Emmett

Starred review from September 25, 2023
In this spirited modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma, 17-year-old white and gay high school senior Emmett Woodhouse knows that his good looks, intelligence, and wealth afford him a privileged life. So, despite navigating grief over his mother’s death and helping his father manage his worsening mental health, Emmett feels compelled to give back to his Highbury Academy community. Though he’s vowed not to date until he’s at least 25, he endeavors to help others who are unlucky in love. When Emmett’s recurring casual hookup says that he wants a boyfriend, Emmett decides to play matchmaker, which proves harder than expected. Constant, unhelpful commentary from condescending neighbor Miles—his straight, white childhood crush who Emmett believes doesn’t understand the complexity of queer relationships—doesn’t help. Rosen (Lion’s Legacy) cultivates a joyously intersectionally diverse environment through which characters—and readers—feel safe and supported, making for an optimistic read that explores identity and provides models of healthy relationships, sex, and love. While retaining the signature wit and warm tone of the inspiration material, Rosen crafts a sensitive and affirming adaptation. Ages 14–up. Agent: Joy Tutela, David Black Literary.

Starred review from September 15, 2023
A gay teen heartthrob plays cupid for everyone but himself. Perfect Highbury Academy senior Emmett Woodhouse has it all: good looks, generational wealth, kindness, and even an awareness of his privilege (sort of). He doesn't have a boyfriend, but that's only because he doesn't "do relationships"--his mom died young, so it's complicated. Instead, Emmett sets up other people. The current project: finding a suitable boyfriend for friend-with-benefits Harrison, who, inconveniently, caught feelings and ended their sexy "tutoring" sessions. Plan after plan backfires--sometimes with a dramatic flurry of petals--but Emmett doesn't give up at every "incorrect romantic moment." He pivots. But can he shift to see the love that's right in front of him, too? This adaptation of Jane Austen's Emmasees the infamous titular matchmaker effectively gender-swapped and yassified for contemporary audiences. Rosen aptly carries Austen's torch, delivering comparably witty banter and keen social commentary. The overtly queer lens, however, exceeds expectations with its frank observations about modern queer dating culture. Emmett and bestie Taylor, who is trans, are both Jewish and cued white; other bestie Miles is brown-skinned and donor-conceived, with moms who are white and Indian. The sheer number of auxiliary queer characters in this accepting setting, from teen to college-aged to adult, creates a strong sense of both LGBTQ+ community and possibility. Delightfully queer and downright swoonworthy. (Romance. 14-18)

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December 22, 2023

Gr 9 Up-Rosen pays homage to Jane Austen's Emma while also successfully transforming it for a modern audience, gifting the titular Emmett a vibrant community of queer friends and leveraging major plot points to discuss the complexities of queer relationships and the difference between being nice and being good. Emmett is blessed-with wealth, classic good looks, popularity, and access to an elite education, he lives a privileged life that many would envy; however, he knows not to take anything for granted. For him, this means caring for his overly anxious father, abstaining from romantic relationships until his brain has fully developed, and committing to a constant, laborious effort to be "nice" to everyone. After initial success setting up his transfeminine bff Taylor with her boyfriend, he catches the matchmaking bug, setting out to find the perfect someone for his friends-with-benefits study buddy Harrison, who suddenly wants more than just a casual hook-up. This is much more difficult than anticipated and forces charmingly oblivious Emmett to finally start examining his own flaws. In many ways, this fresh take transcends the original Emma, allowing Emmett to learn to set boundaries, embrace his caustic side, and accept criticism. Rosen also wisely jettisons the eyebrow-raising age difference between the main character and love interest, here the snarky Miles. Emmett is white and Jewish while Miles is white and South Asian and has two moms. Side characters represent many different races, ethnicities, gender identities, and sexualities. VERDICT A refreshing rewrite of Emma as seen through a modern lens, this heartfelt rom-com is recommended for fans of Sophie Gonzales and TJ Klune.-Catherine Cote

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 31, 2024
Grades 9-12 *Starred Review* One thing is for sure: out 17-year-old Emmett is nice. Just ask him: "I try to be nice is all," he says. If that sounds hubristic, it's not. He really is nice; just ask his best friend, Taylor, a trans girl whom he has set up with the love of her life, West. And now he's trying to find a boyfriend for his erstwhile friend-with-benefits Harrison, who urgently wants a partner. Yes, Emmett is a natural born matchmaker, because he wants people to be happy. But what about himself? Does he want a boyfriend? No, he adamantly insists because relationships are fraught until age 25, when one's brain is fully formed. But hold his feet to the fire and, he admits, "I just don't want a breakup. So I don't want a boyfriend."" Oh, yes: don't forget Miles, his straight and once-upon-a-time best friend, whom he now finds to be a condescending jackass. So why is he thrown for such a loop when Miles comes out? This contemporary update of Jane Austen's Emma is a smoothly written, highly readable--no, make that irresistible romance that is wise in the ways of love, especially for queer kids like Emmett. There is not a false note in this expert effort, and Emmett is a character to treasure. So there.

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