Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

My favorite book would have to be Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.  It is the story of the five Bennet sisters, three of whom are very silly.  The older two sisters are rather sensible and pretty, but their chances of "making a good match" are decreased by the silliness of her family.

Their mother is a wonderful character and one of the first literary hypochondriacs.  She always has attacks of nerves that keep her in her bed.  Mr. Bennet, their father, is more sensible, but overestimates his youngest daughter's restraint.

In a time when propriety is everything, Lydia, the youngest Bennett daughter is constantly drawing attention to herself and flirting mercilessly with the officers who are quartered in their town.  As a result, any man of good breeding would think the entire family below his notice.

It is at this time that Mr. Bingley moves into the neighborhood, bringing with him Mr. Darcy.  Mr. Bingley is worth 5,000 pounds a year and Darcy is worth twice that much.  This makes both men very attractive to Mrs. Bennet who is determined that one of them must marry one of her daughters.  Mr. Bingley is all affability and very soon falls in love with Jane Bennet.  Mr. Darcy is cold and reserved, however and his manners cause everyone in the neighborhood to dislike and distrust him, especially when the hear the sad story of an old acquaintance who accuses him of ill use.

Elizabeth Bennet, by far the most sensible of the sisters, has a complete distain of Mr. Darcy, but as the story progresses, we find that, although reserved, Mr. Darcy is a very honorable man and is willing to give up his pride for Elizabeth.  She, in turn, realizes she has been the victim of her own prejudice toward Mr. Darcy.

The best thing about this book is the way in which the characters come alive.  You will never mistake one for another.  They are wonderfully real and witty.