The Sense and Sensibility Bicentenary Challenge 2011

Next year marks an important milestone for us Janeites to celebrate. Sense and Sensibility was the first published novel by our dear Jane Austen in 1811. It will be 200 years from the year that introduce Jane to the world. Since then many of her six novels are re-issued to readers worldwide whether in its original language or translated versions. But it all begins with Sense and Sensibility where we learned of the romance, life and entanglements of two equally different sisters — Elinor and Marianne Dashwood.

To rouse all Janeites to celebrate this glorious occasion, Laurel Ann Nattress of Austenprose is organising The Sense and Sensibility Bicentenary Challenge 2011. For those who have not yet have the pleasure of reading any novels by Jane Austen, this is a golden opportunity for you. Janeites, costume drama enthusiasts or casual admirers can also join in the fun to re-read novels, watch the movies and television adaptations and even read all the sequels, prequels, retellings and spin-offs based on Sense and Sensibility.

Challenge Details and Prizes
Timeline: 1 January-31 December 2011
Participation level:

• Neophyte: 1-4 selections
• Disciple: 5-8 selections
• Aficionado: 9-12 selections

Enrollment: Sign-ups are open from now until 1 March 2011. Please read the steps below.

1. Select your participation level.
2. Copy the graphic for The Sense and Sensibility Bicentenary Challenge 2011 and blog about this challenge detailing the novels and movies that you will either be reading or watching.
3. Leave a comment on this post and provide the link to your blog post in Step 2.

If you do not have a blog, you can still join in the fun. Just let Laurel know in the comment section here.

Prizes: Each month there will be giveaways of the book or movie that Laurel Ann will be reviewing for this challenge on every fourth Wednesday. As usual, leave a comment on her post to win the prize that will be offered. The good news is there will be a grand prize of all 12 items which is worth US$200 packed neatly into a Pemberley Shoppe tote bag. All this could be yours when you comment on any or all of the reviews on Austenprose or your own blog. This is wonderful news for your readers when they comment on your challenge reviews as it is also counted towards the drawing of the grand prize.

The lucky winners will be announced two weeks after each monthly blog post while the grand prize winner will be known on 1 January 2012. The bad news is shipment of prizes is to US or Canada addresses only but international readers are welcome to comment on any of the posts.

For more information on this challenge and suggested titles to select, please refer to this post. You can also go Austenesque Reviews at this link to get a comprehensive guide to Sense and Sensibility novels.

Update: Below is the list of prizes that are gradually announced on the fourth Wednesday of each month throughout the year. Take a look and comment on the post to win the fabulous prizes on offer. Stay tune for more updates.

January: 2 paperback novels of The Three Weissmanns of Westport
February: 1 DVD copy of BBC's 1981 Sense and Sensibility mini-series
March: 1 novel of The Dashwood Sisters Tells All
April: 1 paperback copy of The Sense and Sensibility Screenplay and Diaries
May: 1 paperback copy of The Annotated Sense and Sensibility
June: 1 DVD copy of 1995 Sense and Sensibility movie
July: 1 hardcover copy of Sass & Serendipity
August: 1 paperback copy of Suspense and Sensibility (or, First Impressions Revisited): A Mr. & Mrs. Darcy Mystery
September: 1 unabridged CD or digital download of Sense and Sensibility Naxos Audiobooks
December: 1 copy of Willoughby's Return

I will definitely enter this challenge as I love reading and watching adaptations of Jane Austen's oeuvre. This will be a fun and good way to spend my leisure time. In addition, it can also tie in nicely with the Jane Austen is My Homegirl Reading Challenge which I am currently participating. I especially like to thank Laurel Ann for planning and hosting this challenge for everyone to participate.

Now I need to figure out which level I will be participating as and titles to choose from. I think I'll have a go at the neophyte level before deciding whether to upgrade my level. My tentative list will be:

1. From Prada to Nada (2011) √
2. The Three Weissmanns of Westport by Cathleen Schine √
3. The Dashwood Sisters Tell All by Beth Pattillo √
4. Sass & Serendipity by Jennifer Ziegler
   

Wish me luck!