Read Runners discussion

THE GREAT GATSBY, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s third book, stands as the supreme achievement of his career. This exemplary novel of the Jazz Age has been acclaimed by generations of readers. 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.

The Great Gatsby is one of the great classics of twentieth-century literature.


Join us, read and discuss the book with us :)

*making presence felt* :D

Would dearly wish to join in, seeing that I have been wanting to read it for ever, especially after reading about it in Azar Madison"s book - Reading Lolita in Tehran.
But as usual, my time limits me :'-(

Azar Nafisi

Me joining :D

But it's just two hours of your life :'(

Yes Smithz I agree its real small, less than 200 pages. You will finish it over the weekend.:)

Am 30% done. Three chapters finished.

(view spoiler)[
I don't know what is happening. Gatsby made his appearance around 22%. Before that it was only story of Nick's acquaintances and their affairs. (hide spoiler)]

Let me try. :-)

Best of luck.:)

:-)

Manju wrote: "Am 30% done. Three chapters finished.
"

(view spoiler)[ Same here. I am still trying to form an opinion about anything at all!
I have never read anything set in this era. And it is kind of amusing how the guests at the party even had no idea about the host at such a big party!

@Gatsby: I got tired of waiting to meet him.. :P
I am reallyyyy excited to see if the wait is worth it..with all the rumors and mystery surrounding him..although from what I have heard it is.. :)
I really liked that para about the way Jay Gatsby looked at Nick. "He smiled understandingly-much more than understandingly. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life. It faced-or seemed to face-the whole external world for an instant, and then concentrated on you with an irresistible prejudice in your favor. It understood you just so far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself, and assured you that it had precisely the impression of you that, at your best, you hoped to convey."

@Jordan: Just when I was thinking highly of her, her true character was revealed.. :P
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I am 50% through, and baffled. All the characters are insipid and pretentious, including the narrator.
(view spoiler)[
Not even a character I liked
Gatsby - slimy, sleazy, would keep away from him if I were daisy
Tom Buchanan - the typical macho, rough guy, would keep away from him too
Nick - seems effeminate and very fluid, has a chameleon like nature to him
Daisy - can't fathom why she fell in love with Gatsby or Tom? Or is her love just opportunistic?
Jan - the golf girl - comparatively is the most plausible character so far. I can understand her to some extent.
(hide spoiler)]

This book has been praised by many....
I wonder why? o.O
Norwegian Wood
Reading Lolita in Tehran
The Summer We Read Gatsby

to name a few

Completed. Found it average. Ready to discuss. B-)

Looks like amidst all the insipidness, Gatsby has managed to awaken some rhythm within you Smitha.Slimy, sleazy, daisy.. Wareh wah :P

Ha ha. Totally unintentional.

Am around 85% done. Gatsby telling his story. Last chapter was interesting but I think it came a little too late in the book.

ditto, Manju. Last chapters were marginally better.

40% in.. will catch up soon!!! :)

Just finished first 3 chapters. Thoughts same as Shilpa and Manu. :P
This book is very boring :/ :\

Finished it yesterday. writing was good but the characters and story, I didn't get them. Gatsby's obsession and Daisy's reluctance and Tom's ignorance, they all irritated me.

I haven't finished yet.. 80% in.. But I totally agree with Manu, the characters irritate me but I must say I really like the writing style,,so flowery at places! :)
I am still trying to figure out why so many people rave about this book!!

Col. Smith wrote: "I am 50% through, and baffled. All the characters are ..."

(view spoiler)[ Daisy seems to just love herself and money.. that is still what I think..at 80% in.. (hide spoiler)]

I finished the book! Ready for discussion!

(view spoiler)[ The ending made me sad.. Gatsby's story is tragic.. (hide spoiler)]

Yes.:) I was sad too.

I also finished it! :)

Was there anything great about Gatsby other than that tragic end? =.=

-_-

Harry, you really need to sort out your recos! *ron style* *puts sunglasses*

Gehna wrote: "Was there anything great about Gatsby other than that tragic end? =.="

The writing style and language! :P

Shilpa wrote: "Gehna wrote: "Was there anything great about Gatsby other than that tragic end? =.="

The writing style and language! :P"

That's book not Gatsby -_- :P

*wails in the corner*

Yoi finished it Harry? :)

Gehna wrote: "Shilpa wrote: "Gehna wrote: "Was there anything great about Gatsby other than that tragic end? =.="

The writing style and language! :P"

That's book not Gatsby -_- :P"

I thought you were talking about the book! :P

Writing style was nice, I agree :D

Shilpa wrote: "I finished the book! Ready for discussion!

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[
Gatsby is vindicated only in the end. Till then, I wasn't particularly enamored of his character. Daisy may have been shallow, opportunistic and money loving. But Gatsby was no better. He didnot befriend her with good intentions, but against his wishes, he slowly felt drawn towards her. And it was not honorable on his part to lay wait for her like a spider spinning its web.
Both are equally at fault, as well as Tom, who has extra marital affairs of his own. I think they all deserve what they got, except death.
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(view spoiler)[ All the characters are faulty just like people around us, none perfect. But even so, the story seemed a bit pointless and cynical.
As for Gatsby,I believe he just wanted Daisy's love and since he knew money was the only thing that could bring them closer..he did what he thought he had to..

Also, I think we shouldn't forget that this was written about a century ago and although I totally agree Daisy is vain and shallow, I suppose that is how most high society pretty women were brought up to be.. The only motto in life being married to a suitable guy.. So, can't completely blame her for that attitude. (hide spoiler)]