Gen Z girls love Jane Austen. This year marks 250 years since Austen was born, and she’s become an icon of more than just literature for another generation. Her young female fandom—the Janeites—still find the characters relatable and love the subtlety of romance plots, which are typically much more overt in modern romance novels. (Sorry, ACOTAR.) But their love for the books (and of course, the movies) has extended into community, which is fitting of stories that so often center connection between female characters. Next-gen Austen fans are connecting online, but also in real life through book clubs, regency dance lessons, and even full-on Austen-themed balls or festivals. (Cosmopolitan)
📊 YPulse data: 35% of 13-39 females regularly read books / e-books for fun
