Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion

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Emma
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Austen, Jane - Emma - Informal Buddy Read; Starts July 7, 2015
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I just finished chapter one--I expected it to be a challenging read, but it's not too bad, actually. I'm not sure whether I like the title character or not.
By the way, I didn't understand who Mr. Knightley was supposed to be?
By the way, I didn't understand who Mr. Knightley was supposed to be?
Thanks for clarifying. :)
I need to start reading this again--I got into some other books. *sigh*
I need to start reading this again--I got into some other books. *sigh*
Miss Taylor was Emma's governess not maid and Mr Knightley is in no way related to her. Mr Knightley owns a neighbouring estate and is friends with the Woodhouses as well as being Emma's brother in law (her sister is married to his brother). Mr Knightley is the only person living locally (mentioned in the book) who is the same social status as the Woodhouses.
How did I let myself forget this? I'll read it eventually....

It happens :)
Have any idea when? I might join you. It's not my favorite JA so if I have buddy I might force myself to read it again :)
Maybe today. I'm not sure. Thanks. :)

But fair warning- I'm completely in love with Mr. Knightley; he's quite possibly my favorite literary hero. ;)

I probably wouldn't mind Emma that much if I didn't watched movie with Gwyneth Paltrow. That ruined it for me definitely. Not even later versions could change my mind *sigh*

I probably wouldn't mind Emma that much if I di..."
No problem.
Really? I liked that movie version- what made you hate it so much?

Gwyneth. I can't stand her. :)
Same thing with Emma Thompson's and Hugh Grant's version of Sense and Sensibility. I just didn't like Emma's version of Elinor. At least in case of S&S I've read book first so it didn't ruin my love for it :)


As far as I know we don't have fixed date.
By the comments I'm guessing rest of us has book, so when do you think you can get it?
I'm not in the hurry so any date is good for me :)
And welcome to the group :)

As far as I know we don't have fix..."
Same here. No rush, whenever all of you would like to start is great.


How much I love Jane Austen is coming back to me so quickly! Two of my (many) favorite things about her:
1. How wonderfully, deftly, and realistically she is able to describe people's foibles (plus the workings of their minds and their relationships with each other).
2. That she is able to make fun of characters to great effect while still making them likable- just as she satirizes her society without necessarily criticizing it.
How about you guys- what do you like (or dislike) about Jane Austen's writing?
I'm struck by the difference in how people were described back then compared to now- it's all about their disposition, temper, character, manners, etc. And, of course, how important social position and connections are viewed. How important do you guys think these are in modern society? I wonder if social position, as distinct from wealth, is less important in America than in Britain, even now.

I agree with you, Emily, on her description of people. I also think it is different than how we describe others today. She seems to try to describe people to their core rather than just what appears on the outside. In my opinion, we seem to be more superficial (e.g. looks, style) in our descriptions at least from what I have experienced here in the States. That being said, I do feel social position is (sadly) still a part of today's life when it comes to people’s interactions with those in different wealth status, race, professions, etc. I grew up in Pittsburgh but have worked in DC for the last 4 years so I don't want to assume this is the same in the entire country or in other countries for that matter.

Also I tried to forget my prejudice, but that fell apart as soon as I read Emma's description *sigh*
I love JA's writting. Her descriptions and wit. Usually I need chapter or two to switch to classics writing style, but later I don't even notice it. I'd also like to point out that I'm not native English speaker, so this books tend to go in slower pace than my usual.
Also I agree with Katy. Today we are more concerned with looks than character. And social position and connections are still important (sadly). It just might not be that obvious as then.

I'm really enjoying it! It's a refreshing change from all the YA I've been reading recently.
(view spoiler)
I hadn't noticed before that Emma is somewhat a proto-feminist. She doesn't plan to marry and have children (in a time when that was supposed to be a woman's purpose), desires to keep her independence, and (view spoiler) It makes sense for Emma to take this position since Jane Austen never married.

Emily, that kind of makes sense now that you said that about her being a protofeminist. I could imagine at that time how much of a scandal that would be for her to have opinions such as though where today we would barely bat an eye if a woman would say that. I did wonder though if (view spoiler) I may have misread or taken that part of the story wrong though.

I do understand your issues with Emma to some degree, Tea. She is a very flawed character. (view spoiler)
I'll read this eventually, but I'm basically dropping out of the buddy-read because I have so many other books to read.
Sorry.
I hope everyone enjoys the book.
Sorry.
I hope everyone enjoys the book.

Don't worry. I've been on ch 4 for days now :)

Sorry.
I hope everyone enjoys the book."
That ok. Maybe another time. :)

No problem.


A friend of mine who's a bit of an amateur Jane Austen expert said that "Emma the book is the story of how a spoiled brat wakes up."
Book Synopsis:
'I never have been in love; it is not my way, or my nature; and I do not think I ever shall.'
Beautiful, clever, rich - and single - Emma Woodhouse is perfectly content with her life and sees no need for either love or marriage. Nothing, however, delights her more than interfering in the romantic lives of others. But when she ignores the warnings of her good friend Mr Knightley and attempts to arrange a suitable match for her protegee Harriet Smith, her carefully laid plans soon unravel and have consequences that she never expected. With its imperfect but charming heroine and its witty and subtle exploration of relationships, Emma is often seen as Jane Austen's most flawless work.