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A review by bubblegumfactory
SparkNotes: The Great Gatsby by SparkNotes
4.0
** the american dream reality **
there are these books that you say you've heard, not because you want to sound snobbish but because you truly wish you would have read them. The Great Gatsby was that book for me. I knew about the premise, its relevance and how it was the "book that your teacher made you read". I knew everyone in the book was a horrible human being - that Daisy Buchanan's character is iconic in all the weird ways. I'll be honest, I attempted reading this book thrice before but the long winding sentences just got me halted. This book didn't offer any solace to get you involved and get you on the ride, the first-person narrative of Nick Carraway felt distancing. But this time, I was sure to not give up! I stuck through it and 50 pages down, I was into it! Not because I wanted to see through "one of the best fictional pieces" but I was truly enjoying it. The story, the style, the symbolism and the building anticipation.
This book is just like America it talks about - young, wild and reckless but at the same time grounded and altering identity. I was repulsed by Tom, confused by Daisy, felt judged by Nick and in awe of Jay. Fitzgerald makes you feel things and by the end, I was truly invested in their universe and hurt and confused and angry. You can find a lot of reviews that provide deep meaningful literary criticism, this isn't that. I am just happy I read it and even happier that I enjoyed it. Fitzgerald, you good boy.
Also, let me take a hot second to talk about Jay Gatsby, that man knew how to dream wild and chase them daring. Dang son, you inspire me. Your reliance on love and validation from a woman who is with someone else and obsession with her is not the healthiest things but respect for the drive and vision. You were ahead of your time. :)
there are these books that you say you've heard, not because you want to sound snobbish but because you truly wish you would have read them. The Great Gatsby was that book for me. I knew about the premise, its relevance and how it was the "book that your teacher made you read". I knew everyone in the book was a horrible human being - that Daisy Buchanan's character is iconic in all the weird ways. I'll be honest, I attempted reading this book thrice before but the long winding sentences just got me halted. This book didn't offer any solace to get you involved and get you on the ride, the first-person narrative of Nick Carraway felt distancing. But this time, I was sure to not give up! I stuck through it and 50 pages down, I was into it! Not because I wanted to see through "one of the best fictional pieces" but I was truly enjoying it. The story, the style, the symbolism and the building anticipation.
This book is just like America it talks about - young, wild and reckless but at the same time grounded and altering identity. I was repulsed by Tom, confused by Daisy, felt judged by Nick and in awe of Jay. Fitzgerald makes you feel things and by the end, I was truly invested in their universe and hurt and confused and angry. You can find a lot of reviews that provide deep meaningful literary criticism, this isn't that. I am just happy I read it and even happier that I enjoyed it. Fitzgerald, you good boy.
Also, let me take a hot second to talk about Jay Gatsby, that man knew how to dream wild and chase them daring. Dang son, you inspire me. Your reliance on love and validation from a woman who is with someone else and obsession with her is not the healthiest things but respect for the drive and vision. You were ahead of your time. :)