am

    Sounds like great entertainment! I’m going on a roadtrip soon, and I’m determined to get this book for my mother and I to while the hours away with. Great review!
    .-= Celia´s last blog ..sensing a return to the austen challenge =-.

    Reply

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