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Jake, Reinvented

3.32 of 5 stars 3.32 · rating details · 648 ratings · 98 reviews

Korman reinvents "The Great Gatsby" for teens in this story about Jake Garret, the mysterious new student at Fitzgerald High. Told through the eyes of Jake's friend, readers get to know Jake and, eventually, his secret.

Hardcover, 213 pages

Published by Scholastic Canada (first published September 28th 2003)

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Feb 26, 2012 Kyle (A Reader's Pensieve) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2011, books-i-ve-taught

I'll be honest- I read this book because I will be teaching it in the fall in my English 11 class. It is a modern retelling of The Great Gatsby and we thought it might be a bit more accessible to the kids than the classic. We will probably offer the classic as some sort of extra credit project, unfortunately, but as much as I would like to teach it, there is only so much time in the trimester. So anyway, I didn't want to read this, I had to.

I'm glad I did! It was a good, quick read. I read Gatsb...more

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Feb 11, 2009 Alysha Speer rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Alysha by: Kim

Shelves: drug-use, humorous, romantic, misfortune, confidence, sad

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Aug 06, 2012 Book Angel Emma rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: classics-carnival

REVIEW BY BETH

Jake, Reinvented struck me as a ‘boys’ book’ when I first began, with many references to American Football and guy stuff, which could put some readers off but not me. Knowing the novel was a clever teenage analogue of The Great Gatsby, which I’ve recently read for the first time, I devoured it and found the connections and links extremely well forged and intelligent, without seeming at all forced or overdone. I found the tone perfect for readers of 12+ and thought it managed to cle...more REVIEW BY BETH

Jake, Reinvented struck me as a ‘boys’ book’ when I first began, with many references to American Football and guy stuff, which could put some readers off but not me. Knowing the novel was a clever teenage analogue of The Great Gatsby, which I’ve recently read for the first time, I devoured it and found the connections and links extremely well forged and intelligent, without seeming at all forced or overdone. I found the tone perfect for readers of 12+ and thought it managed to cleverly include some of the key themes of the original novel without making them seem too complex or overwritten. This is a really great retelling of a classic.

The Great Gatsby gives us a narrator in Nick and key characters in Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan. Our narrator in Jake, Reinvented is Rick and Jay and Daisy are replaced by Jake and Didi. Set in an all American high school (F. Scott Fitzgerald High, which is of course no coincidence), in an aspirational area, the author introduces us to Jake’s crazy parties and the world he creates in order to find his way to Didi.

Jake longs for Didi but Didi is seemingly the property of star quarterback Todd and no one messes with Todd. Korman cleverly sets up Jake and Todd in opposition to each other, much like the similar story in the original novel but in a way which is much more appealing and accessible to younger readers. In fact, Jake, Reinvented could be a great introduction to school pupils who may graduate onto The Great Gatsby at a later date.

I LOVED the ending, I LOVED the big REVEAL moment for Jake and how it perfectly matched that from the original novel but also worked in a way which meant that it seemed absolutely fitting in its own context. Anyone of any age could definitely feel for Jake’s plight once they realise the situation he’s found himself in and although our narrator begins to feel less enamoured with him, as a reader I found him really easy to empathise with and like with Jay Gatsby, he is the victim of obsessional lovesickness that knows no bounds, confounded by the fact that he’s a teenage guy so not exactly likely to chat to his mates about it.

I can’t emphasise enough how much I enjoyed this novel and it was great to read it so soon after giving Gatsby a go. Whether or not you’ve read the original, this novel is a standalone hit and extremely enjoyable.(less)

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Oct 27, 2010 Anthony rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book is unrealistic and makes me angry.What kind of father would let his son go parading around every weekend and have a party for the whole school to attend?Apparently a father that's gone every.single.weekend.The ending is stupid.No one was charged with setting fire to the house or at least causing it?No,the police were worried about finding a box full of essays that Jake wrote for college students.That would never.ever.happen.

"oh yea might as well look over to see if theirs essays that s...more

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Nov 09, 2010 Breanna luvinlife Stiff rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

jake,reinvented
by,Gordon Korman
review by breanna stiff

I once thought that high school drama was so over rated and and uninteresting that's until I read this book.it had me so interested keep wanting to read more.Gordon Korman is a legend for this book,it feels as though thir is really happening i mean,it made me feel as though i was there like in the party when nelson was finna kill jake all all of this drama and craziness over a girl.

jake is the reason I love this book how he endured all this,t...more

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May 29, 2012 Emily rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

How have I not read a book by Gordon Korman before? This one was a lot of fun -- Gatsby retold in a high school setting. An alum recommended using this as pre-read for Gatsby and I can totally see why. Particularly for struggling readers, the book quickly establishes all of the main characters, conflicts, and themes. Yes, many of the characters are shallow stereotypes; yes, it's doubtful that Jake could really make that much money doing what he's doing; and yes, the final party scene is pretty p...more

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Nov 02, 2012 Michele.♥ rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: disappointmenting-books

Rating 1.5

Before Reading: I didn't like the Great Gatsby but I love a good retelling! Hopefully this will be good.

After Reading: Here's a tip that's probably pretty obvious to everyone don't read a retelling of a book you didn't even like to begin with. It just doesn't make sense since you most likely won't like the retelling either. At least that's what happened with me with this book. The characters were irritating (the character who is supposed to be Gatsby just calls everyone baby each secon...more

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May 11, 2013 Jacob rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

While I'm an unapologetic elitist who still thinks Korman's early books are his best and the later stuff fairly mediocre, Jake, Reinvented still does a good job of YA escapism. It's a totally unrealistic book (as most of Korman novels are, if we're being honest), but it gets at the heart of some real issues.

I was surprised, actually, at how smarmy this book actually is. I'm not used to a Korman book acknowledging underage drinking, cheating, house parties, and so forth, but here we are. And whil...more

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Mar 01, 2012 Christopher Cook rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Prior to reading JAKE, REINVENTED, I had not read THE GREAT GATSBY, and I'm sure that that fact probably affected, and most likely dwindled, my appreciation of the novel, as JAKE, REINVENTED is a retelling of THE GREAT GATSBY, a modernized, young adult version of the classic story. JAKE, REINVENTED tells the story of a high school student who unexpectedly arrives at and becomes the new "hot stuff" of F. Scott Fitzgerald High School (named, by the author, Gordon Korman, after the author of THE GR...more Prior to reading JAKE, REINVENTED, I had not read THE GREAT GATSBY, and I'm sure that that fact probably affected, and most likely dwindled, my appreciation of the novel, as JAKE, REINVENTED is a retelling of THE GREAT GATSBY, a modernized, young adult version of the classic story. JAKE, REINVENTED tells the story of a high school student who unexpectedly arrives at and becomes the new "hot stuff" of F. Scott Fitzgerald High School (named, by the author, Gordon Korman, after the author of THE GREAT GATSBY), making what seem to be friends along the way. Rick Paradis (from whose perspective the novel is written) fondly admires Jake and goes to every one of his crazy Friday night parties, but eventually, Rick realizes that Jake is keeping a secret from everyone and that that secret could cost Jake everything that he has achieved at Fitz High. The novel is a fast and easy read, but I ultimately did not really like it because there are so many situations that are so extreme that they are unbelievable, especially since they are not isolated but instead happen in a series; as examples, Jake, on a weekly basis, has 50-100 people in his home, which is not described as being massively large (even though it is depicted as such on the cover of the novel), a character that is typically picked on and outcasted, Dipsy, frequently loses his pants to a group of football players (I can't even begin to imagine how that would realistically happen), and Jake, on a weekly basis, orders about twenty pizzas (how he makes money is explained, but there's no way that that would even begin to cover that cost). In addition, he calls male friends "baby" as a way of coolly addressing them, and none of them find this strange; I have never known straight males to address other males in such a way. I have never even heard them address females in such a way unless they are dating them. The novel, simply and perhaps a bit harshly stated, is ridiculous, and I found it difficult to suspend disbelief and simply enjoy the story for what it is - a story about the social hardships of adolescence, and don't get me wrong - I do think that the novel has a strong moral message, but it's difficult to fully appreciate it without getting past the ridiculous situational extremes.(less)

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Jan 21, 2013 Tanya rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: jan-yc-blue, read-in-2013, ya-reads

Two reasons I read this-blue cover and I'm about to teach Gatsby again. This is pretty much a teen version of the story. Jake throws huge parties every Friday night and EVERYONE is there even though he is new at Fitzgerald HIgh School. Like the OG story, it is told from an outside point of view-Rick. IF you are familiar with Gatsby you will recognize the similarities throughout. Instead of "old sport", Jake says "baby." He has a mysterious past and he pines for the most beautiful girl in the ne...more

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Jul 19, 2010 Newport Librarians rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ms-becky, ms-kathy, ya-fiction

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Oct 02, 2009 Marielle rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Synopsis:
Jake Garret is the newest edition to Fitz High School. He's mysteriously dropped in from heaven, he's the best long snapper for the football team andis the host of THE party to be every Friday night. But Jake Garret is hiding something. But when he slips up and people learn his dirty little secret, lives suddenly are on the line.

Classification:
Target Audience: High School, Football crowds, "nerds"
Primary Purpose: To inform of how the outcasts feel, how to be yourself
Manner of Expression...more

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Sep 23, 2012 Srempfer rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This reminded me of a simpler version of "The Great Gatsby." I enjoyed this light read over a fall weekend. The narrator, Ricky, is a likable high school character, dealing with the superficial world, trying to make sense of girls, friends, and himself. It was a bit overdone at times, but close enough to reality to keep it in my hands. Dipsy kept me laughing, and the love interest between Jen and Ricky was fun. The suspense was built well, but I've never been to any parties like the ones Jake ha...more

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Sep 04, 2010 Chris Kervina rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya-books

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. If I could give a book 3.5 stars, I would. I enjoyed this teen revision of The Great Gatsby, but I did find some of the teen version to be less interesting than the original.

One of my frustrations in Fitzgerald's work is narrator Nick Carraway's attempt to be neutral. Sure, he's sympathetic to Gatsby, but he tries to present himself as a bystander. Thus, when Nick tells Gatsby he's worth more than the whole lot of them, it rings a little false. As a narrator, Nick has shown us the truth of his s...more If I could give a book 3.5 stars, I would. I enjoyed this teen revision of The Great Gatsby, but I did find some of the teen version to be less interesting than the original.

One of my frustrations in Fitzgerald's work is narrator Nick Carraway's attempt to be neutral. Sure, he's sympathetic to Gatsby, but he tries to present himself as a bystander. Thus, when Nick tells Gatsby he's worth more than the whole lot of them, it rings a little false. As a narrator, Nick has shown us the truth of his statement from the first moments he introduces Tom and Daisy, but his attempts to "reserve judgment" mostly have hidden the emotional connection that would have made his declaration on the matter more convincing. That said, I love Gatsby enough to have given it a higher rating.

Korman's teen revision, like the original, uses a narrator to tell the story of a mysterious young trimalchio who becomes a popular member of his high school football team. Rick, Jake, and Todd are the kicker, new long-snapper, and quarterback, respectively, of the Fitzgerald High's third-rate team. Like Fitzgerald, Korman depicts Todd as a womanizer who cheats on Didi, the girl everyone would love to possess. The development of the friendship between Rick and Jake, especially in light of Rick's direct observation of Todd's womanizing and lying, makes Rick's reassessment of his friends more emotionally resonant. The most interesting addition to the story is Dipsy, who seems part Klipspringer and part Owl-Eyes. Korman takes elements of both of these minor characters and fleshes them out to create both comic relief and insight into the Fitz High society.

Perhaps my adult eyes are to blame, but I was disappointed with some of the choices made in this reinvention of Fitzgerald's work. The development of the mystery of Jake's background in particular seemed weaker than Gatsby's; unlike Fitzgerald, Korman gave away too much too quickly. Still, the mystery of Jake reinvented fit within the setting. Also, Korman's Didi is much more of a sketch than a character, as is Melissa, the Myrtle to Korman's Todd. Instead, Korman gives the relationship between Rick and Jennifer, the Jordan Baker revision, more story time. Rick's own long-term crush on Jennifer has more substance than Nick and Jordan's, but I would have like to have seen even more.

Overall, Jake, Reinvented is fun, easy read. It's not Gatsby, but an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours on a Saturday afternoon.(less)

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Mar 21, 2009 Miranda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Young adults and adults alike

Shelves: young-adult-novels

Korman did an EXCELLENT job in retelling the classic story THE GREAT GATSBY. Rick narrates the story of Jake -- Jacob -- Garrett who transforms his life to win the love of Didi (the Daisy character in TGG). The story is set in Fitzgerald High -- and all the main players are involved: Todd (Tom), Didi (Daisy, as mentioned), Jennifer (Jordan), Nelson (Wilson), Melissa (Myrtle) and Dipsy (Owl Eyes); even the many cars and wrecks are alluded to in Korman's novel.

Jennifer's character (Jordan Baker...more

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Aug 15, 2008 Sara rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya-guy

I got two diametrically opposing recommendations about this book: one of them was that I'd love it (my students) and the other that I'd hate it (a fellow teacher). After reading the book, I have trouble explaining how I feel about it. I like the idea upon which the story is based: That it's possible to become so infatuated and absorbed in something (or someone) that you will do absolutely anything to get it. The way the story plays out, however, is a little strange. The main character is almost...more

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Jun 13, 2008 Stephanie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is one of the titles from my young adult literature class. This is suppose to be a good pairing for The Great Gatsby. The author dedicated the novel to Jay and Daisy. I'll keep you posted on my thoughts as I read this one!
Okay, this book makes me laugh, not because it's funny in the good belly laugh kind of way. It's funny because of the similarities to The Great Gatsby. This is the modern day, high school kid version of The Great Gatsby. The Jay Gatsby character is Jake Garret, the Daisy i...more

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Dec 03, 2007 Kathryn rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, realistic-fiction

Somewhere among "The Great Gatsby," "Can't Buy Me Love" and "The New Guy," the story of the one guy that cares about the outcome of the nerd gets lost in the perfect ending. "Jake, Reinvented" tells the story of the nerd turned cool from the best friend's perspective.

When Jake Garrett moves to town and becomes the king of all parties, the fashion plate for guys, the biggest thing in high school football since the plastic mouth-guard, people start looking for the catch. That is everyone but Rick...more

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Aug 12, 2010 K.A. Okagaki rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Korman's a versatile writer who can seemingly span MG - YA with ease. Jake, Reinvented is YA, about a new kid at school named Jake who has undergone a transformation in order to get the unattainable girl. The story is told through the eyes of main character Rick, who wonders who the new kid is, and what kind of secret he's hiding. The teens are portrayed fairly stereotypically, especially the girls, but the book has humor and the MC does learn something in the end.

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Jul 26, 2009 Natali rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: warning-do-not-read

I really didn't like this book. When I read the back of the book, I thought, ok, this book sounds interesting and it's by Gordon Korman, so it has to be good. Wrong! The book leads up to a suspenceful peak, and just drops. The story is about a football player who befriends the "new guy". This new guy seems really cool and fun to hang around, but he has a dark secret that will change everything. Trust me, the book is not as interesting as it sounds.

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Dec 02, 2008 John rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I thought this book be great for anybody around my age. This book was probably the most interesting book I have every read. All the twists and turns in this book make it exciting all the way through.

This book was about a kid that showed up at Fitz Highschool and all of a sudden became all that. After a little bit people start wonder how be became so popular. With a very exciting climax this book was very good.
Thank you, John Deradoorian

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Mar 10, 2010 Luke rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The library did this as part of the Big Read Newport, to go along with the Great Gatsby. Korman is totally a hack, and his pre-packaged tricks were annoying at first. All in all, though, it's not a bad story--it's the sort of thing that I wish I'd read when I was a kid. But I still think it's unnecessary. The only two teens we've had really participate are reading Gatsby, which is better anyway.

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Feb 25, 2012 Jackie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Aug 24, 2012 Cody Anderson rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I remember grabbing this on a whim for some air of mysticism the title held in my eighth grade mind. Imagine how surprised I was to see the same plot retold two years later when I read The Great Gatsby for my sophomore English class! I respect it for being a more accessible variant to the dated atmosphere that the original exudes so thickly.

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Mar 25, 2010 McNeil rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult

Cute little The Great Gatsby thing. I guess if you only cared about themes and wanted them watered down and geographically/historically off, completely disregarded language, it could be a fun read for someone who found Gatsby too difficult. Or a fun little YAL book for someone who'd never heard of gatsby before. Cute, clever, funnish.

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Jan 27, 2010 Kim rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Luke has to read this for a teen book club, so obviously it was important that I read it first... I'm a sucker for YA lit that shows up in my house. Modeled after The Great Gatsby, several of the book's passages brought Gatsby to mind, usually in a pleasant way. The high school party scenes ring true, if frightening.

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Aug 28, 2011 Allison rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If I could have given less than one star, I would have. I read this because it is on my high schooler's summer reading list. What an awful book for a high schooler! Sure, let's just inform them of all the trouble they can get into so they can find it easily! What was this author thinking?!?

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May 17, 2009 Jenny rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Jake, Reinvented has been a fabulous way for me to teach The Great Gatsby in a high school resource room English setting. My students have been able to make many connections between the two texts. I wish the ending was more true to the original story, but overall a great book for teens.

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Dec 06, 2010 Tyren Zilkie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book is pretty good, but it is not my favorite Gordon Korman book. If you are reading it for the football, you will be disappointed. If you are, I would suggest POP, or The Zucchini Warriors. Younger kids might not enjoy t, but it is a good read for Young Adults 14-18.

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Apr 18, 2010 Klawr added it · review of another edition

A blatant rip-off of The Great Gatsby. It's not reinvented; it's simply a knockoff of a great book. This isn't worth your time at all. Stick to The Great Gatsby and you'll be much happier. This doesn't deserve any stars. If 1 star means didn't like it, I need some negative stars.

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About Gordon Korman

Korman wrote his first book, "This Can't be Happening at Macdonald Hall", when he was 12 years old, for a coach who suddenly found himself teaching 7th grade English. He later took that episode and created a book out of it, as well, in "The Sixth Grade Nickname Game", wherein Mr. Huge was based on that 7th grade teacher.

Korman moved to New York City, where he studied film and film writing. While i...more

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