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dogscoffeewinebooks's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Filing this one under “delightful brain candy.” This was my first Rosen book, and I’m not disappointed. I really enjoyed the fun, irreverent tone of this book. I know that Emmett is…well…Emmett. Still, I can’t help but love him and root for him. I also loved the Clueless references.
add_eline's review
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
_bethypaige's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ajohns99's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
It started out rough but once someone explained the plot of “Emma” by Jane Austen to me, I started to enjoy it much more. I think that the ending was very cute 🥹 also note that three shots of straight tequila is not for anyone, especially not a 17-year-old. Iykyk
iamleighbot's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is one of the best Austen adaptations I have ever read - I started the book SO ANNOYED with the main character and then quickly, very very quickly, realized that my annoyance was a sign of how good the book is. I cannot stand Emma as a character at the beginning so this makes sense that my initial thoughts were about how shallow Emmett is. Just as quickly, Emmett makes you fall in love with him - there's amazing character growth and heartbreaking details about Emmett's relationship with his father after losing his mother that make you see him in a different light.
The blurb mentions Clueless but the way the book actually embraced both the serious delusion of Emma the novel and the serious denial of Cher in Clueless makes Emmett stand out. I borrowed this through my library's catalogue but can see myself buying the book so I have access to it whenever I need a reread.
The blurb mentions Clueless but the way the book actually embraced both the serious delusion of Emma the novel and the serious denial of Cher in Clueless makes Emmett stand out. I borrowed this through my library's catalogue but can see myself buying the book so I have access to it whenever I need a reread.
lisawreading's review
5.0
Loved, loved, loved this contemporary, queer, teen retelling of Jane Austen's Emma. A great story all on its own, and the Austen themes absolutely work.
smalltownbookmom's review
4.0
A really fun, well-written queer YA retelling of Jane Austen's Emma featuring a diverse cast of characters and a loveable gay lead who is not interested in a serious relationship but wants his friends to find love in whatever form makes them happy. Great on audio, this had great Jewish rep and did such a good job illustrating the way the lines between friends and lovers can blurr and blend in queer friend groups. Perfect for fans of the movie Clueless or the original iteration. I almost gave this one a pass but I'm so glad I picked it up!!
TW: death of a parent from cancer
TW: death of a parent from cancer
illstoptheworldandreadwithyou's review against another edition
5.0
This queer, present-day Emma retelling, set in California and centered around an elite private school, is a delight.
It is a well-done retelling. While Emmett does come across like Emma does (as far as entitlement and things appearing to be centered around him), he’s more relatable and it’s easier to be empathetic and sympathetic to him. His motivations and how he treats others are clearer here, and I appreciate the discussions and portrayals of mental health, identity, orientation, and sexuality.
It retains the humor from Austen’s original, too, which is nice.
For fans of Emma, or remakes like Clueless, it’s fun to match up Emmett’s characters and events with those from earlier versions of the story.
And Rosen includes fun touches of magical realism along the way.
I received an advance copy of the book from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.
It is a well-done retelling. While Emmett does come across like Emma does (as far as entitlement and things appearing to be centered around him), he’s more relatable and it’s easier to be empathetic and sympathetic to him. His motivations and how he treats others are clearer here, and I appreciate the discussions and portrayals of mental health, identity, orientation, and sexuality.
It retains the humor from Austen’s original, too, which is nice.
For fans of Emma, or remakes like Clueless, it’s fun to match up Emmett’s characters and events with those from earlier versions of the story.
And Rosen includes fun touches of magical realism along the way.
I received an advance copy of the book from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.
idreamofallthebooks's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
ewc's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0