Last year, I caught up with Jane Austen. William Deresiewicz in A Jane Austen Education did so while in graduate school, later becoming a professor. The book is part memoir, part overall examination of Jane Austen's live and works. Her "bad girl" novel not included, nor the one she started before she died. WD was a bit of a brat apparently in his twenties, a bit insufferable, though it's good that a real person (who has sex, smokes pot, etc.) comes through. The chapters ramble a bit, but overall have enough commentary and content to make it a worthwhile read for Austen fans or the interested general reader.
It is in no way a complete look at each novel, but a method to teach some life lessons. Emma taught him to see the charm in "everyday matters," including in novels that others might think trivial in nature. Pride and Prejudice taught him about growing up, the need to make mistakes and learn that your point of view / feelings aren't always correct. Mansfield Park taught the importance of being good, even if it seem boring and the alternative at first glance better. Persuasion, the value of true friends. And, Sense and Sensibility, the need to fall in (and learn how to) love the right way, including having self-knowledge and knowing the full nature of the person involved.
"Jennie" also gained some "experience" in Higglety Pigglety Pop!: Or There Must Be More to Life, a favorite book of Maurice Sendak since it reminded him of his own dog. Jennie had "everything" but wanted more. In an amusing but insightful account, the fluffy dog leaves home in search of that something more, eventually finding happiness on the stage. Never read the author as a child, but can see why so many of all ages love him. The book has a great way to fill the inside binder -- it quotes an early review, not some advertising sounding pap.
Sendak gave an extended interview to Stephen Colbert earlier this year and Colbert made a joke about writing his old children's book. The book that resulted was I Am a Pole (And So Can You!), the title a takeoff on Colbert's previous book on being a America. "It is the heartfelt tale of a pole searching for truth and meaning in its life" and Sendak, in a blurb to die for, said: "The sad thing is, I like it!" A short amusing picture book not quite for kids (he tries to be a stripper pole at one point), the proceeds went to a veteran related charity. Good to see him diversify.
Remember, it is "Caldecott Eligible" and prime for film.