I recently read a very interesting Jane Austen related book.

Jane on the Brain: Exploring the Science of Social Intelligence with Jane Austen by Wendy Jones takes a look at different aspects of social intelligence by using Austen characters as examples.

The author does a great job of explaining different social traits using this method. Many people are very familiar with characters from Jane Austen.

Some people have read all the Jane Austen books. Here is the Austen section of my Penguin Popular Classics collection. I am missing Persuasion as I have not found a copy in this imprint yet. I do have a different edition of the book in my library, so I am not totally missing Persuasion.

In Jane on the Brain the author explores the underlying science of love, joy, sorrow, attraction, narcissism and many other emotions and conditions.

Can you picture Darcy as an introvert? You will after reading her analysis.

Those of you who are familiar with the Austen books can probably name a character who is either extroverted or is a narcissist.

Some people know the Austen characters from the many movies or mini-series that have been filmed about the books. The BBC series is one of the most popular. While flying back from Canada last month I watched Emma. When I got home I decided that I had to read Emma again. Of course, I just had to go to my Penguin series book shelf. As often is the case, the book was again better than the movie.

Of course, some of the books have had multiple movies made of them. I have three different versions of Pride and Prejudice. Each of them have specific scenes that I really like. I also often listen to the soundtrack of the Keira Knightly (2005) version as it is in iTunes on my computer.

I really enjoyed some of the insight that the author provided and have actually been able to apply a bit of what I have learned in a couple of social situations.

I also just have to go back and read a few parts before it goes back to the library. I may even have to acquire a copy for quick reference.

If you want an interesting book that will help you learn more about social intelligence and you are a Jane Austen fan, then this is definitely a book you should read.

I will close with a question: Who is your favorite Austen character?

Steven