PBS Books Readers Club welcomes beloved British author Helen Fielding to discuss her iconic novel Bridget Jones’s Diary—a clever, laugh-out-loud reimagining of Pride and Prejudice through the eyes of a hilariously imperfect modern heroine. The episode premieres on August 27th at 8PM ET on Facebook, YouTube, and the PBS App.
As we celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, there’s no better time to revisit Fielding’s wildly popular twist on the Mr. Darcy love story. First published nearly 30 years ago, Bridget Jones’s Diary remains a satirical yet heartfelt exploration of the pressures women face to improve, adapt, and appear effortlessly put-together. Fielding’s Bridget is not a self-improvement success story—she’s a cultural mirror held up with charm, wit, and emotional honesty.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the book, this is a perfect summer read—funny, familiar, and still shockingly relevant. Join us for a lively conversation about Bridget’s legacy, her Austen roots, and what it means to laugh at life’s messiest moments.
PBS Watch-Alike: Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th
Just like Bridget Jones’s Diary, these PBS Masterpiece adaptations draw inspiration from the wit, romance, and rebellious spirit of Jane Austen—whose legacy we’re celebrating in her 250th birthday year.
Start with Miss Austen, a moving limited series that explores the untold story of Jane’s devoted sister, Cassandra, and the secret behind why she destroyed Jane’s private letters—revealing a tender, complicated bond between the sisters.
Then dive into Death Comes to Pemberley, a gripping whodunit that picks up where Pride and Prejudice left off—just as Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy’s happy marriage is upended by an unexpected murder at Pemberley.
And don’t miss Sanditon, the lush, romantic adaptation of Austen’s final, unfinished novel, full of strong heroines, seaside scandal, and sharp social commentary.
About the Author
Helen Fielding
About the Hosts
Heather-Marie Montilla
Heather-Marie Montilla, a dynamic integrative leader, is an educator and nonprofit manager. She has worked in the nonprofit sector and libraries for over two decades, making a positive impact in arts, cultural, educational, and community-building arenas.
Having joined the PBS Books team as their Library Bureau Chief in Fall 2018, Montilla is now the National Director of PBS Books and has interviewed more than 150 writers. In addition, she is a faculty member at Michigan State University and Eastern Michigan University for their Arts and Cultural/Entertainment Management Programs. Having been an Executive Director for 8 years, Heather has a wide range of experience in management, finance, strategic planning, marketing, and fundraising. Heather holds a MPA From Columbia University, a MLIS from Wayne State University, and a bachelor’s from Duke University. She lives in Chicagoland, and is married with four children, a dog, and a bird.
Lauren Smith
Executive Producer and host of national PBS programming at Detroit Public TV, Lauren develops content for PBS and other distributors of public media for broadcast, streaming, and other digital channels and has executive-produced and/or produced over 60 national broadcast and programs. Her passion is to develop inspiring, entertaining, and educational content alongside the best national and international talent, and to engage important content with communities across the country. Lauren loves to read and has worked to develop and produce PBS Books content for nearly ten years!
Princess Weekes
Princess Weekes is an award winning writer and video essayist who works at breaking down the intersections between race, gender, and pop culture. Formally an Assistant Editor at The Mary Sue, co-host of Netflix’s The Geeked Podcast, and co-host and co-writer on the PBS Digital Series It’s Lit. On weekends works as a bookseller at a local bookstore. When not reading or writing she can be found playing TTRPGs of cuddling with her cat, Lola.
Fred Nahhat
Fred Nahhat is an Emmy Award-winning producer, host, and presenter for Detroit’s PBS station, where he serves as Sr. VP of Production.
A 30-year broadcast veteran, Fred has hosted and produced numerous programs for Public TV – including music specials from Il Volo, Celtic Gold and the New Divas – as well as other series and specials “New Year’s Eve with the DSO”, “The Detroit Dream Cruise,” “The PBS Books Readers Club” and “Get Up, Get Out,” among others.
He is a graduate of Wayne State University and a member of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Michigan Chapter, USA Hockey, and Leadership Detroit.
