5 Ways to Love Jane Austen

Why not look for a copy of "A Memoir of Jane Austen"? It has nothing to do with Jane Austen's birthday, which falls on December 16. The author, who hailed from Hampshire, would be surprised at her iconic status. She won't think too much of how her novels were translated into successful romantic comedies (or romcom for short). If not for her body of works, then Emma Thompson might not have won an Academy Award (for Best Adapted Screenplay).

James Edward Austen-Leigh wrote an interesting biography about her aunt. The public wouldn't know the real Jane Austen, as Cassandra, Jane's elder sister, burned most of their letters. The biography was a conflicting description of the author, domestic and gentrified on one side and passionate and willy-nilly on the other. They would swoon if one of her suitors was Mr. Darcy, even he didn't make a favorable impression.

Jane Austen wouldn't be out of place in modern pop culture. Here are five ways to make her love more:

Clueless. Amy Heckerling reimagined "Emma" in Beverly Hills. Some fans would express their disapproval, as Cherilyn "Cher" Horowitz was far from Emma Woodhouse. They have a point, as the students of an upper-class high school was far removed from the real world. Cher wouldn't lose her inheritance if she didn't settle down before her 25th birthday, as matchmaking could be fun. It would bring out the prejudice against certain types of people. (Americans can be perceived as racists.) Those who are worried about its effect on younger viewers would be comforted with the sight of designer clothes and flashy accessories. Austen would relate to it, but Iggy Azalea could be another matter.

Bridget Jones. This may be the modern update of "Pride and Prejudice", when technology turned Elizabeth Bennet into a binge-eating, chain-smoking, working girl. You wondered if this was what Austen had in mind. There was no doubt about it, as Lizzie often put up a face. It wasn't hard to imagine her posting her feelings on Facebook, which delighted her friends. She wondered if there was a man out there. It turned out he was a huge fan of ugly sweaters.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Another alternative to "Pride and Prejudice" featured the Bennet sisters trained in martial arts and sword fighting. The dreadfuls were swarming the countryside, which would make the journey on carriage a matter of life or death. Lizzie and her siblings shouldn't have a problem, but they still have snotty neighbors to deal with. It will come down to a duel.

Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters. Austen's tale of two sisters who find happiness in the least-expected circumstances would make readers emotional about the siblings (and their lack of a love life). Ben. H. Winters set his tale during the time when many parts of Britain were inundated. He channeled his inner Lovecraft, which Austen might have reservation. It was a case of the odd couple.

Jane Austen's bibliography. If you want the real thing, then it won't be difficult to find a copy of her book. After all, Austen became a legend.