Mike’s Reviews > The Great Gatsby > Status Update

I do like this a little better than the first time I tried reading it, but honestly? At the end of the day, I just didn't connect to any of these characters. I'm still not a fan, even after all these years.

Well, this went in an unexpected direction. I don't think I realized until just now that this plot is kind of unconventional, just in how loose the structure is, while still having a distinct dramatic arc.

I guess this was an interesting enough exploration of a forbidden love (kinda) in the real world? I'm not sure - the fact that Nick is the narrator really keeps us at an arm's length from the story, and Gatsby's characterization strikes me as a little over the top. I think this book just isn't for me, I can see why others like it.

Christ, this is a pretentious book in spots. I feel like if Nick talked more, he would be one of those people who constantly thinks they're enlightening you with their really obvious insight.

I've seen people tell me about how much they hate Daisy, and... honestly, I don't get it. I mean, maybe she's a bit of a dick, but currently, Gatsby and Tom are having a competition to see who can be the biggest dick in the room, and Daisy strikes me as wonderful by comparison.

I think the fact that this book is extremely evocative and atmospheric is basically the only thing making it tolerable. I would be pretty uninterested otherwise.

Okay seriously, if someone were to tell me that Gatsby was secretly an eleven year-old the entire time, I would TOTALLY believe them. I'm not even talking about how emotionally immature he is, I'm talking about just how little self-awareness he has. It's truly bizarre to read.

I think I understand now why Nick narrates this book, more than I did when I was fourteen, but I still don't necessarily like that he does.

I guess last time I tried reading this book, I stopped before the interesting parts really started. But to be fair to my fourteen year-old self, the interesting parts take a really long time to start.

I feel like if Nick hadn't been a character and this were written in omniscient 3rd person, I would really love it. As it is, it's okay.