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.

Book Blog #133: Animal Farm by George Orwell

Title: Animal Farm
Author: George Orwell
# of Pages: 140 (paperback)
Genre: Classic, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Synopsis: As ferociously fresh as it was more than a half century ago, this remarkable allegory of a downtrodden society of overworked, mistreated animals and their quest to create a paradise of progress, justice, and equality is one of the most scathing satires ever published. As readers witness the rise and bloody fall of the revolutionary animals, they begin to recognize the seeds of totalitarianism in the most idealistic organization and in the most charismatic leaders, the souls of the cruelest oppressors.
Review: This is the second time I've read this book.

I don't have much to say other than the fact that I thought it wasn't nearly as interesting the second time through as it was the first. Animal Farm is a very quick read that can be understood by a broad range of people and is appropriate for many ages. However, deeper thinking and understanding the Russian Revolution is required  if you want to completely appreciate this book.

I recommend this book!

Book Blog #92: The Importance of Being Ernest by Oscar Wilde

Title: The Importance of Being Ernest
Author: Oscar Wilde
# of Pages: 54 (paperback)
Genre: Classic, Drama, Plays
Rating: ★★★★★
Synopsis: Cecily Cardew and Gwendolen Fairfax are both in love with the same mythical suitor. Jack Worthing has wooed Gwendolen as Ernest while Algernon has also posed as Ernest to win the heart of Jack's ward, Cecily. When all four arrive at Jack's country home on the same weekend—the "rivals" to fight for Ernest's undivided attention and the "Ernests" to claim their beloveds—pandemonium breaks loose.

Only a senile nursemaid and an old, discarded hand-bag can save the day!
Review: This has to be one of the funniest classics I have read so far! It's short, sweet, and satisfying.

Wilde created characters that said the most ridiculous things, making the story hilarious. The book is written like a script, therefore leaving many of the details up to the reader's imagination. However, there is a movie that is equally (if not more) enjoyable and emphasizes the comical nature of the story.

I recommend this book!

Book Blog #48: Cannery Row by John Steinbeck

Title: Cannery Row
Author: John Steinbeck
# of Pages: 196 (paperback)
Genre: Classics, Historical Fiction
Rating: ★★★★☆
Synopsis: Unburdened by the material necessities of the more fortunate, the denizens of Cannery Row discover rewards unknown in more traditional society. Henry the painter sorts through junk lots for pieces of wood to incorporate into the boat he is building, while the girls from Dora Flood’s bordello venture out now and then to enjoy a bit of sunshine. Lee Chong stocks his grocery with almost anything a man could want, and Doc, a young marine biologist who ministers to sick puppies and unhappy souls, unexpectedly finds true love.

Cannery Row is just a few blocks long, but the story it harbors is suffused with warmth, understanding, and a great fund of human values.

Review: I had liked Of Mice and Men well enough, so I was pretty sure that I'd like this book too. But this book was a lot different. It seemed to be not as much plot and more of a peek in life in Cannery Row.

I know that this book is deep, but I read it at a surface level. I found some of the pictures that Steinbeck created disturbing, especially at night. I also found this book harder to read. Despite the small amount of pages, it took me almost a week to finish it. This is because the reader has to read it very carefully and absorb ALL of the details. It makes you think.

If you don't like thinking and want a happy read, don't read this book. Yet. But everyone should read this book at least once.