Thursday 30 January 2014


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.

After that I need suggestions…got any?

2 comments:

  1. Jen, my favourite book last year was The Song for Achilles by Madeline Miller. A very touching love story.

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  2. Are 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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