This book is a deserving phenomenon and success story. A New York Times editorial no less (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/14/opinion/14tue4.html?_r=1) capture well what the book’s essential construct is: taking the whole “mashup” concept that works so effortlessly in the digital realm, but applying it to two “data sources” that are a little more unlikely and challenging to integrate.

But oh, doesn’t Seth Grahame-Smith manage with breathtaking originality to bring zombies and ninjas into the world of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. It is a total and utter hoot from start to finish to see where the zombies will pop up next and to appreciate how surprisingly well they fit. Not only that, but shaking up the classic story in this fashion genuinely sharpens and gets you to consider afresh the themes of pride, prejudice and familial and romantic love and devotion. Really.