If you are like me, you never really found yourself being sucked into the Nicholas Sparks vortex of cheesy lines and unrealistic love stories. Granted, "The Notebook" is still hailed as the greatest love story ever told, but to be honest the story and film are getting to be a little, how do I say this nicely, washed out? But, have no fear! I come with news of an even greater craze for you to get hooked on this summer. So, forget Nicholas Sparks and let me introduce you to a modernized adaptation of the classic Jane Austen novel, "Pride and Prejudice."

Now just hold on to your romantic-drama novels for one minute; before you let those horrid memories of required reading in high school creep into your mind, allow me to explain. The YouTube web series "The Lizzie Bennet Diaries" reimagines Austen’s classic novel around a fictional vlog filmed in the bedroom of a 24 year old grad student, living at home and burdened with a mountain of student debt. Lizzie Bennet, the series' central character, starts a video blog for a school project just as a rich, single med student moves into her neighborhood. Her household and life is quickly swarmed with madness. Lizzie's three to four minute videos cover the span of one year as she documents the rollercoaster lives of her sisters, her best friend Charlotte, and eventually a guy named Darcy. Now that you can watch the series from start to finish, here are some reasons why you should.

First off, while the production team took major liberties to modernize the story, “The Diaries” retains the tartness and fascinating romance of Austen’s original story, even when Bingley’s name is Bing Lee, nobody is wearing bonnets, and Kitty Bennet is an actual cat. In the video series, Mrs. Bennet’s blatant maneuvering to secure husbands for her daughters remains a central theme and is as comically archaic as it was in "Pride and Prejudice." However, for Lizzie, Charlotte, and Jane, the prospect of creating a life independent of marriage is an ever-present and essential reality. Nevertheless, Lizzie's mother is keen on finding suitable, rich men for her daughters and when one Bing Lee moves into the neighborhood, she sends the entire family into a frenzy. Lizzie's most common topics of discussion in the video diaries are about her mother’s obsession with marital status, her sister Jane’s romantic drama, and William Darcy, the snobby friend of Jane’s crush, Bing Lee.

Secondly, the casting team compiled a near perfect cast. From the Bennet sisters' strikingly similarities to the deceptive charm of George Wickham. Lizzie Bennet is portrayed by award winning actress and cat enthusiast Ashley Clements. Clements's modern twist on Austen's original heroine is nothing short of delightful. Lizzie is thoughtful, intelligent, and cares deeply for her family's wellbeing. The heroine does not come without faults, but Clements does an impeccable job of depicting her set-backs while representing her as a malleable character. The perhaps most dynamic character in the series, William Darcy, is portrayed by Los Angeles-based actor, comedian, and writer Daniel Vincent Gordh. William Darcy is Bing Lee's handsome, successful, but standoffish college pal who has come to town to see Bing’s new house and supposedly enjoy the small own atmosphere. However, it is obvious to Lizzie that Darcy could not be less interested in his surroundings and makes no great effort to hide his distaste. Initially Lizzie's extreme hostility toward Darcy is evident; she makes no effort to lessen the tension between them and is perfectly content with hating Darcy's existence. Yet, her feelings are gradually reversed. So it goes.

Finally, "The Diaries" has it all: friendship, family, romance, heartbreak, scandal, and of course, love. The series has such a distinct quality of genuineness about it that you nearly forget that the videos and the characters are works of fiction. I believe that is what makes this an award winning series; it appeals to the audience on such an intimate level, but also leaves the audience feeling like they are one of Lizzie's viewers simply watching her life unfold on the Internet. This modernized classic is a thrill to long time Jane Austen fans as well as to those whom have never read her novel. "The Diaries" especially appeals to college students as Lizzie Bennet struggles to find her way in life while dealing with the pressures from her family, school, and future. Even so, Lizzie keenly reminds us that despite all we have and despite all we do, the most important thing we have is each other.

"The Lizzie Bennet Diaries" was developed by Hank Green and Bernie Su and became the first YouTube series to win a Primetime Emmy, receiving the 2013 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Creative Achievement in Interactive Media-Original Interactive Program. The series has also recently been expanded in "The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet," a novel that provides more character introspection, as only books can, with in-depth details about the Bennet household, including Lizzie’s compelling relationship with her father, untold stories from Lizzie and Jane's stay at Netherfield, Lizzie’s thoughts and fears about life after grad school and becoming an instant web celebrity. However, if that is not enough for you, coming this September is a new novel starring Lizzie’s peppy sister Lydia as she navigates the joys and drawbacks of becoming an adult in the digital age in "The Epic Adventures of Lydia Bennet." With so many readings, adaptations, and retellings, you would think this age old classic would have lost its appeal by now, and yet the love and suspense is always there.