I Capture the Castle

The book was a gift from my Grandma in North Carolina more than a decade ago, and my copy is remarkably well loved. I've always been an avid journaler (not journalist!), and love 17-year old Cassandra Mortmain's writings of her eccentric family.
The story takes place in England, where Cassandra lives with her beautiful older sister Rose, quirky artistic stepmother Topaz, former literary great father James, younger brother Thomas, and a dog in a decrepit castle. There's also Stephen, a very handy neighbor who soon reveals his deep love for Cassandra. She manages to see the romantic, bohemian side of their situation, although the family frequently eats crackers for dinner, has sold most of their furniture, hasn't paid their rent in years, and has to use an old wooden door as a table when company comes to visit.
Things begin to pick up for the Mortmains when the American Cotton brothers, owners of the castle, move to town and befriend the family. Soon Rose and Cassandra are both dealing with suitors and the delicate social structure of 1930s England.
Many reviews of this book have compared it to Jane Austen's novels; there is indeed something Austenish in Cassandra's honest portrayals of a lower class family trying to keep up appearances with their wealthier neighbors, as well as the rather old-fashioned descriptions of courting. The writing never feels dated, though, and Cassandra's musings are thoroughly captivating. I Capture the Castle is a great read any time of the year, although the setting of dreary, rainy English countryside may help cool you down in the summer heat.