The Story

Nick Carraway moves to a small house on Long Island in the summer of 1922, right next door to the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby. Gatsby's mansion is the place for wild, extravagant parties every weekend, filled with strangers drinking his booze and dancing to his orchestra. Across the bay lives Nick's cousin, Daisy, and her wealthy, arrogant husband, Tom Buchanan. We learn that Gatsby and Daisy had a passionate romance years before, and Gatsby has built his entire life and fortune with one goal: to win her back. The story follows his desperate, beautiful, and ultimately tragic attempt to rewrite the past.

Why You Should Read It

On the surface, it's a love story and a snapshot of the Roaring Twenties. But look closer, and it's about so much more. It asks if you can ever really go back, or if chasing a dream can ruin you. Gatsby is fascinating because he's both incredibly naive and deeply ambitious. The writing is sharp and full of images you won't forget—like the green light at the end of Daisy's dock, symbolizing a hope that's always just out of reach. It makes you think about what we value, and the loneliness that can hide behind success.

Final Verdict

This is a classic for a reason. It's perfect for anyone who loves a tragic, character-driven story, or who's ever felt like an outsider looking in. If you enjoy novels about complicated people, the cost of ambition, and stories that capture a specific moment in time with stunning clarity, you'll love this book. It's short, powerful, and absolutely worth your time.