The Great Gatsby
By F. Scott Fitzgerald
(Scribner, Paperback, 9780743273565, September 2004, 192pp.)
The Short of It:
The Great Gatsby is superbly crafted and a treat for the senses.
The Rest of It:
Jay Gatsby is this rich, mysterious man who throws infamous parties on Long Island during the 1920’s. He appears to have everything he wants but what he really wants, is Daisy Buchanan. Daisy slipped through his fingers once before, and now she lives just across from his mansion with her husband, Tom. When Nick Caraway rents a home nearby, Gatsby accepts him into his circle with the hopes of luring Daisy back to him. For you see, Daisy is Nick’s cousin.
Oh, to be rich and young in the 1920’s! At its core, this is a love story and has been called one of the greatest American novels of our time and I can certainly see why. It’s gorgeously done and Gatsby is a character that stays with you, long after finishing the novel. He’s complex and just mysterious enough for you to understand everyone’s infatuation with him. Everyone except Daisy who continually reminds him of what he used to be.
The Great Gatsby is a beautifully rendered masterpiece and should be read and enjoyed by many. If you’ve been thinking about reading it, maybe this trailer to the upcoming movie might entice you to read it sooner, rather than later. Not sure about it being in 3D but it’s definitely the trend these days.
Source: Borrowed
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Book Chatter 
what’s up with the 3D?! I recently read this book and really enjoyed it.
Totally don’t get the need to do this one in 3D. I guess 3D these days just means HD or something but I always think 3D should be reserved for action flicks.
Gatsby is always a favorite. I will definitely reread before the movie release… but 3D??
Beautiful review! I think I’m going to listen to this in prep for the movie.
A very powerful book. looking forward to the movie…
I just had a conversation the other day about why this book is still in almost every curriculum in the country. I was asked if kids really like it… Who can’t relate to rich girl poor boy; poor boy gets rich by any means; tries to get girl by any means; all ends badly?! Kids love to hate the main characters, but they also either know a relationship like that or experienced it themselves (liking someone so intently they’d do anything)
And Tom?! The kids would supply an epilogue to the futures of those characters left… My favorite part of the book! 🙂
I loved this book!
Such a great book! You make me want to read it again. And, what is up with a 3D version of this movie – crazy! I hate that trend, since I can’t watch 3D because of my glasses – ugh! Anyhow, the film looks great!
I’m really overdue for a re-visit of this book. I read it and loved it at school. I remember how lush and rich and layered the language was. I must read it again, now you’ve reminded me.
YAY … you picked the “dripping eye” cover, which is my absolute favorite. And yeah … this is not a movie that calls out for 3D.
I read this in high school and even though I don’t remember much about it I do remember enjoying it. I definitely plan on reading this before the movie comes out! ( agree with Jenners, that’s my favorite cover too) =)
I have still not read this book but I am desperate to get around to it, especially with the movie coming out soon – I really don’t understand why it needs to be in 3D though!? Anyway, great post!
New to your blog!
Stephanie @ Stepping Out of the Page
I know. The 3D aspect baffles me. There aren’t many movies that it really works for.
I read this in high school and I’m sure I didn’t appreciate it. I’m sure I was thinking about something else, like a boyfriend or what I was going to wear that night to a party. I should probably do a re-read before the movie. And unless it was shot with a 3D camera (I doubt it was) then what is the point? It just costs more money and gives you a headache.
The trailer is awesome. Did you watch it? It looks lovely without the 3D.
Between your review and the trailer, it looks like this is the year to finally read about Gatsby. Actually, I put it on my list after reading A Moveable Feast. It was a nice look at Fitzgerald and now I want to see his masterpiece.
Love this book! I think I could reread it every few years.
This is my favorite of the classics. I recently reread it and loved it even more than the first time.
This is a beautifully written book – but I always have a hard time reconciling that not-so-likable Gatsby with the gorgeous Robert Redford from the movie. I’m always just sure that Gatsby must have redeeming characteristics but he really isn’t a very nice guy.
He was driven by lust. That can make you a “not so nice” guy.
The opulence and glamour in the Gatsby house is all to woo Daisy… they’re only means to an end. And that’s what I love about the character Gatsby. All the parties he throws are to attract one and only one person. It doesn’t seem like he himself actually believes in the wealth and glitz for their own sake. He’s aloof and even stays away from his own parties. He loves Daisy obsessively that if getting her requires him to sell everything he has I think he’ll do it in a heartbeat. The ending just reinforces what substance he has in his love for her, and from the way she behaves, she doesn’t deserve him. This book is one of my all time faves. And from the trailer of the new 3D movie, I’ve doubt that Baz Luhrmann can convey the Gatsby behind the glamour. But of course, I’ll go watch it come December. 😉
I was swept up by the wooing myself. The film looks gorgeous… the images, so rich.