Book Blog #177: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Title: The Great Gatsby
Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald
# of Pages: 192 (paperback)
Genre: Classic, Fiction, Romance
Rating: ★★★★★
Synopsis: The story of the fabulously wealthy Jay Gatsby and his love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan, of lavish parties on Long Island at a time when The New York Times noted “gin was the national drink and sex the national obsession,” it is an exquisitely crafted tale of America in the 1920s.
Review: This is one of the best books I read this year.

Back in 2013, I had tried to read The Great Gatsby so I could stay true on my (loose) "read it before you watch it" policy. However, I had difficulty comprehending the first page, and not long after my first attempt did the book find its way onto my "to-be-read" shelf, not to be picked up again for over two years.

Although I never got to see it in theaters, I recently found myself being forced to watch the 2013 version of The Great Gatsby before I could even make a second jab at reading the book. After watching an hour of the movie and being captivated by the story (which was nothing like I originally expected), I eagerly began reading Fitzgerald's book, determined to finish it before I went back to finish the rest of the movie.

Seeing the beginning of the movie really enhanced my reading experience. The movie and the book are very similar, although I feel I would not have enjoyed either one as much without the other. With the visuals provided by the movie, the colorful depictions of The Great Gatsby were considerably less confusing. This helping-hand allowed me to finish the book with ease but in awe.

While many praise it for its discussion of the American Dream, I admired its powerful message of transcendentalism, a topic that I have recently been studying after reading Into the Wild. While I may not agree with everything in transcendentalist philosophy, I could easily connect with the message of materialism and greed that is manifested within The Great Gatsby.

Although it was not one of the happiest books I've read this year, Nick's story of Gatsby is incredibly captivating, and the tragedy that befalls the characters will leave the reader emotionally moved. Highly recommended.

Book Blog #176: Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

Title: Their Eyes Were Watching God
Author: Zora Neale Hurston
# of Pages: 219 (paperback)
Genre: Fiction, Classic, African American
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Synopsis: Told in the captivating voice of a woman who refuses to live in sorrow, bitterness, fear, or foolish romantic dreams, it is the story of fair-skinned, fiercely independent Janie Crawford, and her evolving selfhood through three marriages and a life marked by poverty, trials, and purpose.
Review: Although it has been a couple of weeks since I finished the book, I will do my best to review it.

There are some really great messages about love, relationships, and nonconformity. Hurston's attention to detail - from the game of checkers to the carefully selected names - was admirable.

However, I was not enthralled by the story line. Most of Janie's life is unimpressive as she is continuously influenced by those around her. While I understand that this is part of her journey to finding her identity, the resolution of her conflict through her third marriage is not a satisfactory ending. Her continuous dependence on men through all of her marriages defeats the sense of feminism that the story was trying to develop.

This book did not meet my expectations and is among the less impressive classics I have read in my life time. While Their Eyes Were Watching God was decent overall, I would not recommend it.