Read This GATSBY Take Even if You Didn’t Like Gatsby
I wasn’t a fan of The Great Gatsby when I read the book in high school. I found myself annoyed by every character and wished I could claw back the time I’d spent with them. The glitz and glamor and intrigue around Gatsby’s life and the story’s main event wasn’t even enough to pique my perpetually wanting teenage interest. Years later, my sister dragged me to the theater to watch Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 adaptation of the book and I walked out with the realization that I still disliked the characters–sure you’ve got wealth, Gatsby, but ya basic, and your fan club of fawning WASPs? Don’t even get me started. I did not put the book on my “reread as an adult” list. The years again passed, and I took note of a Gatsby-inspired speculative novel written by an author whose work I really love. I hemmed and hawed before ultimately deciding to pick it up, and this is the book that saved me from being a complete Gatsby hater.
The Chosen and the Beautiful byu Nghi Vo
Because of my history with the source material, I really needed a character I could get behind in a reimagining, and I found that character in queer, Asian adoptee Jordan Baker. The Great Gatsby shows us the titular character and his circle of friends through the eyes of Nick Carraway while The Chosen and the Beautiful gives us a watcher watching the watcher, with Jordan observing Nick’s hungry presence alongside others in Gatsby’s circle. While Jordan enjoys the attentions of wealthy socialites and invitations to exclusive events, she’s ever set apart by race. She understands that she’s viewed as an exotic attraction, which colors her relationships. Jordan’s loneliness, lacking connection to her culture, and recognition of being othered is palpable throughout the book. She’s a character I can relate to and feel for.
This is historical fiction where light magical elements pair with thoughtful character development and social commentary. Even the magic was a device that emphasized Jordan’s otherness and revealed Gatsby’s endless quest for more and more power, no matter the cost. Magic also lends itself to the decadent mysteries of the speakeasies and parties rife with the Roaring ’20s imagery we know and love made new through Vo’s perspective. As always, Vo’s rich storytelling transported me and made real the magnetism and corruption of wealth and power.
The following comes to you from the Editorial Desk.
This week, we’re highlighting a guide to reading short stories! If you’ve been curious about what short stories have to offer and want to make them part of your reading life, get to know the form and learn where you can find some good ones so you can get started right away. Read on for an excerpt and become an All Access member to unlock the full post.
May is Short Story month, so what’s on your reading list this month? Short stories are one of my favorite things to read right now. Life’s busy, and short stories are fiction that can fit into a hectic day. Instead of using the one-chapter-per-night method to work your way through a novel, what might it look like to read a short story each evening?
I love short stories precisely because they’re every bit as interesting, complex, and beautiful as longer fiction, but they’re more realistic to read when you’ve got a lot going on.
I have a confession: I used to hate short stories. Okay, okay, maybe “hate” is too strong a word. Let’s just say that I basically refused to read them. You might be wondering why I would have such a strong aversion to short stories.
Sign up to become an All Access member for only $6/month and then click here to read the full, unlocked article. Level up your reading life with All Access membership and explore a full library of exclusive bonus content, including must-reads, deep dives, and reading challenge recommendations.
What have you been reading lately? Let’s chat in the comments!
The comments section is moderated according to our community guidelines. Please check them out so we can maintain a safe and supportive community of readers!
2 comments
Join All Access to add comments.