Book Review: The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
5 of 5 stars

I read this classic in ninth grade for the first time, but was recently able to read it again due to an untimely sick day (as if those are ever timely). I understand why many of the classics are required reading for public schools in high school. But with some books, I feel like I missed a lot when I read them, this being one of those books. I had forgotten what lovely prose Fitzgerald used throughout this book. His descriptions are unlike any other writer, which is obviously what sets him apart. This is a story that is so relevant for our current culture. The American Dream can become the American Nightmare.  So many people still chase dreams of wealth and fame and money, and Fitzgerald knew then that the pursuit of this would not bring happiness. Fitzgerald also deserves acclaim for this book for its original point of view. Not many writers have dared use a narrator in the first person that is not the protagonist of the story. For this particular story, it was the very best choice and I marvel at how he came to that conclusion for himself. This is a book I would advise everyone to read or reread. I put off watching the new The Great Gatsby movie until rereading, so I'm interested to see how it will line up with the story. Another great classic that deserves its acclaim.

Book Review: Wuthering Heights

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
5 of 5 stars 

This book was a delightful read. This one has been on my to-read list for quite a while, and I'm so happy that I did read it. The gossipy style writing of Emily Bronte made an otherwise melancholy and tragic story much more enjoyable.  Nelly's ability to see the people she interacted with for who they really were and not who she wanted them to be was a breath of fresh air. Her attitudes towards everyone in the book were more realistic than I think many of the interactions we read about in modern books. This one is a classic for a reason.