The Great Gatsby might actually be my favorite book of all time, and this year it would turn 88 years old. I think since the time I was assigned to read it in high school American Lit I've read it at least a dozen times, maybe more, I'm a nerd and I have come to terms with it.
There are two things that I love about Gatsby, first are the words, and second is that it takes place in Manhattan and the Hampton's. Fitzgerald uses words that we just don't have in our vocabulary anymore these days, but describes the situation in such detail that my imagination takes it and runs with it. The situations in the novel however, were ahead of their time or at least burning the trail for scenes from today's reality shows to be part of our day to day.
Gatsby not only tells the tale of a time in our country when there was a definite line between the social classes, gin was forbidden, and love affairs were the norm. It also tells of a time when everyone dressed so elegantly and elaborately, women in those days would not think of leaving the house with out their make up perfect, gloves on even when it was 90 degrees and every part of their outfit matching and put together. A time when men wore suits, bow ties, hats and their pants weren't falling down, looking dapper every single day. It was a time when appearances were everything and pushing the limits was scandalous and entertaining.
In a few weeks the new Gatsby movie comes out and I can already see the resurgence of 1920's fashion not only in women's drop waisted dresses but also in more men wearing bow ties. The other night I was out and saw a gentleman that had a Gatsby era ensemble on, sweater vest, bow tie, well fitting pants, mustache and vintage newsboy hat. I even made up a story about him, how I thought he was a writer and was aspiring to be this generations Fitzgerald. He was very well put together and it just proves that trends always come back around.
I will leave you now with my most favorite of quotes from Gatsby:
Have you ever read Gatsby or what is a book you have read over and over?
Over-N-Out
It has been soooo long since I had American Lit. I love the quote too. My daughter wants to start a classic book club, I will remind her to add this one to the list. We were inspired by the Downton Abbey series. We did a marathon of seasons recently. I love that too. Good luck on you sale this weekend. I'm going to try to go to Junk Bonanaza - depends on this stupid weather! I almost can't take it! And I'm a tough cookie... :) I want to go to an auction of Sunday - that is if I have any money left. Blessings from Ringle, WI.
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