“Tea Time with a Janeite” is a new series that features members of JASNA-North Carolina, digging into their love of Jane (and tea) and letting us get to know them a little bit better. The series is produced by member Mayra Garcia Mastin. Enjoy our inaugural interview!
Janeite: Sue Scott
Member since: 2002
What is your preferred tea or relaxation beverage?
I do love tea! In fact, I figured out that I have attended more than 100 tea tastings at Tin Roof Teas in Raleigh. From these, I know that I prefer full-bodied black teas, Indian over Chinese, as well as blends. My current favorites are Assam Namdang from Tin Roof Teas and Palm Court from Harney & Sons (an online tea merchant).
Tell us a little about your background/career.
Most of my working life has been spent with books–in bookstores and in libraries. Two years ago, I retired after 20 years as a public librarian at what was then called the Cameron Village Regional Library in Raleigh (it’s now the Village Regional Library), and I still volunteer there one morning a week.
When did Jane Austen become part of your life?
My love for Jane Austen is like Elizabeth’s love for Darcy. It came upon me so gradually that I was in the middle of it before I knew I had begun.
What do you love most about Austen?
I love most the spaciousness—how you can read Austen for the humor or the romance or the social commentary. You can find your own attitudes and opinions, and others will find their opposite attitudes and opinions. Jane Austen’s novels are spacious enough to include them all.
Favorite Austen character?
Oh dear. If you mean the character I like most as a person, then I’ll choose Elinor Dashwood. I so admire her constant “exertions” to be a good person, to make the social wheels turn smoothly, and to live up to her principles. But if you mean which character I most enjoy, then I choose Mrs. Elton. What a hoot that woman is!
Least favorite Austen character?
The cruel Mrs. Norris comes first to mind.
Other favorite authors or genres?
I love British mysteries. My favorites are the Ruth Galloway series by Elly Griffiths (begin with The Crossing Places).
Other passions/interests?
I have no passions that compare with Austen, but I do enjoy reading (of course), walking, movies, and drinking and learning about tea. Thanks to Jane Austen, I have also developed an interest in the history of early British novels.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead and Buddha by Karen Armstrong, and I am re-reading Emma.
What do you enjoy most about our chapter, JASNA-North Carolina?
Oh, what joy there is in meeting fellow Janeites! People who share my passion!
Give us one fun fact about anything about yourself.
When I was younger, I took some vocational tests to find out what career I might enjoy. One test recommended I join the military (I do like rules, I’ll admit). Another suggested I become a mortician. I think I made the right choice in becoming a librarian.
If you had to recommend one of Jane Austen’s novels for someone starting out, what would it be?
I would recommend Pride and Prejudice, the most popular one and the most well-known. Also, the most “light and bright and sparkling”! We can all use some sparkle in our lives.