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.