Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre" is easily my most read book -- having received a copy as a present when I was in junior high, it quickly became well-worn and dogeared since I read it over and over again. Having recently read Jean Rhys' "Wide Sargasso Sea," I picked up my copy again, only to find the story is as enjoyable as ever.

The story, for the few who are not familiar, is of Jane, a young orphan, with no relations who claim her who is shipped off to boarding school at the age of 10. She becomes a governess in Mr. Rochester's household and unaccountably falls in love with the brooding, mysterious man who is hiding a dark secret from his past.

Having recently read Juliet Barkers' "The Brontes," I'm perhaps more in awe now that Charlotte Bronte was able to paint such vivid characters given her upbringing and life experiences. (Even when the characters are at their most insufferable, they are still interesting and entertaining.) "Jane Eyre" is definitely one of those books that I think everyone should read once even if classic British literature isn't your thing. ( )