Becoming Jane: The Wit and Wisdom of Jane Austen    edited by Anne Newgarden Order:  USA  Can Hyperion, 2007 (2007) Softcover      Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth If you haven't yet seen the movie Becoming Jane, take yourself to the nearest movie house and indulge. Then obtain a copy of Becoming Jane, a compendium of Jane Austen's famous and quotable sayings. Jane Austen, a clergyman's daughter, lived and wrote in Hampshire, England more than two centuries ago. She is as popular today as she became those many years ago. She produced six novels that were considered masterpieces then as they are now. Her fans haven't diminished over time. I have enjoyed the productions of her work by Masterpiece Theater. I'm sure her name is as well known amongst school children as among all the ages up to mine and beyond. Becoming Jane is the type of book one reads for only minutes at a time – the better to digest the wisdom this gentle woman shared with all of us, leaving her words behind to give solace, inspiration and a good laugh now and then. 'Vanity working on a weak head produces every sort of mischief.' 'Selfishness must always be forgiven, you know, because there is no hope for a cure.' 'If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.' 'I always deserve the best treatment because I never put up with any other.' 'How quick comes the reasons for approving what we like.' 'It was a delightful visit – perfect, in being much too short.' 'I cannot speak well enough to be unintelligible.' Enough quotes. This was just to tease. Treat yourself to the wisdom of a lovely woman who left the world much too young. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews