A Catholic Girl’s Guide to Jane Austen

6 Reasons She’s My Favorite Author

Portrait of Jane Austen in watercolor and pencil by  Cassandra Austen (1773–1845); c. 1810
Portrait of Jane Austen in watercolor and pencil by Cassandra Austen (1773–1845); c. 1810 (photo: Public domain)

I am a Jane Austen fan. 

I have read her novels multiple times and enjoy watching the movie adaptations. 

So I am celebrating the beloved author on her birthday today, Dec. 16, and the 200th-year anniversary of the publication of Sense and Sensibility.

I applaud that her books reflect concepts of true love and virtue and faith

Her writing has stood the test of time for good reason.

For me, these are six reasons to read Austen’s novels:

1. Pride and Prejudice‘s Lesson: People can change. And love prompts good actions.
2. Sense and Sensibility‘s Lesson: A balance of sense and sensibility is needed in love and life.
3. Persuasion‘s Lesson: True love waits; love never fails (see 1 Corinthians 13). Sigh.
4. Emma’s Lesson: Mr. Knightley is a true gentleman ... and love helps people become better people.
5. Mansfield Park‘s Lesson: Goodness always prevails.
6. Northanger Abbey‘s Lesson: Don’t be so obsessed with the latest fad so as to almost miss out on finding true love.


Thanks, Jane, for the good reads ... and for inspiring a fellow woman writer!