A very different take on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice! In some ways I really like it. In some ways, it's really weird... Overall a good story, maybe especially for those who have not read P & P, and I'm sure there are many! For instance, what does a character from Emma have to do with P&P? But anyway, a good throwback to the 80s kind of story. Waters down P&P a bit, I guess for the audience. Also so completely different from what Jane wrote, in many ways. Guess I'm not totally sure what to think about the whole P&P thing, if you can't tell. Ha ha.
Anyway, I guess you'll have to read it and find out what I mean!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance e-book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This was such a fun book! Set in modern times, this adaption of Pride and Prejudice was a lot of fun! I liked this modern twist.
An 80’s take on Pride and Prejudice with an overweight protagonist, Pudge and Prejudice is awesome!
Loved this Cute 80s retelling! Amazing job!

Reading this book was like hopping into a time machine back to 1984. The nostalgia was off the charts for me...pegged pants and slouchy socks, the thrill at getting a VHS player for Christmas, having to wait for the home phone to ring to speak to a friend. It made me laugh to think of a teen today reading this and being completely unable to relate to what it was like to grow up without cell phones, social media and computers. But this is a story that can be equally enjoyed by today's YA reader as well as adults who can appreciate the 80s references. A.K. Pittman does such an excellent job of re-telling the story of Pride and Prejudice, casting chubby but brilliant Elyse Nebbitt as Elizabeth Bennett and football superstar Billy Fitz and Mr. Darcy. Highly recommend for both middle and high school readers.

I love all things Jane Austen, especially anything remotely Pride and Prejudice inspired! But even I was a little skeptical when I heard that A. K. Pittman was writing a highschool drama version of Pride and Prejudice set during the 80's. I needn't have worried, this story was brilliant! Told in first person by Elyse Nebbit (a.k.a Elizabeth Bennett), it's filled with witty writing and clever word play that will entertain all age groups! I found myself laughing out loud as I journeyed with Elyse through the social drama that is highschool. And if I didn't already love Darcy's character enough, this version made me fall in love with him all over again! So if you like scrunchies, mix tapes, big hair and fun spins on classic tales, then this book is the one for you! Pudge and Prejudice is a wonderful coming-of-age/rom-com story that I'd highly recommend to anyone aged teen and up!

Blast back to the 1980's - cassettes, swatches, and more. A more modern twist to a classic story. Elyse discovers who she is and her first love. #PrideandPrejudice @NetGalley

Pudge and Prejudice is a sweet, modern day retelling of the classic Jane Austen novel, Pride and Prejudice. I loved the characters and the often funny, sometimes dramatic antics of the Nebbitt family. And being set in high school in 1984, the constant fashion, music, and food references throughout the book gave me fond nostalgia for my time growing up in the 80's. If you are looking for a fun, quirky, clean, young adult read, with lots of humor and great dialogue, this one should be perfect for you! 4 Stars!

As I'm sure you can tell from the title, Pudge and Prejudice is a Pride and Prejudice retelling/reimagination and it is the freshest take I have ever had the pleasure to come across.
The year is 1984, the location is small town Texas - where Elyse Nebbit , her parents and her four sisters have moved to from Arizona. Charlie Bingley and Billy Fitz come to help the Nebbits unload their U-Haul, and so our tale begins. Jayne and Charlie make quick work of falling in love. Billy is the perfect Mr. Darcy in his brooding, stand off-ishness.
A. K. Pittman created such a vivid picture of small town USA in 1984. I wasn't even born until 1988, yet it still filled me with such a sense of nostalgia. All the books I grew up reading (the Girl Talk series, anyone?), plus all the American TV I binged as a kid help me to mentally set the scene. As much as this book is a tribute to Jane Austen, I feel like it's also a tribute to John Hughes . It is crying out to be made into a film or TV series.
As an avid Jane Austen fan it was an absolute delight to pick up on all the little nods to her works within the books (such as Frank Churchill who is conspicuously absent throughout the book right up until one of the last scenes). I was cackling every time he was mentioned.
Collin and Lottie appear as Elyse's lunchtime companions - Lottie is as pragmatic as Charlotte in the original story, going for Collin because he was a "safe bet". She speaks of the heart in such a matter of fact way that I am convinced she would be an INTJ if she took a Myer-Briggs test. All fact, little feeling.
All the rest of the gang are there - Lydia (now the middle sister, with Mary and Kitty being relegated to elementary school age), Gage Wickham (and what a Wickham he is!), Caroline Bingley in the form of a spoilt, horrid nine year old child, and my personal favourite (only because it snuck up on me and took me an embarrassingly long time to realise - Katie Berg , the snobbish head cheerleader/head of every committee/head of the social pecking order- AKA Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
The prose was something else. A. K. Pittman has a way with words that I will always envy. When talking about Jayne and Charlie at the school dance, Elyse describes them thusly:
They were meant for beaming lights to shine upon them. A living embodiment of the aurora borealis. -- Chapter 8 - Pudge and Prejudice.
Elyse, oh Elyse. I love her as much as I love Elizabeth Bennet. She is the teenager I wish I was. When she first spurns Billy (after being told how shocked he was at fancying her, because well.. she's overweight) she says:
You're right. I am different from other girls. I don't need to be validated by you. It may shock you to know that I haven't been pining away, waiting for you to come to this great epiphany of yours. -- Chapter 12 - Pudge and Prejudice
If I only had half the spine of she at the tender age of 15.
Pudge and Prejudice truly feels like this book was a love letter to Austen's creations. But at the same time, it is such a strong story in itself that you can almost forget its roots as a P&P retelling. It is not at all contrived. None of the plot feels like it's there simply to fit in the P&P storyline (like it has in other adaptations). It is beautiful and perfect and just plain fun. I will definitely re-read this book in the future, and I would recommend any 13-17 year old girl (or boy) to read this book.
It deserves every single one of the five stars I am giving it.

This book was absolutely delightful! It has all the fun of Pride and Prejudice and the 80's in one! It was incredibly fun, witty, and captivating. I could not put it down! Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

I loved this entertaining, enlightening, story filled with witty dialogue, and well-timed humor. I adored all the 1980 references with music, movies, and clothes. I liked the way this author brilliantly sets up this story (I am still thinking about) as Elyse Nebbit’s family is uprooted and dropped into Northfield, Texas in 1984. I enjoyed getting to know and hanging out with this quirky family with Jayne, Elsye and the “littles” (a nickname for their little sisters).as they learn the lay of the land. I liked how the sisters encouraged one another and pulled together in a pinch as they adjusted to their new normal. Their lives would never be the same.

I liked the transparent way sisters Elyse and Jayne talked about body image and how they learned to feel ok in their own skin. Here is a comment by Elyse to her sister, Jayne, “I’ve always found something I needed more than a smaller waist. Like to read more books…”

This is an Elsye quote that gives you a peek into her personality and wisdom, “I would rather stand my ground in all my wrongness than step one foot into someone else’s idea of right, even if it means I’m sometimes left standing alone.” I delighted in how the author had readers experience Elyse Nebbit and her family adventures in this new town and state.

I loved how the author gave readers a peek into some high school drama, with a wide range of emotions, hurts and how these youngsters learn to recover. The author shows how these teens cope, have the courage to be themselves and have fun in their relationships with family, friends, boyfriends and classmates.

Make sure you sit down and take your time with this one. You will want to savor every second reading this delightful coming of age story, that is fascinating, and uplifting. This novel is a refreshing read and one that would work well for your next book club pick. I highly recommend it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

It’s me. I’m back again (okay, for the third time - Pride, Unmarriageable, now) with another retelling of Pride and Prejudice. I just can’t help myself.

This book was SO fun.

Admittedly, at first, I was a little bored with the teenager POV in mid-1980s North Texas. Not my favorite genre. But the author did an amazing job! As a retelling/revamping of my favorite story, of course I knew the bones of what would happen, but once again I am awed by the creative way in which a classic story is updated and changed based on location.

If you love 1980s nostalgia and have never had luck reading the original Pride and Prejudice, I highly recommend you try this version out.

It can serve as a great bridge into classic storytelling.

Stars 4.5
Would I Recommend? Yes

Elyse Nebbit just moved with her family to Northenfield, Texas. She and her older sister Jayne are trying to navigate being new to a very close-knit town while still trying to watch over their younger sisters: Mary, Lydia, and Kitty. Within the first day, the sisters meet handsome Charlie Bingly and mysterious Billy Fitz. A love connection between Jayne and Charlie begins, and Elyse finds herself having a little bit of boy trouble as well when someone from Billy's past comes to town again.

I am a HUGE Pride and Prejudice fan, so when I read the title I knew that the premise of the book was going to involve similar plot lines, but I was very blown away with how beautifully this book was written. I did have my fears that this book would not hold up to the original, but those fears were soon thrown out once I saw how uniquely the story was told. Although they do have the same story lines, A.K. Pittman made this book stand up on its own. While I was reading this, I could totally imagine John Hughes directing this as a movie. The setting takes place in the 80s, so there were a lot of references included to help paint the scene- music, movies, and fashion thrown into the mix.

Ultimately, if you haven't already read Pride and Prejudice and enjoy YA novels, this is a good fit for you. If you have read Pride and Prejudice trust that this adaptation will not disappoint you.

I loved reading Pudge and Prejudice. As an avid fan of the novel, Pride and Prejudice, I was super excited to read this modern retelling of the novel set in high school. There were some moments that I thought were absolutely perfect in this book and it was an overall enjoyable novel to read. I thought it did a great job of modernizing the first novel into a story about high schoolers and the main character was very likable.

galvanizing: adj. thrilling, exciting, stimulating

The galvanizing storytelling within the pages of Pudge and Prejudice will leave readers absolutely spellbound.

I knew from the opening pages that I was in for a magical reading experience with this book! And upon completion, it has rightfully earned its place not only in my heart, but on my favorites shelf as well! While there are many Pride and Prejudice retellings out there, this is the throwback to the classic tale that will truly appeal to readers of all ages!

Don’t let the young adult classification fool you! The timeless romantic clash we all love and enjoy is beautifully and humorously captured with all its teenage angst, yet profoundly transcendent in its ability to be relatable even for those of us far beyond those young years. Proud Billie and opinionated Elyse match wits in a splendid performance of civilized and modern day sparring. This is a fun retelling that any fan of the original will appreciate if not adore, while new readers will instantly fall in love with the way the author brilliantly weaves in 80s nostalgia to showcase old customs in a modern light.

Though high school is not a place I like to think about, stories like this allow the fonder memories to rush to the surface, teasing me with the idea that perhaps I have those years all wrong and it was more than likely better than I remember. Maybe. But I digress…

Everything from the social scenes, the high school hierarchy structures, the relationships between sisters, and the sweeping characterization works together, so that each chapter is cleverly choreographed for maximum effect as the conclusion quickly approaches. I say quickly because once you start reading, the pages fly! The delicate dance between flirtation and frustration is on full display. And if my calculations are correct, the sarcasm, the banter, and the keen observations about it all add up to make this one heck of a book! We all know the ending, yet you’ll find yourself swooning even more as you remember your own tale of first love.

As much as this story will have you hoping Jake Ryan is waiting to take you home or raising your boombox in solidarity with Lloyd, the humor is not lost here either. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll get all verklempt. And it will absolutely be worth every minute! I have a need for more. My book hangover is real.

In the canon of retellings, Pudge and Prejudice is perfection itself.

5 glorious stars!

Similar to the famous and classical Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, the wit and comedy ring through the novel. While true to the Austen's edition is full of romance and twists, this novel is great on it own. It you like strong females, with quick wit and musical obsessions, read this novel.

When the Nebbitt girls move to a new town, the first people they meet are the handsome Charlie Bingley and Billy Fitz. It's instant attraction between the eldest Nebbitt girl, Jayne, and Charlie, but there is nothing but judgement between our protagonist, Elyse, and the moody Billy. It's the classic enemies to lovers trope we've come to love and succinctly follows the plot of Austen's tale. Modernized through word choice, yet retro in the sense that it takes place in the 80's, it's a fun take on Pride and Prejudice. Many of my teen patrons have parents who grew up in this era, so they'll have knowledge of the plentiful music and film references sprinkled throughout. Romantic, but not too romantic, it's a good recommendation for teens who aren't in it for the kissing scenes. A lighthearted romance with the comfort of feeling familiar.

"If I’ve learned nothing else in my fifteen years, it’s this: I would rather stand my ground in all my wrongness than step one foot into someone else’s idea of right, even if it means I’m sometimes left standing alone."

Elyse!
I loved her wit. She had a very interesting sense of humour. I loved that she was smart. What floored me about her was her way with words and her beautiful command of the English language.
Her family was a joy to read about.
I admired that she loved herself and never tried to compared herself with her "pretty and thin" sisters. She was so comfortable in her skin until she met Billy. Her wonderful support system were wonderful helping her overcome her issues with her body.

The book winds around Elyse and her life, juggling school, family and love.

Very relaxing and enjoyable to read.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion

I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Elyse and Jane Nebbitt move to Texas with their family, and are immediately drawn to two boys. Jane falls for rich, Charlie Bingley. Elyse is attracted to stormy Billy Fitz, captain of the football team and star quarterback. But Billy would never fall for her...there's a reason for her nickname "Pudge" after all. When Billy and Elyse start to connect it takes a while for Elyse to realize that she's more than worthy of Billy's attention and love. LOVED the 80's references - had me rolling throughout the book. This was a fun retelling of Pride and Prejudice. I'll be recommending this to everyone! #pudgeandpredjudice #netgalley #Wander

I’m going to start by saying I am a huge Pride and Prejudice fan. That being said, I love a good reimagining. Pudge and Prejudice is the reimagining I didn’t know I needed. Taking place in mid-1980s Texas, Elyse and her family have just moved to town. Immediately, her beautiful kind older sister Jayne (love the spelling) begins dating the goofy, charming Charlie Bingley. The story progresses through Elyse’s sophomore year at a new high school, dealing with the brooding Billy Fitz (Bingley’s best friend), her insecurities about her body, and keeping her little sister Lydia from ruining her reputation.

Here comes the but… While I loved all the references to the time, it almost felt like the author was shoving it down our throats that it was the’80s. We get it. We don’t really need a song reference on every page.

I loved this book. Other than the overusing of decade references and a few randomly capitalized words, this book was great.

This was such a fun book! Set in modern times, this adaption of Pride and Prejudice was a lot of fun! I liked this modern twist
Set in the 90s, It was fun to do remember all the things that I grew up with. I definitely thought most of the characters were great. They were real and people I could get to know in real life. You really got to know and love them.

Even though it was a pride and prejudice spin off, it was unique and its own story. I feel like this book needs a sequel.

I recommend this book to family and friends.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

This is exactly what it says it's going to be and was a delight to read. You aren't going to pick this up unless you're Pride and Prejudice fan to begin with so no surprises and none wanted. The twist here is the time period is now the 1980s and the Elizabeth character is Elyse with self esteem issues regarding her weight. It is a good solid read for those of us who never tire of this perfect and satisfying plot.