There are many books in the Gossip Girl series including a spin-off but I haven't read them. I read about the books, but they sound crap compared to the TV show; which by the way is amazing lol. Also, Chuck Bass isn't even a main character in the books, I mean seriously, how can you leave him out? lol.... well i guess the books did come before. But you're right, it does remind me of a Jane Austen novel... just can't put my finger on it. Well, recently I guess, for some reason, its reminded me of Sense and Sensibility, just minor things link to that book for some reason. Maybe its just me...