] This is my first time reading this book, and yet I can't help but wonder at how thick-headed Catherine seems to be. Why can't she see how much John likes her? Is she just that clouded with Henry that she can't see it or what? Maybe it's just a dumb question that's already been asked, but it's been on my mind a time or two.

The first time I read NA, I will admit to feeling some impatience with Catherine and her incredible naivete. I find, on this read, that I like her as a person much more than I have before. I, like Henry, am charmed with her honesty, her lack of guile, and her simple kindness. Along with that comes her optimism and wish to believe the best of everyone, which prevents her from seeing through the Thorpes. Though she is becoming better acquainted with people who are not as honest as she is, I think that in essentials, she will ever be the same, and that is a remarkable thing.

And so, while I may find myself shaking my head at her, I do like her very much.