Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald
Genre: Classic, action, drama
Rating: 8
This was an interesting read for me. I don't tend to gravitate towards older books because for me, they always read like school books which don't always conjure the best experiences.
It was interesting to read this book as a teacher, because I think you read with different mindsets depending on what your goal with reading is. For example, when I'm reading for fun, I just read. When I'm reading as a student I read with the mindset that I HAVE to complete the task ahead of me, and as a Fitzpatrick that makes me want to rebel against what I'm doing. When I read as a teacher I read with increased interest as to what I could discuss with my students and what questions would trick them up most on the reading guide---which questions will REALLY show they read the chapter.
I'm surprised with two things simultaneously. I'm surprised at how much of the book I remembered, and I'm surprised at how much of the book I did not remember. I liked reading this as an adult as well, because I honestly think that I got more out of it than when I was a junior in high school. What I hope comes out of teaching this to juniors is that they had some sort of interest in the book and might revisit it later on in life. As I type this I am aware that that means I should try to reread the books that I did not really like in high school, but dislike for them makes me not want to do that.
In all, I did like this book better the second time around. I was able to appreciate the tone of the book, and all of the underlying messages and plots. I was able to grasp the characters better and understand all of their connections. I enjoyed the subtle sadness that followed all of the characters around and think it would be a book that I would want to reread. An enjoyable read.
