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The DC Public Library is launching 2008’s The Big Read today, and this year they’ve chosen The Great Gatsby as the book for DCers to read. Nothing against Gatsby, it’s a (pun alert) great book. But we wonder if the Big Read always has to be a recognized literary classic? Again we love Gatsby, and it’s a pretty easy read for most. Last year’s choice of Zora Neale Hurston’s, Their Eyes Were Watching God, while a great book, is not what many would call an easy read.
But would it hurt for DC to branch out a little one year, maybe choose George Pelecanos‘ Dereck Strange Triology (sure that’s three books, but they’re fast, fun reads)? Or perhaps Larry McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove? We’re thinking books that are a little more accessible to the average (or first time?) reader might spark more interest in reading, eventually leading to more traditional literature.
It could be that the DC Public Library is limited by what the NEA offers as featured books. If that’s the case then you certainly can’t complain about their choices so far. Some of us may prefer My Antonia or The Maltese Falcon, but all the NEA featured books are certainly worth a read.
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Comments
Gatsby remains popular with teenagers of all stripes & persuasions, which I learned while tutoring some local kids. Think about the plot – boy meets girl, he’s too poor for her, he leaves & becomes rich [by becoming a gangster], wins girl back [to a certain extent], but tragedy ensues [also sounds a bit like Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights, except the gangster part]. Gatsby is one of the few classics that most kids like & one in which kids can see parallels to their own lives.
Good choice. & the local connection helps, too [F Scott Key was F Scott Fitz’s ancestor, Rockville home & cemetery, etc].
Here’s a good link to more info on Scott:
http://www.sc.edu/fitzgerald/
At least Fitzgerald doesn’t litter his prose with band names in a desperate attempt to add to his indie street cred.
Hammett is a great, snappy read. As soon as things start slowing down, someone walks through the door with a gun. AND you get a lesson on the Knights of Malta.
Lonesome Dove was *awesome* – I laughed! I cried! – but I think it’s length would be offputting for many readers. Too bad.
By far the best book I’ve read recently was “The Known World” by a local writer, Edward P. Jones. It also won the Pultizer in 2004 – an excellent read!
Gatsby is a great choice. A timeless classic about the plight of the American dream and chasing the “green light.”
I don’t disagree with any of you about Gatsby being a good book or a good choice. When I first really got into reading, it was with adventure, mysteries, westerns, romance (well Henry Miller anyway), etc. Those led me to start considering/looking towards literary classics & books with more meaning & depth.
I’m sure many people can just start with a book like “Their Eyes Were Watching God” or Gatsby. I don’t think I’d have taken to reading quite so quickly though, if those were the books I’d first be prompted to read.
This is assuming the Big Read is (as advertised on the DC Public Library website) designed to “restore reading to the center of American culture.”
I take that to mean, get people who don’t read at all/much, to start reading (again?).
Long way of saying I’m not knocking F. Scott & Gatsby. I just don’t see it having the same “wow I can’t wait to read another book” factor that Lonesome Dove had for me.
as much as I like TV, the Internet and e-mail, I have to say there is nothing like a good, old fashioned, Gutenberg print read. the two books that made the biggest impression on me from high school were Black Boy by Richard Wright and The Jungle by Upton Sinclair. their books are timeless messengers much like The Great Gatsby which I also liked – just not as much.
Yup, the library has to choose a book from the list provided by NEA. I would love to see other “less literary” but still good books get on that list!
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The book was probably chosen from the list because of its local connection: The Fitzgeralds lived in the area and had family and social ties.
If you visit their website, there is a GREAT self-guided tour of speakeasys, mansions and locations frequented by the Fitzgeralds and people similar to those portrayed in GATSBY.