Questions About The Chosen and the Beautiful

by Nghi Vo (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (15)

Should I read The Great Gatsby before taking up this book?

Shima I didn't read The Great Gatsby before reading this, and while I still enjoyed the book, I personally regret my decision. I feel like reading the origi…moreI didn't read The Great Gatsby before reading this, and while I still enjoyed the book, I personally regret my decision. I feel like reading the original material first would have given me a better understanding of this one, and I would have enjoyed the cleverness of the retelling more( Especially since I believe most of its main characters are direct reincarnations of the original.)
So my suggestion is this, if you're planning on reading The Great Gatsby at any point in the future (or watching the movie), do that first and then read this book. But if you know you don't want to read that book, read this one anyway, and enjoy it on its own. :)

(If you're interested, I go in more details about my experience with reading this without reading the Great Gatsby in my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) (less)

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Robbie

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I think Nghi Vo is a fantastic writer, but I do not enjoy the Great Gatsby. Is this book still worth it?

Denise I didn't like the original and I liked this one. But then I read the original one about 20 years ago in high school, so I might feel differently about…moreI didn't like the original and I liked this one. But then I read the original one about 20 years ago in high school, so I might feel differently about it today.(less)

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is the opening scene a description of drug use ? "There was a gust of wind of a different kind, and then we were airborne,"

Lady Willpower I thought so too, at first. It would be in character if they did. But they were actually using a magic charm to literally float.

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What time of year does this book take place?

Shima It spans from June to August, following the course of summer as it gets more and more sweltering.

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