The tiny portrait, painted in 1810, bears lasting witness to the description of her by Sir Egerton Brydges who had visited at Steventon, ‘Her hair was dark brown and curled naturally, her large dark eyes were widely opened and expressive. She had clear brown skin and blushed so brightly and so readily.’
Start with her first novel and then read the others in the order they were published, I'd say. Although not mentioned in the poll, there is also Lady Susan, The Watsons, Sanditon and Love and Friendship and Other Writings . Northanger Abbey. It's short, funny and accessible. It's also where Jane started herself.
Jane Austen is one of the most famous writers in English literature. Her books are read by people all over the world and have been made into countless TV, film, theatre and radio adaptations. This is all the more impressive because she only wrote six full-length novels.