A fun, fast read. I wanted to shake Julia sometimes because of her cluelessness, but it didn't detract too much from my enjoyment of the story. ( )

This book completely engrossed me. Being a Jane Austen junkie myself, I could completely sympathize with Julie when her best friend, ‘the enthusiast,’ hones in on her favorite author. The characters in the book are so life-like that I found myself laughing out loud at the troubles of being a teenager. ( )

Reviewed by Jocelyn Pearce for TeensReadToo.com

There are plenty of reasons for readers to be enthusiastic about Polly Shulman's new novel, ENTHUSIASM! It is full of fascinating characters, funny situations, and even romance. The book is told from the point of view of Julie, who is best friends with always-enthusiastic Ashleigh. Ashleigh doesn't just have interests; for her, they're always full-blown obsessions. She's been through phases where she has loved a band called the Wet Blankets, Harriet the Spy, ballet, King Arthur, and a lot more. When Julie lent her friend PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, by Jane Austen, the newest fad began.

For Ashleigh, the Enthusiast, it could never be just a great book. She's got to speak like someone from hundreds of years ago, learn ballroom dancing, wear long skirts, and find True Love. As usual, Julie's got to try and talk some sense into her friend. Sure, they'll still end up publicly humiliated (as usual), but maybe it can be to a lesser degree. Perhaps she can convince Ashleigh to at least put on some jeans!

No matter what Julie does, however, she still can't convince Ashleigh to give up the idea of finding True Love--dressing and acting like the heroine from a Jane Austen novel. Ashleigh is convinced they'll be able to find True Love while crashing a dance at the local boys' prep school, Forefield Academy. The rest of the story has confusion, romance, comedy, humiliation, and a lot more that will have readers hooked up until the very last page!

It's a story that teens will be able to relate to, even if their best friends aren't nearly so enthusiastic as Ashleigh. Everyone's been embarrassed by a friend, but you've still got to stick by them, right? And then of course there's the fact that Ashleigh has set her sights on the guy Julie's crushing on. A sticky situation that lots of girls can relate to! Told in Julie's engaging, witty voice, this entertaining story has every element of a great young adult novel that is sure to be popular for a long time to come. I know I'm not alone in hoping for another novel by Polly Shulman that's as unique and interesting as this one! ( )

Original review at The Little Bookworm

Julie's best friend, Ashleigh, is an enthusiast. She falls in love with something and it becomes her obsession. Julie usually just goes along with Ashleigh. But when Ashleigh decides that Pride and Prejudice is her new thing, Julie is horrified. Pride and Prejudice and Jane Austen is her thing. But it's when Ashleigh decides that Julie's secret crush is her Mr. Darcy, that Julie begins to see the trouble of dealing with an enthusiast.

I picked this one hoping it would be like a YA Pride and Prejudice, but it wasn't. This isn't a bad thing, but it was different than I expected. The book is told in a very Austen-like manner and the influence was definitely there. The beginning was very P&P, the middle was more A Midsummer Night's Dream, and then back to P&P.

Julie is a very good friend and puts up with her friend Ashleigh's notions and in general just goes along with her. Ashleigh is one of those people that decided they love something and jumped all the way in. Now she's decided she loves Jane Austen and wants to dress, talk, and behave the same way as the characters in Pride and Prejudice. Julie is not happy about this but goes along with her since Ashleigh can't be talk out of anything. In the course of this, Julie and Ashleigh end up at a dance for the boys school in their town and meet C. Grandison Parr and his friend Ned. Parr happens to be the boy that Julie has had several chance run-ins with in town and on whom she harbors a secret crush. Ashleigh decides that Parr is her Mr. Darcy and Ned is Julie's Bingley and nothing Julie says will convince her otherwise. Consequently I want to shake them both. I literally turned the book off at several points and shouted (in my car) at Julie for being stupid and at Ashleigh for not listening. Julie, in particular, was very obtuse and couldn't see the signs that (*spoiler Parr liked her **)even if they were written in neon. But then I thought back to when I was 16 and realized that I was that stupid at times too. I can think of at least 2 boys that liked me back then and I didn't realize it at all and looking back it is clear as day. But I was so sure that it couldn't be possible that I convinced myself it wasn't possible and I was too self-conscious to realize it. I could smack 16 year old me sometimes (because, frankly, you should have seen one of those boys, phew). Just like I wanted to smack Julie for being dumb and Ashleigh for not being a listener.

There were some very nice themes of loyalty and friendship between the girls and that was refreshing for a YA book. It seems lately there are a lot with back biting and meanness and this was a nice return to a classic friendship theme. It was also nice to see a romance develop that was given some time to blossom. That was refreshing too. It was obvious how it was going to end given the Austen-influence but it was a sweet book so that was okay.

I listened to it on CD and I liked the narrator, Jennifer Ikeda. She sounded very Austen-like. Her tone and pacing was very good. ( )

Julie Lefkowitz knows where her allegience lies -- and it's all with Ashleigh Rossi, her childhood best friend and serious Enthusiast. Ashleigh's whims change without warning and encompass her entire being, dragging Julie along as she suddenly develops an interest in insects, candy-making or King Arthur -- and then some.

Usually glad to go along with Ash's infectious, excited schemes, her latest is causing Julie to feel anxious -- Ashleigh is now obsessed with Jane Austen's classic Pride & Prejudice, Julie's very own favorite book. And from the moment Ash appears at Julie's wearing a long gown, speaking in Regency language and begging her to crash a "ball" at neighboring all-boys school Forefield Academy, Julie knows this is no ordinary Enthusiasm.

And it's not, of course. At the dance they meet Ned Downing and Charles Grandison Parr, two "very suitable" young men who could very clearly resemble their own Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley, respectively. But which gentleman will pair off with which young lady?

I can't believe I only discovered this book by browsing through a bargain bookshelf. It was absolutely, totally fun and adorable! That's really the best way I can describe it. Was the romance a wee bit predictable? Yes. Were there times you wanted to punch Julie, our narrator, in the arm for being so obtuse? Definitely. Was it obvious that, in the tradition of Jane Austen, we would get our very own happy ending? Sure. But let me tell you, it didn't really hurt this infectious story at all.

What really anchored the whole novel for me was the knowledge that we all have an Ashleigh -- or that we've all been an Ashleigh. My friends and family have long teased me that I jump from one "obsession" to another, and I absolutely saw myself in Shulman's whimsical character. Ashleigh's friendship with Julie was so strong, as was their devotion to each other -- and it was so refreshing to see a pair of friends who don't turn on each other the moment a pimply teenage boy shows them an ounce of attention. Seriously, Ashleigh and Julie were Ashleigh-and-Julie, and I loved that.

Jane Austen fans will delight in seeing a young woman so engrossed with one of their own favorite novels, as will the many women who have looked for their own Mr. Darcy. Ashleigh's Enthusiasm is totally contagious, and at just 208 pages, you can whip right through this one in a sitting or two. And I'm so glad I did! ( )

Here it goes...
I probably should have given it 3 stars since it was very predicable... to the point I could have just read the first 4 chapters and predicted the end.

But I gave it 4 because the book was so charming. The main character could have been modeled after me when I was in high school/college. Much of her choices mirrored mine, and I even had a mysterious stranger once upon a time. The author did a wonderful job depicting the teen angst of trying to guess if a boy li...more Here it goes...
I probably should have given it 3 stars since it was very predicable... to the point I could have just read the first 4 chapters and predicted the end.

But I gave it 4 because the book was so charming. The main character could have been modeled after me when I was in high school/college. Much of her choices mirrored mine, and I even had a mysterious stranger once upon a time. The author did a wonderful job depicting the teen angst of trying to guess if a boy liked you or not, and what to do if your best friend liked the same guy.

Now if I was 16, it would have definitely gotten 5 stars. It was so much like "Clueless" there is even a joke about the movie's plot right in its pages. I loved "Clueless" when I was in high school.. and well I hate to admit this but I still have the DVD. ( )

This was a fun teen romance that was neat little twist on Jane Austen. Julie's friend Ashleigh is always having these phases, or 'enthusiasms.' Suddenly Ashleigh discovers Jane Austen, and decided to go all out. Julie finally persuades her not to wear long dresses to high school, but agrees to go along to a boys' school dance, where they can meet their Mr. Darcys.

Like I said, it was a fun book. Ashleigh reminds me of several people I know, but fortunately, not quite so obsessed. And just about every reader will spot where the story is going almost from the beginning. The fun is in seeing HOW we get there.

Julie is a good character, with a complicated family, complicated emotions, and I really wanted her to get what she deserved. Recommended for teens or adults. ( )

Julie goes along with best friend Ashleigh's "enthusiasms" because they usually are fun. This time, it is to meet their "Heroes" -- right out of "Pride and Prejudice". Misunderstandings abound when Julie meets the man of her dreams, but Ashleigh has set her cap for him, too.

A refreshing romantic tale, full of Austenian wit and charm.

I loved this book. I loved the characters. It was a really fun read. ( )

I have to disapprove on principle of any book that promotes the idea of finding true love in high school, but Enthusiasm has enough redeeming qualities for me to pass it on to my students. The heroine, Julia, and her friend, Ashleigh, are charming if flat characters, as are their respective love interests. Nothing particularly bad happens, few big discoveries about self and life are made, but the story is well written and amusing. Not a bad way to spend a couple of hours. ( )

This book was really cute. It was fresh, funky and funny.It was a little annoying and you could really kind of see what was happening but it was an okay read.I don't think I'd read it again but it was nice to read the first time. ( )

Title: Enthusiasm

Author: Polly Shulman

Summary: Julie has a best friend named Ashleigh. Ashleigh is an enthusiast; every once in a while she gets a new obsession and throws herself fully into it, dragging Julie along with her. But when Julie's passion Pride and Prejudice is Ashleigh's latest craze, Ashleigh emulates everything about the 19th century (speech, dress) and worst of all a quest for her "Mr. Darcy". So Ashleigh's attempt to find him leads them to the local boys school meaning love, but who for?

Thoughts: Who doesn't have a friend like this. I found Ashleigh a charming and cute character, but she could bridge to annoying every once in a while. I also at times felt like this book was more about Ashleigh than Julie and at other points she felt absent. Julie is a good character but she is a bit clueless and doesn't seem to be sure of herself. I liked the hero in this book also. As for the plot, even though we have a touch more insight than Julie, there are some things I think that she should have picked up on. The plot' is super-good and gets quick, exciting, and a bit suspenseful at the end. I did find the pacing plodded at the midway point. There was also a kissing scene which I felt was really awkward. Overall it was cute, sassy and I like the offbeat incorporation and references to Pride and Prejudice. Carolyn Mackler fans, this is right up your alley.

Cover: The cover is gorgeous, it has a nice colour scheme, a good title treatment and a nice image. I'm kinda miffed that Ashleigh is our cover girl and not Julie.

Rating: 3 stars

PS: For Canadians this is a Chapters/Indigo bargain book, its $2 for the hardcover! ( )

This is a great retake on Pride and Prejudice, and its so good its hard to describe right now. If you're looking for a fun teen romance, this is a great book. ( )

This is a fabulous book about to best friends and love, difficulties, changes, and experiences. I really enjoyed reading it and its the kind of book that a few months later, you probably wont mind reading over!

Kearsten says: From Julie’s point of view, she’s always been on the voice-of-reason side of Ashleigh’s obsessions. When Ashleigh grabs onto Pride and Prejudice, one of Julie’s favorites, and bullies Julie into crashing the all-boys prep school’s dance, Julie is a bit resentful when, in her enthusiasm, Ashleigh falls for the one boy Julie’s been secretly pining for. Julie tries to keep her feeling secret to avoid hurting Ashleigh, but finds it more and more difficult as her Mr. Darcy seems to be showing interest in her… I loved this – it’s so heartfelt and sweet and well written, and now I want to go out and read Pride and Prejudice… ( )

From Julie’s point of view, she’s always been on the voice-of-reason side of Ashleigh’s obsessions. When Ashleigh grabs onto Pride and Prejudice, one of Julie’s favorites, and bullies Julie into crashing the all-boys prep school’s dance, Julie is a bit resentful when, in her enthusiasm, Ashleigh falls for the one boy Julie’s been secretly pining for. Julie tries to keep her feeling secret to avoid hurting Ashleigh, but finds it more and more difficult as her Mr. Darcy seems to be showing interest in her… I loved this – it’s so heartfelt and sweet and well written, and now I want to go out and read Pride and Prejudice… ( )

I love Jane Austen. I have read all of her completed novels at least twice. I've read quite a few JA para-lit novels, and this is by far the best of the bunch. It includes allusions to not only P&P, but Emma, Persuasion, Sense and Sensibility, and even a little Mansfield Park, too. Although she borrows from Austen's characters, Shulman does a great job of making them (and the story) fresh and unique. There was never a doubt in my mind as to the ending (it is, after all, a romance, and a YA one at that), but getting there was so much fun! I wanted to read it all over again after I finished, and I probably will at some point in the future. I'm loathe to give out any details of the book, because I want everyone to discover it for themselves, but I will say that musical theater (more specifically, a musical version of A Midsummer Night's Dream) comes into play. There are also sonnets, chocolate turkeys, fun new words (like "igsome" - "ig" for short - which is used to describe something/someone bad), romantic mix-ups, and all the usual high school drama.

I bought my copy through Scholastic's Book Club, and if it's ever made available again I'll probably buy a few more. Even if you're not a fan of Austen, I'm pretty sure you'd enjoy this book - it's just that wonderful. ( )

I had a blast reading Polly Shulman’s novel Enthusiasm, her homage to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice! It had been released in 2006 and was on my ‘to read’ list for quite some time until I felt the need for something summerish and light to read. Since it is classified as a young adult novel for grades 7-10, I was prepared to be underwhelmed by a less than sparkling plot and characterizations. My assumptions were so wrong! Totally!

It is quite amazing to think that this is Shulman’s first novel! If you check out her picture on her web site she looks barley old enough to be ‘out’ in society!. Educated at Yale Univeristy as a mathematician, she obviously possesses both left and right brain skills! This writer is pea green with envy and is in total awe of this level of talent in one so young. Like Jane Austen, Shulman is all about language, social observation and characterization. It is easy to see why Austen is one of her favorite authors and how she inspired her writing.

The book’s auspicious opening quote, “There is little more likely to exasperate a person of sense than finding herself tied by affection and habit to an Enthusiast” sets the tone of Austen-esque language throughout the novel that is respectful but not mimicy to Austen’s prose. The narrative is told from the perspective of fifteen-year old Julie, whose best friend since grade school is Ashleigh, an ‘enthusiast’. From Harriet the Spy to candy-making to military strategy, Julie never knows what or when the next craze will over-take her friend, but she is certain to be pulled into it. Now, her latest inspiration is also Julie’s passion, Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice. However, Ashleigh’s new possession of Regency manners and decorum mortify her conservative friend. Not only do they include speaking in Austenese, but wearing Regency attire to school, learning to country dance like her idols Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, and ultimately, the ardent pursuit of her own true love. Ashleigh’s latest hair-brain scheme is to find their Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley by crashing a boy’s prep school dance!

Knowing Austen’s world through her novels and movie adaptations was helpful, but not a prerequisite to enjoying this delightful novel. By following Julie’s 21st-century hardships, anxieties, mix-ups, and social blunderings we see that they are interchangeable with any 19th-century Regency Miss’ life; — for what young lady of any era does not wish, hope, and dream that a young gentleman will notice her, and return her affections? ( )

From the book jacket description, I had expected that ENTHUSIASM would follow the general plot of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. However, Pride and Prejudice is merely the starting point for this charming book.

At the start of their sophomore year, best friends Ashleigh and Julie are obsessed with Jane Austen’s world. That is, Julie had always loved Austen, and Ashleigh, who was famous for her constantly changing wild obsessions, decided that it would be her latest craze. However, Ashleigh takes Austen to another level, wearing Victorian clothing, speaking like the characters in the books, and setting off on a quest to find the ever enigmatic True Love.

Like all of Ashleigh’s crazy plans, this latest quest involves the friends crashing a formal dance at the all-boys’ boarding school, Forefield Academy. There, they are rescued from the clutches of a rule-loving teacher by C. Grandison Parr and Ned. Ashleigh believes that the two young men are, in fact, their True Loves—the Darcy-like Parr for Ashleigh and Ned, the Bingley of the story, for Julie.

Julie feels the same way…just not exactly as Ashleigh had imagined. Julie finds herself falling in love with Parr, but she keeps her feelings to herself, not wanting to be disloyal to Ashleigh. Keeping silent turns out to be harder than she thought as the four friends participate in a school musical together and Julie must see Parr every day. Will Julie ever find her True Love without losing her best friend?

In the style of most teen romances, Julie and Parr’s circling may have readers frustrated at the characters’ obliviousness and awkward situations. ENTHUSIASM is a nice read, but Parr doesn’t have anything on the real Mr. Darcy, of course. ( )

http://www.lonelymountain.net/books/d... ( )

Fun and entertaining. A nice light read with a good twist of Austen and Shakespeare. ( )

Loved it. It started off a bit slow, then took off. Very sweet, very innocent story that makes your heart smile with memories of first loves and crushes. Great book! ( )

Ashleigh is an enthusiast and her best friend Julia struggles to keep their friendship alive. ( )

This was a delightful young adult novel narrated by Julie, whose best friend Ashleigh is an "enthusiast". Her current craze is Jane Austen, which leads the pair to gatecrash a ball held at the local private school, where they meet their Mr Darcy. But which of them is Elizabeth? Less about Austen than you might imagine.

I picked up this book because on the cover, Stephanie Meyer, author of Twilight, recommended it. Julia and her best friend, Ashleigh, crash a dance at a boys school, and there Julia meets the boy of her dreams. Unfortunately, her friend feels exactly the same way, so Julia keeps quiet. ( )