I’d say that absolutely nothing happened in the book – someone gets a letter, someone comes to visit, someone is new in town – but those nothings are everything to the characters who live in relative luxury in a small community and whose social lives are the essence of their happiness – or unhappiness. It’s precisely the reason that Clueless made such a fitting adaptation – what’s more social/trivial than life in high school?

Facebook. Reading Emma reminded me of spending a few hours on Facebook. So, with the expert help of my little sister Audrey, we summarized the book a la Facebook Status updates. Click to read Status Update: Emma (pdf)

Announcements:
First, a general ThisFish Book Club Reminder:  February’s book is Pretty Little Liars. I know it’s the 5th already,  which means I’m running predictably behind, but I’m just guessing that it’s not going to be a tough read. My delightfully evil friend Elana will be doing the book report with me, so expect something, well, delightfully evil.

Status Update: Emma
Okay, before my sisters and I unleash our Bookworm Report, I want to give the rest of you book clubbers the chance to play along. The idea is to choose one of the characters from the list below, pair it with one of the events and then create a Facebook Status Update. I’d have gone with Twitter, but then we’d have to exclude Miss Bates entirely.  Simply, 140 characters could not contain her, no bless her, they couldn’t, you are too kind to notice, too kind indeed.

Feel free to add your own, of course. A really for real prize will be awarded for the Status Update: Emma which makes me snort.

Here’s a little something to chew on as you’re reading, Emma this month:

As a heroine, Emma doesn’t come off as all that strong. She’s complacent, boring even – especially when you compare her with other Austen ladies. Compare her to Pride & Prejudice‘s Elizabeth Bennett, for example. Even if you haven’t read the book, the A&E version of the movie will catch you up to speed on Lizzie’s personality pretty quickly and accurately. And she’s a tough cookie.

My sister and I made the comparison and decided this: Emma is strong – interestingly enough, where Lizzie is weak and vice versa.  As an example, take their relationships with…err, difficult parents. Mr. Woodhouse? Annoying. But Emma excels in forbearing and in being a good example (except when she doesn’t – and that’s a growing moment). Mrs. Bennett? Most annoying ever. And smart, sassy Lizzie mocks her for it. And naturally, you love it because it’s funny and well, you agree.

The question is: What do you think Emma’s greatest strength is and does it make her fitting of an Austen leading lady?

Heather Hunter, aka This Fish, is is from Dallas, Texas via Boston, New York and some other cold, snowy places. She spends a bunch of her time blogging, planning her May wedding and eating things made mostly of melted cheese.