This book is possibly the most classical testament to the folly of a poor first impression. 
 There are five unmarried daughters in the Bennet family, and this story chiefly follows Elizabeth--the sassy, studious, and strong-willed second oldest. Her mother is an excessively ambitious lack-wit, and her father is overindulgent to his daughters (seemingly as a sort of resigned coping mechanism in response to his marital fate.) While their family isn't poor by the day's standards, they are in a precarious financial situation that propels the need for at least some of the daughters to be married off to someone of a higher station. 
 When rich bachelor Mr. Bingley moves in nearby, he quickly forms a fondness for Elizabeth's older sister, Jane. But Mr. Bingley's sister and aloof friend, Mr. Darcy, are unimpressed with the low station of the Bennet girls. At a local ball, Elizabeth happens to overheard Mr. Darcy tell someone that he doesn't find her handsome enough to tempt him--and her prejudice against his arrogance is firmly set in place. So much so that, when a charming militia officer named Wickham divulges claims of Darcy's wrongdoings against him, Elizabeth is all too eager to trust his word as supporting evidence. Meanwhile, Mr. Darcy misinterprets Jane's reserved demeanor as indifference toward his friend, and contributes to keeping them apart--further inflaming Elizabeth's ire. Misunderstandings and misjudgments of character abound as the true honor of certain persons finally plays out in a scandal, a financial rescue, and the ultimate humbling of two particularly proud people. 
 (Spoilers! Well...kind of.) 
 In A Nutshell: Middle-class snob meets high-class snob. A battle of snobbery and wits ensues, until both sides finally get over themselves. Come for the storyline--stay for the banter. 
 As far as the writing goes, I can understand why this book is often considered Austen's greatest masterpiece. P&P is the perfect storm of impeccable characterization, pristine plotting, keen familial dynamics, astute romantic chemistry, and a cunning use of language. (Of the 5 Austen works this reader has indulged in, I must say this one is my favorite--even at the risk of seeming cliche.) It takes a tremendous talent to grow characters through so much dislike and personal flaws, and ultimately bring them together as perfectly as Austen manages to in this book. 
 This isn't merely a historical romance; it is a cleverly woven satire and a social commentary. Moreover, it was written by a brilliant woman who well knew the class system and expectations of her time and dared to drag those constraining petticoats through a little mud to make her point. 
 Favorite Quote: 
 "An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do."