Emma by Jane Austen

I had read this before, and it wasn't one of my favorites. I decided to give it another chance when I found an old hard copy in a used bookstore here in Bismarck. I'm glad I gave it another chance. It's delightful and satisfying!

Emma is a headstrong young woman who forges ahead on her hunches and thinking and influence, much to the detriment of her young friend and a few others. Her wonderful mentor and admirer gives her guidance along the way, which she finally learns to value. I loved watching her wisdom develop over time. I also enjoyed the warm family scenes and interesting characters. Austen draws her characters with so much wit and keen observation...

Here are some quotes:

Mr. Weston notes the following, when his son arrives before the appointed hour...his charm is evident here:
"One cannot creep upon a journey; one cannot help getting on faster than one has planned; and the pleasure of coming in upon one's friends before the look-out begins, is worth a great deal more than any little exertion it needs."

And here's a heartbreaker, when Emma insults Miss Bates, an incessant talker, she says:
"...I will try to hold my tongue. I must make myself very disagreeable, or she would not have said such a thing to an old friend."