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250 (& More) Reasons We Love Jane Austen

Austen at 250 logo with fireworks in background



Born on December 16, 1775, Jane Austen turns 250 this year. Help us celebrate! 

Everyone has their own reason for adoring Jane Austen, and we would all love to hear yours. Whether it's as simple as "Mrs. Bennet's nerves," a favorite witty line, or a heartfelt toast, we're gathering a joyful collection of 250—and more!—reasons you, her readers and fans, appreciate her. Join us in celebrating the incomparable Jane!

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Comments

  • Rebekah Santoro Jul 30, 2025, 12:07 PM (35 days ago)

    At an early age, I was introduced to Jane Austen, and it changed my life in so many ways. Learning about her helped me understand what it meant to be true to yourself. As an author, she has inspired me endlessly with both her novels and who she was as a person. To me, her novels demonstrate truth, love, and understanding of both people and society, and I can only hope that my own novels speak to those ideals as well. Thank you for everything, Jane.

  • Luisa Kay Reyes Jul 30, 2025, 10:49 AM (35 days ago)

    Jane Austen and her novels have been such an inspiration for me. They fill me with such joy when I read them. And I learn so much about humankind from her deep insight into human character. I've also learned to feel gratitude from her novels and to value esteem. She is wonderful.

  • Betty Torres Jul 29, 2025, 7:54 AM (36 days ago)

    Jane Austen's work has been a constant source of comfort and joy in my life. What truly draws me to Jane Austen is not only her sharp wit and sarcastic humor, but the relatability of both her and her characters. Over the years, I've come to love everything about her: her life, her novels, her letters, the places she lived and visited, her opinions, her family history, and, most of all, her enduring legacy. Austen's works offer a timeless reflection of human nature, and her characters feel like old friends. Her books are not just entertaining—they feel like home, a place where wit, wisdom, and humanity collide.

  • Allison Thompson Jul 27, 2025, 6:42 AM (38 days ago)

    One of the (many) things I love about Austen is not only how she teaches me to be a better person, but how my feelings towards the characters have changed over the years as I've grown and (hopefully) matured. When I was 21 I was in love with Elizabeth, found Fanny insipid, and thought that Catherine was ditzy, Elinor was a bit stodgy and Marianne was weird (but I still loved them all anyway). Now that I am more than thrice 21, I find Lizzie to be just a bit pert (Mrs B was not wrong in this!), Fanny to be exemplary and strong, and Catherine a darling. Elinor is less sensible than I first thought her, and Marianne is more so. Still can't quite reconcile myself to Emma, though......perhaps in another 21 years.....

  • Linda Darden Jul 21, 2025, 7:59 AM (44 days ago)

    There are so many dimensions to my appreciation of Jane Austen's writings that I suspect I will agree with all of the comments shared here. The first thing that came to mind as I read this prompt was that somehow, across the distance of time, geography, and culture, I feel a connection to her characters. With every re-reading I am reminded how well she understood people and our motivations. And the fact that she shares her observations with such a sharp sense of humor makes me feel a connection with the narrator. Somehow she is in the room with me, and we are enjoying the story together.

  • Marcia Johnson Jul 21, 2025, 5:21 AM (44 days ago)

    To honor and celebrate Jane’s 250th all year long, JASNA Virtual Region members started In January 2025 contributing and compiling 250 ways to do so on its Jane250 page on our region's website which can be reached by clicking on the Jane250 tab at the top of the home page. Check the site often because new content is added frequently.

  • Liz Philosophos Cooper Jul 19, 2025, 7:47 AM (46 days ago)

    "What is right to be done cannot be done too soon." -EMMA
    No matter the circumstance, Jane Austen reminds us that truth, integrity, and well-timed wit never go out of style.

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