Reviews

Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix by Anna-Marie McLemore

deitydad's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

the first half of this book was so dreadfully boring, but the end saved it! there were some things I didn't expect, but that's probably just me. it felt a little rushed, which is part of the reason why I gave a lower rating.

toboldlygowherenomanhasgone's review

emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

krystlethegreat's review against another edition

hopeful mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

I've never read The Great Gatsby, but I really enjoyed this version. 
There was a LOT going on in this book, but I think the author took care to treat each subject with respect. Nothing felt thrown in because it was expected, everything fit nicely.

kjofalltrades's review

hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Homophobia, Infidelity, Racism, Sexism, Classism, Alcohol, War, Transphobia, and Outing

readmaster69's review

hopeful mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

inook_u's review

4.0

I loved this!!

lolanbq's review against another edition

funny hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

lbarsk's review

4.0

Oh I absolutely TORE through this. If you’re looking for a queer and trans retelling of The Great Gatsby, and you want there to be a happy ending for everyone involved, this is the book for you! It definitely felt fantastical, but I continue to enjoy McLemore’s magical realism. Given that the world is just Absolute Shit For Trans People Right Now, it was just a nice exhale to read that Nick and Jay are able to find love and happiness and a future with each other. Plus, I very appreciated the choice to change Meyer Wolfsheim into a lesbian Jew, Meryl, who is a shrewd businesswoman with a big heart and who loves her Jewish family so much.

Curious to read more of the books in this Remixed Classics series, based on how fun this was!

midnightreads1803's review against another edition

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.75

faydrielreads's review

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Adored this retelling. 
I've always loved the Great Gatsby story with the glits ans the glam of the 1920s, but one I adored about this was the added depth to the characters. 

The queer and bipoc identities of the characters just felt so beautifully well done.