A great reader?

I have always wondered what that quote from Pride and Prejudice is all about:

"Miss Eliza Bennet," said Miss Bingley, "despises cards. She is a great reader, and has no pleasure in anything else."
"I deserve neither such praise nor such censure," cried Elizabeth; "I am NOT a great reader, and I have pleasure in many things." 

Was there such a thing as a "nerd" or a "bookworm" back in the Regency period?  For why else would Elizabeth quickly dismiss herself as a "great reader"?  I ask this only because I find that I love to read and would take praise in such a comment.  I was musing the other day on how many books I've read this past year (yes, I'm referring to a year ago to date) and I was able to count 11, possibly forgetting one or two.  And in thinking about the books I read I thought it would be nice to share my top three.  So here goes:

This book epitomizes my favorite style of book:  historical mystery.  It was beautifully written and threw in some fun twists and turns.  I've since by trying to find as many books like it, but so far none have measured up.  Thumbs up to you on this one, Ms Setterfield.  I hope she'll keep on writing!

I'm sure this one is a no-brainer, but just in case some of you book lovers out there have not read this, do so now!  It was insane, amazing, inspiring, and at times disturbing.  The fact that it was a memoir made it all the more awesome.  I was pretty much reading it all the way through with a completely astonished look on my face like "I can't believe this is all TRUE!"  nuff said.

Last but certainly not least, I bring you Flipped.  Yes, it is a young adult book, but the message it gives will be worth it for anyone to read.  I think I read it in 3 days, but I wish it lasted longer.  It just makes me smile thinking about how sweet this story is.  And an added bonus is that Rob Renier was filming the movie version near by last year.  We snooped around hoping to a part of the film but with no luck.  I can't wait to see how the film turns out, I have high hopes!


Ok, well, that's my little musing on books.  If anyone has any recommendations, I sure would love to know them.  I just picked up The Help, which I know is a best seller.  So far so good:)  Hope y'all have a happy weekend!! -S