By the Book: A Book Club Recommendation!

I loved the characters and the setting so much - it made things so interesting. I enjoyed that it was more character driven than plot driven. These characters were a mess all the way around, and it was interesting to see how they grew, and changed throughout the book. There was not enough actual romance for me at all - but that is pretty true to a re-telling of an Austen novel. It was overall a pretty light, easy read. I was satisfied by the end.

English professor Anne is excited about her new romance with the new writer in residence at her college. Then her ex shows up as the new college president and she is conflicted by her feelings, especially when she realized that they have a history with one another that doesn't seem too positive. I really enjoyed the love triangle that was in this book and seeing how it resolved. If you are looking for a good romance, I would recommend this one.

Just like Anne Corey, Persuasion is my favorite book. Also, I'm currently working on my own modern adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, so this book hit the mark with me. Adam Martinez is hot in the way men you imagine in your head always are and Anne was so relatable. My favorite character was by far Larry; I need to add a gay best friend to one of my books sometime. I zoomed through this book. It was readable and heart-warming and everything you want a book like this to be. I couldn't put it down. I kind of want to read it again already. I definitely recommend it!

I must first confess, that I have never read Jane Austen's Persuasion. When I realized the novel was based on this well loved novel I was excited to give it a go. But when I saw some negative reviews for this book I was nervous to pick it up. However, maybe because I had never read Jane's original novel, I really loved this book! I thought it was delightful and heartwarming. The characters felt realistic and I was invested in Anne's story. I can understand that some may not like this sort of fluffy, quick read, but for me it was pretty perfect. If you are looking for a light, fun read I would highly recommend this book. And because I liked it so much, I may just have to pick up Persuasion later this year.

By the Book is a fantastic modern tribute to Jane Austen’s Persuasion. It successfully captures the novel’s wistful tone while transferring its events to modern day California.

Anne is an English professor struggling to gain tenure when the new college president arrives. He’s Adam, her former fiancé and “the one that got away.” The plot that follows manages to parallel Austen without feeling dated. Anne struggles with her work-life balance and with the knowledge that happiness and true love may have passed her by.

I’ve read a lot of Austen adaptations and this book is one of my favorites. The way Julia Sonneborn incorporates humor into what could be a dated “need to get married” tale is masterful. I laughed out loud many times while reading, and had a good time with all the characters. It’s also fun to catch all the references to Austen and other literary greats. Definitely a must read!

A fun read, especially for anyone who loves books. It's not just a glossy romance, as it contains painfully real episodes of grief from young love through the loss of a parent. Well-written and engaging. Although it's a modern reworking or Austen's Persuasion, you don't have to like that novel (or even to have read it) in order to thoroughly enjoy this novel.

I thoroughly enjoyed Julia's debut novel and I look forward to reading her next.
By the Book is a light read with all of the literary facts that I have loved since high school. A combination of everything a reader wants, love interest, intrigue, job security. and history. I had a hard time putting it down and I didn't want it to end.

"By the Book" was an entertaining read. Sometimes we learn that people are not always what they seem. Other times we find that the best way to know someone's intentions is to ask, not assume. "Persuasion" is one of my favorites and I am always on the lookout for fiction that adapts it, updates it, or puts a different spin on it.

"By the Book" by Julia Sonneborn
I really liked this story. It certainly kept me entertained.. sometimes with happiness, sometimes with tears... yet always wanting to find out what the next page was going to say to me. I was gifted with a copy of this story and am ever so happy for my good fortune. A good story should never be missed.

By the Book by Julia Sonneborn is a standalone novel that is a modern day retelling on Jane Austin’s ‘Persuasion’. Anne Corey, our heroine, is a 32 year old English professor at Fairfax liberal arts college; who is also in the midst of writing a book. During the storyline, we get to see many of the reject letters Anne receives from publishers, and it is important for her to sell her book to gain a permanent tenure with the school.

Anne is shocked to learn that her ex-fiancé, Adam Martinez is now coming on board to the college as the new President. She hasn’t seen Adam in 13 years, and it is at the reception for the new president that they come face to face. Adam is very pleasant to Anne, but she does her best to welcome him to Fairfax, and keep her distance. Anne meets Rick, a famous novelist, who has become a resident in the college in between his books. Rick and Anne become friends, and eventually lovers. Rick does not like Adam, having had a bad experience with him at another school. He tells Anne all about the things Adam did, and Anne faithfully believes him. But things are not as they seem.

When Anne’s father gets ill, it is Adam who will be around to help her, and a friendship resumes, though neither want anything more. But when Rick is never around when she needs hi m, and Adam is, Anne will begin to open her eyes. Rick turned out not to be what she thought, and his career takes a dive when truths are revealed about him.

I thought all the characters in this book were all fun and relatable. Anne was very well written by Sonneborn, and you couldn’t help but like her. Her best friend at the college, Larry was a riot; and a good loyal friend to Anne. Adam proved to be the right man for Anne, but it took almost to the end for both of them to reveal their true feelings.

By the Book was a sweet story, based on similarities of Austen’s Persuasion. I enjoyed the book, though it was a bit slow early on. I would have liked to see more of Anne and Adam, as not much in the romantic sense was done. Though I did love the ending, which was very sweet.

I received this from a Goodreads giveaway. I enjoyed the book for the most part, although I did get a little worn down by the main character's lack of confidence and indecision. The cool thing is I may have to find "Persuasion" and read it sometime. Thanks, Julia Sonneborn!

Very pleasant second chance romance/chick lit book. I enjoyed the portrayal of life as an English professor since I have always thought I would have enjoyed that job. I was pleased to find that I preferred what I chose instead! Content on plagiarism was interesting, too.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I tore through it, and found it a quick, charming tour through the hidden world of academia. I found the characters relatable and enjoyed being able to pick out landmarks and LA institutions like Fairfax etc. I highly recommend for a fun, escapist read. Smart girls can enjoy romance too!

I adored this book. While there were some aspects I thought were a little much (the ending...the BFF's scandalous relationship), I really enjoyed this one. Thanks to NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Anne Corey has spent her adult life struggling to attain a career as an English Professor and its attendant brass ring: full tenure. Those positions have become ever more elusive as funding for the Arts decreases eliminating positions in her field. Anne’s sacrifices to reach this goal include breaking up with her first and only love, Adam Martinez. He comes back into her life as the president of the small liberal arts college where she teaches in California. Anne has a lot going on in her life including the extreme pressure to publish or lose her job, an aging father to help care for, plus a romance with a celebrity writer-in-residence, and then there is Adam. She made a decision about their relationship which has haunted her for ten years calling into question all the sacrifice and hard work. Anne wonders was it worth ending up alone without the man she truly loved?

Clearly, Ms. Sonneborn knows her subject well including the academic world with the burdens of tenure track, pompous professors, as well as students who don’t quite fathom the concept of actually reading an assigned book and showing up for class. Adding to the fun as in fundraising, Anne deals with rich and famous California types whose money the college desires very much.

As a proclaimed version of Jane Austen’s PERSUASION in a modern day setting, this book does not always work or follow the tenor of the original. That being said, I find this a quite witty tale, parts will especially appeal to those of us former English Majors who will recognize not only the classic works, but the academic side of both teaching and laboring under demanding professors. Also in the story that goes along with the trope of retelling classic literature is an “updated” movie version of Jane Eyre called Jane Vampire. This cinematic travesty provides quite a bite of contextual humor for those of us who prefer book versions of well-loved stories while disdaining Hollywood’s proclivity for ruining them. Anne spends quite a bit of time in introspection wondering if all the costs including, literally, a crazy amount of debt where worth losing Adam and giving up time with her family that she chose instead. While having achieved her academic goals, much of Anne’s life seems rather empty of the things that make life good besides work.

I am in two minds of this book because while I enjoyed the writing style and some of the characters, especially Anne’s best friend and very entertaining colleague, Larry, the love story fell a little short. Whether one is familiar with the original story or not, something is missing from the romance portion of this book. Anne’s boyfriend for much of the book, Rick, has little to recommend him. Her encounters with Adam are often brief and frustrating or told in flashback. It was so slow burn that by the time Anne and Adam are finally together, I was left wanting much more.

A light, modern take on Jane Austen’s Persuasion. A sweet look on second chances and taking the chance for happiness.
The life of a college professor is intertwined with an aging parent, nephews, her best friend Larry and a campus romance. Her struggles with gaining tenure and her college ex (Adam) appearing keeps the story moving.
Anne balances family, work, and life emotions trying for a delicate balance we would all love to have in our own lives. I loved all of this part of the story, the plot and struggles worked well.
Yet, I didn’t connect with Anne that well though the story was straightforward. The lack of depth played a part. This is especially true about the romance. I was expecting more since Adam and Anne haven't seen each other for 13 years. Where is the tension between them? I wanted to see Anne bringing Adam around, not avoid him.
A quick read to enjoy on these winter nights!

Julia Sonneborn uses charming wit in this modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. At the heart of this story, you meet Anne Corey - independent, yet flawed, and completely relatable leading lady. Anne Corey shows tremendous character growth while dealing with her life balances - being a sister, taking care of her elderly father, all while focusing on making tenure, and dealing with two very different men, who love her, but despise each other deeply.

Somneborn gives us a dramatic, sweet, and charmingly flawed portrait of a girl that will keep you spellbound until the last page. What a fantastic debut. Looking forward to what comes next for Sonneborn!

I appreciate Netgalley giving me an advanced reading copy of By The Book for my honest review. I would recommend you read this one!

By the Book by Julia Sonneborn is a standalone novel that is a modern day retelling on Jane Austin’s ‘Persuasion’. Anne Corey, our heroine, is a 32 year old English professor at Fairfax liberal arts college; who is also in the midst of writing a book. During the storyline, we get to see many of the reject letters Anne receives from publishers, and it is important for her to sell her book to gain a permanent tenure with the school.

Anne is shocked to learn that her ex-fiancé, Adam Martinez is now coming on board to the college as the new President. She hasn’t seen Adam in 13 years, and it is at the reception for the new president that they come face to face. Adam is very pleasant to Anne, but she does her best to welcome him to Fairfax, and keep her distance. Anne meets Rick, a famous novelist, who has become a resident in the college in between his books. Rick and Anne become friends, and eventually lovers. Rick does not like Adam, having had a bad experience with him at another school. He tells Anne all about the things Adam did, and Anne faithfully believes him. But things are not as they seem.

When Anne’s father gets ill, it is Adam who will be around to help her, and a friendship resumes, though neither want anything more. But when Rick is never around when she needs hi m, and Adam is, Anne will begin to open her eyes. Rick turned out not to be what she thought, and his career takes a dive when truths are revealed about him.

I thought all the characters in this book were all fun and relatable. Anne was very well written by Sonneborn, and you couldn’t help but like her. Her best friend at the college, Larry was a riot; and a good loyal friend to Anne. Adam proved to be the right man for Anne, but it took almost to the end for both of them to reveal their true feelings.

By the Book was a sweet story, based on similarities of Austen’s Persuasion. I enjoyed the book, though it was a bit slow early on. I would have liked to see more of Anne and Adam, as not much in the romantic sense was done. Though I did love the ending, which was very sweet.