2014 reading challenge update.
So…The Great Gatsby, take 2.
I can't argue that it's not well written, that it doesn't explore
meaningful social issues and the vulnerability of our humanity. I have to admit my more mature self
appreciated this a little more on the second reading.
But…I still just can't get past those so thoroughly unlikeable
characters. Yes, I know what the book is
saying about wealth and privilege, but what I would have given for just one
moment where just one character was worthy of sympathy. I am a character driven reader. I want to root for someone when I read a
story, even if it's not the central character.
From now on, if someone asks me what I think of The Great
Gatsby, my intellectual answer will be that I recognise it deserves its status
as a classic, but it doesn't really appeal to me. My low-brow answer will be something about
the acting and directing talents of Leo and Baz.
Next up on the reading list is A Catcher in the Rye. My jaw is already clenched.
Jen, my favourite book last year was The Song for Achilles by Madeline Miller. A very touching love story.
ReplyDeleteAre you disappointed there was no big revelation? No discovery of a previously missed nugget of writing goodness? This'll almost be a bummer if you re-read a bunch of books and come out the end going 'Yep, still crap' ; )
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