The Great Disillusionment of Nick and Jay

by Ryan Douglass

From New York Times bestselling author Ryan Douglass comes a gripping and tender reimagining of The Great Gatsby about the pursuit of happiness—and love—in a society built on cruelty and secrets.

Seventeen-year-old Nick Carrington wants nothing more than to leave Greenwood, Oklahoma, behind and make a name for himself in the papers. But when tragedy strikes, dreams turn into a twisted reality. Forced to start anew in Harlem, only a letter of acceptance from the prestigious West Egg Academy is able to pull him back into the world.

But the supposedly integrated private boys’ school is more of a catchy headline than a fact, with the same prejudices Nick left behind back home. And his secret but growing feelings for the founder’s wickedly charismatic son, Jay Gatsby Jr.— who dances past society’s conventions with practiced ease—only add more complications.

When Nick’s cutting pen exposes dangerous truths about West Egg and leads to perilous consequences, he and Jay must decide whether to spend a lifetime outrunning trouble or be the ones to light the match. Can they not only fight back but triumph? Or will the powers that be win yet again?

Genres: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Retellings, LGBT, Queer, Romance, Historical

384 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication January 27, 2026

About the author

Ryan Douglass is a queer author and poet from Atlanta, Georgia. He is the New York Times bestselling author of The Taking of Jake Livingston, and his short fiction appears in All These Sunken Souls and Night of the Living Queers. His poetry is featured in Poemhood: Our Black Revival and He/She/They/Us. When he’s not writing, he’s probably baking something sweet or making a playlist for a story he hasn’t written yet.

Reviews

[Marieke (mariekes_mesmerizing_books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isn’t this cover gorgeous? That alone almost earns the book five stars. I’m also a huge fan of retellings, and this one really delivers because of its rep Nick is Black and queer, Jay is biracial (Black mom, white dad), and their dynamic is great.

But in the end, I couldn’t give this wonderful story five stars. Not even a full four. Even though this retelling was wonderful, I didn’t really feel it. I kept reading but never found myself on the edge of my seat, smiling, or holding my breath.

So yeah, 3.5 stars, rounded up to four because I think a lot of you will love it. And again … that cover is a gem.

Thank you, Harper Collins Children’s Books and NetGalley, for this ARC!

Follow me on Instagram

[Fernanda (ivyfer_isreading) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded down.
I like the concept of a retelling of the great Gatsby with black queer men, but that's it. Oh, and the cover is very pretty.
I felt detached from the story and the characters. The beginning made it look like the book would be strong but then it started to fade and I can't say I care about anything that happened here. The best part is without doubt the historical setting, it is very well done and it's the only part that made me feel(rage, helplessness, defeat, sadness).
But yeah, I didn't like it as much as I thought I would.

Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins for the ARC.

[Lance]

Bring on ALL of the queer BIPOC retellings of The Great Gatsby!

[Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A YA retelling of The Great Gatsby set in early-1900's Harlem following queer Black characters! This is an interesting take on the classic, set in the same time and nearly the same place and yet it becomes very different. Nick is new to New York, looking for work and starting at an integrated school founded by the wealthy Jay Gatsby Sr. But race and class are divides not so easily bridged and most of the poor Black boys find themselves in the "Blue" house destined for jobs involving physical labor. But there is an attraction between Nick and the biracial Jay Gatsby Jr. Conflict, secrets, illegal liquor, and questions of who gets to speak in journalism come together in a conflagration that impacts the entire community. I enjoyed this and liked the twist to the ending as well. Note that it is on the upper side of YA due to a non-explicit sexual scene. The audio narration is good and seems to fit the vibe and time period. I received an audio review copy via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

GOT AN ARC FROM LIBRO.fm

YESSSSS NEW RYAN DOUGLASS we are long overdue for something from this incredibly talented writer and I’m so glad that’s finally being rectified.

I think I’m one of the last people on earth who didn’t have to read the original Gatsby in a high school English class so my knowledge is entirely osmosised from retellings and the Baz Luhrman movie lmao. That being said, I don’t think you need a super intimate knowledge of the original to read this. It’s a reimagining that takes names and places for a brand new story and not a straightforward retelling, so if you go into this expecting a one to one you’re probably gonna be disappointed! I did enjoy this though, it packs a lot of feelings into a story that is incredibly relevant today and I can honestly say the ending was much happier than I expected.

[Sha · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ A fresh, thoughtful, and imaginative reimagining. ✨

This story pulled me in from the very first page and kept me wrapped up in its atmosphere, emotion, and creativity. Ryan Douglass takes a world we think we know and flips it, giving Nick and Jay a depth and vulnerability that feel both modern and timeless. The way he weaves identity, longing, and belonging into this narrative? Beautiful. It’s nostalgic, it’s new, and it hits in all the right places.

The writing flows, the characters feel so alive, and there’s a quiet emotional weight that sneaks up on you when you least expect it.

A strong, captivating read that brings something meaningful and necessary to the table. 💛

Highly recommend — and a huge thank you to Ryan Douglass for this advance copy! 📚✨

[Lucky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping, tangible, reflective, and chock-full of historicity, The Great Disillusionment of Nick and Jay was the best possible book to end my year of reading.

Fans of Fitzgerald's novel will be pleased by the innovative takes on classic characters and events, though the interpretations are certainly unique enough to be their own.

I have never encountered a more deeply lovable Nick. His thoughtfulness, drive for justice, and deep care for those around him immediately endeared him to me. His relationship with Jay is gorgeous and devastating in equal turns. His angst about whether or not to trust Jay had me sweating on the edge of my seat for the whole book.

I was perhaps most compelled by the way this story interacts frankly with race, class, queer culture, and how/ whether social progress can be enacted. Douglass brings a lot of knowledge and thoughtfulness (along with a dash of hope) to a story made all the richer for his contributions.

If you're looking for an immersive and achingly yearning queer historical romance that examines the cost of social progress and the communities working towards it, you have found the right book. I certainly loved it.

[Stanjay Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick, one of the two main characters at the center of this story, is someone I believe will linger with me long after finishing the book because of how complex and ever-evolving he is. Early on—about twenty percent into the novel—Nick experiences a life-altering event involving his father, a man whose approval he deeply seeks and whose path he hopes to follow. This moment sets him on a course in early adulthood that he never anticipated.

Throughout his journey, we witness Nick’s sorrow and joy, his determination, his process of self-discovery surrounding his sexuality, and his growing disappointment with the society he encounters, particularly its racism and classism. The author does an excellent job capturing this period, crafting a story that invites readers to approach Nick’s experiences with empathy and a sense of longing as they watch a young man navigate life in the 1920s.

[Kendra Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is how you do a retelling that is even better than the original. I am absolutely obsessed with this book!
Nick is looking for life beyond small town Greenwood, but when tragedy strikes, he is forced into a new world without a plan and without time to even grieve. New York is far different from his old home in Oklahoma, but can he fit in? His world changes when he meets Jay...

This book had me in an entire chokehold. I really couldn't put it down, and when I had to, I would pop in an earbud and have my phone continue reading it to me. Ryan Douglass did an amazing job writing some very descriptive and intense scenes that truly makes it immersive for the reader. And while this is a retelling, there were still times where I was gasping and in shock of the twists and turns of the story. I really wish this was the book we read in high school instead of The Great Gatsby.

Favorite quote of many: "We'll be the stars that salt the night with light, the dogwood shedding petals in a brutal hurricane. Our tears will wet the earth like rain in the fall, when it's time for a season to start anew."

[Aaron Aceves]

RTC

[Trisha]

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to netgalley and HarperCollins for providing an eARC of this novel!

I just want to preface this review by saying that I have never read The Great Gatsby. I watched the movie with Leonardo DiCaprio once when it came out in 2013. The majority of my knowledge comes from the Family Guy parody, which I also haven't watched in years. So, just know that I am going into this review with little understanding of the work this is based on.

Anyway, this book was a big disappointment. I absolutely loved the first half of this novel. The story felt so grounded and I loved Nick. While it wasn't particularly subtle in the way it depicted racism, it never felt excessive or "in your face." I liked the way we see Nick come to terms that her wasn't free from racism in the North, the racism just looked different now. I particularly liked the portrayal of "race traitors" (I feel like there is probably a better word for this but I do not know what that word is). The black characters who actively take part in suppressing their own race in hopes that they will be the exception. It was just so well done. Even though there were so many different facets of racial discrimination being tackled, it never felt like the story was being bogged down.
I also liked Nick's relationship with Jay. I was particularly interested in how his mixed race background would impact the way he was treated. As well as just the fact that he came from money.
However, all of this changed at around the 60% mark. The plot just went completely off the rails. Nick, Jay, and Daisy sneak into an Italian Mob owned casino to try and track someone down. Action ensues and we see Nick and Daisy just beating up on mobsters for some reason. There is literally a scene where Nick distracts a mobster by flipping a coin in the air. The mobster is pointing a gun at Daisy and Nick stops said mobster by flipping a coin in the air. And the mobster doesn't shoot because he decides to watch the coin flipping in the air instead. It was one of the most ridiculous things I have ever read in my entire life and I almost quit reading the book right there. If this wasn't bad enough, later in the book Nick, Jay, and Daisy perform a money heist and a prison break. Why? It was just so ridiculous and I hated it. To make it even worse, I think the author knows how batshit crazy the second half of the book is, because of this quote at the end (paraphrased since this is an ARC and you aren't supposed to directly quote ARCs): The stone statues looked exquisite upon entering, but now seemed to represent the ending of a horrible novel. A novel that tricks readers into thinking it's something it isn't.
So Douglass knows. He knows that the ending of this book is bad and did it anyway. The only reason I can think as to why it went to crazy at the end was because the American dream is unattainable, so the only way the characters were able to achieve it was by doing something ridiculous and nonsensical. But like... then just have them not attain the American dream. Let the book have a sad ending. More books need to have sad endings.
Anyway, loved the first half of this book, hated the second half. All of the commentary and complex themes were pushed to the side for wacky hijinks. So disappointing.

[Prof. Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

NetGalley Review

Ryan Douglass’ The Great Disillusionment of Nick and Jay is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that expertly weaves together themes of ambition, identity, and societal prejudice. Set against the backdrop of 1950s America, the story follows Nick Carrington, a determined seventeen-year-old from Greenwood, Oklahoma, whose dreams of journalistic success are shattered by tragedy and forced relocation. The plot’s premise—a talented young writer navigating the treacherous waters of a supposedly integrated but deeply flawed private school—immediately immerses the reader in a world rife with tension and complexity.

One of the standout strengths of this novel is the fantastic background information Douglass provides. The author’s portrayal of Greenwood and Harlem during this turbulent era is vivid and historically rich, grounding the story in a palpable reality that enhances the emotional weight of the characters’ struggles. The social and racial dynamics feel authentic and intricately detailed, giving readers a nuanced understanding of the obstacles Nick faces beyond his personal ambitions.

Character development is another area where the book truly shines. Nick’s evolution from a hopeful young man eager to escape his past to someone forced to confront harsh truths is portrayed with sensitivity and depth. His relationship with Jay Gatsby Jr., the enigmatic and charismatic son of West Egg Academy’s founder, adds layers of complexity to the narrative. Jay’s fluid navigation of societal conventions and his magnetic personality create a captivating dynamic that draws readers in, making their secret feelings and the risks they take together feel both genuine and heart-wrenching.

The novel’s exploration of prejudice within a supposedly progressive environment is handled with nuance, avoiding clichés while highlighting the persistence of systemic injustice. Nick’s sharp, incisive writing within the story acts as both a weapon and a beacon, driving the plot toward moments of tension and revelation. However, at times, the pacing can feel uneven, with some sections lingering longer than necessary on background details, which might slightly slow the momentum for readers eager for plot progression.

Overall, The Great Disillusionment of Nick and Jay is a powerful narrative filled with rich historical context and compelling character arcs. Ryan Douglass offers a story that is both a personal journey and a broader commentary on societal challenges, making this a must-read for those interested in layered storytelling and complex relationships. While not flawless, its strengths far outweigh its minor shortcomings, earning it a solid four-star rating.

[Ivoree Malcom · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Great Disillusionment of Nick & Jay by Ryan Douglass presents itself as a retelling of The Great Gatsby, but that comparison ultimately feels like quite a stretch. While the nod to a literary classic may have been intended to draw readers in, the connection often comes across as more of a marketing façade than a meaningful reinterpretation. I found myself wishing the author had invested more deeply in the accuracy and internal logic of the historical fiction elements instead of leaning so heavily on the Gatsby parallel.

The novel opens with Nick losing everything during the Tulsa Massacre, a devastating & pivotal moment that forces him to retreat to New York to rebuild his life with family & seek refuge from overt racial violence. What the story does well is expose the irony of that move: New York is just as racist, only far more covert. This contrast is one of the book’s stronger thematic elements, effectively highlighting how systemic oppression adapts rather than disappears.

Where the book truly shines is in its exploration of Nick’s personal growth. His journey of coming into his own—emotionally, socially, & politically—is compelling & heartfelt. The intersectionality of queerness & Blackness is thoughtfully explored, making this a genuine coming-of-age story that centers identities too often marginalized in historical narratives.

That said, the novel seriously stumbles at the ending. The decision for the trio (especially Nick) to return to or relocate back to Oklahoma is baffling & frankly illogical. After establishing Oklahoma as the site of unimaginable racial violence—& the place they would almost certainly be first searched for—this choice undermines both character motivation & narrative credibility. Rather than feeling hopeful or full-circle, the ending comes across as rushed & poorly thought out, deflating much of the emotional & thematic buildup that preceded it.

While there are moments of underdevelopment, I can’t rate this title too harshly, as it is clearly aimed at a YA audience. Within that context, some simplification of complex themes is understandable. Still, I remain frustrated by the insistence on aligning this story with a “white” literary classic rather than allowing it to stand confidently on its own. The story is strongest when it steps out of Gatsby’s shadow & tells the characters' stories on its own terms—something the ending, unfortunately, fails to fully honor.

An imperfect but meaningful YA historical coming-of-age novel that succeeds most when it embraces its original voice rather than its Gatsby branding—& falters most when it sacrifices logic for symbolism.

*I received an advance review copy for free & am leaving this review voluntarily.*

#ThankGodForARCs

[Chalon J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reflective, tender, and aching with yearning, The Great Disillusionment of Nick and Jay by Ryan Douglass is a reimagining of The Great Gatsby that lingers long after the final page. Douglass takes familiar characters and reshapes them into a powerful story centered on Black survival and desire in the early 1920s. The novel follows Nick, a seventeen-year-old who survives the Tulsa Race Massacre and arrives in Harlem carrying profound grief and loss, and Jay, the mixed-race son of the co-founder of West Egg Academy, a school celebrated as progressive for integrating its student body, while quietly exploiting and controlling its Black students. As Nick and Jay grow closer, Nick is forced to confront not only his deepening feelings for Jay, but also whether he is willing to expose the truth about West Egg and risk everything he’s begun to build.

What I loved most about this book is how deliberately it subverts its source material to center queer Black experiences during the early 1920s. Grounding Nick’s story in his escape from Tulsa adds emotional depth that makes his melancholy, anger, and yearning feel earned and devastating. His move to New York is not an escape from racism, but a collision with it in subtler and more insidious forms. Douglass vividly renders Nick’s world, from juice joints that serve as havens for queer Black life, to the stark contrast of West Egg’s separate and not at all equal dormitories, so fully that you feel as though you’re walking beside him through each space.

At its core, the novel wrestles with the tension between idealism and activism. Nick longs for connection, safety, and love, while increasingly recognizing the cost of silence and assimilation. His efforts to help Jay see the broader systems at play create a persistent conflict that underscores the novel’s emotional weight. The result is a story that not only interrogates power, privilege, and progress, but also asks how much has truly changed, and how much hasn’t.

🎧 Audiobook Commentary:
Narrated by Desean Terry, the audiobook is a must-listen! Terry masterfully captures Nick’s vulnerability and grief, as well as Jay’s magnetic allure, bringing the longing and tension between them vividly to life. His narration heightens the emotional stakes, allowing listeners to fully feel the romance simmering beneath the surface and the quiet devastation of the choices Nick must make. Experiencing this story in audio made its beauty and heartbreak even more immersive.

✨ If you love slow-burn queer romances and historical fiction that confronts power and belonging head-on, The Great Disillusionment of Nick and Jay belongs on your reading list.

[Devanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: The Great Disillusionment of Nick and Jay
Author: Ryan Douglass

Genre: Teens, YA, and LGBTQIA+
Series:Standalone
Spice: 1/5
Setting: NYC (West Egg & Harlem)
POV: Main Character POV
Tropes: friends x lovers, forbidden love, hidden identity.

My Thoughts:

As a fan of the original Great Gatsby, I found this book to not only make me fall in love with the new generations of Jay Gatsby and Nick Carrington but also shed a new light on 1920s NYC for African American individuals.

When I started this novel I did not expect Nick’s background and the fight he had to go through – Nick was young and did not deserve the hand he was dealt. From losing the only family he knew to journeying to NYC alone, I really felt heartbroken for Nick. Douglass’s writing blew me away and had me feel true emotions for Nick, who thought NYC would be his big break and he had to transition from the trauma he endured.

Nick meets Jay, who from the first meeting falls for Nick. Throughout the story, it became less about Jay’s rich upbringing and more about social justice for all African Americans in Harlem as rich capitalists wanted to tear down their haven in Harlem.

When I tell you I could not put this book down – both audio and physical – I was truly in love with this story. As someone who reads a lot of LGBTQIA+ fiction, this story not only intertwined both character’s sexual orientation but also their identities in a world that did not favor African American individuals – with the fight still leading today for equal treatment.

As a white queer individual, I will never understand what African American individuals and all people of color went through and go through now – but hearing and reading stories like this one really put into perspective how the fight Nick and Jay carried must be carried on today so all individuals are equal.

If you have not read this book, please go get it. It truly has been one of the best books I’ve ever read and I give all praise to Douglass for the beautiful story.


Read if you like Cemetery Boys, Magic in Manhattan Series, and the Great Gatsby

A special thank you to HarperCollins Children's, Netgalley, and Ryan Douglass for the audioARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Alexis Hubsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Character 4| Setting 3.5| Plot 3.5| Writing 5| Enjoyment 4

Rating: 4.10

Thank you to Ryan Douglass and Harper Collins for E-Book for Review.

This book feels more like a work inspired by The Great Gatsby than a simple retelling. It follows a couple of the same story beats as "The Great Gatsby", but all in all it is not the same. Even though the characters names are there. I hated most of the characters in "The Great Gatsby", and didn't have the same feelings here.

When I was in Highschool I had always felt that Nick and Gatsby were queer, they had this chesmistry that felt real, and maybe my baby gay heart just wanted to see myself representated, but it's nice to see a work that incorporates that.

We get to see where Nick comes before he comes to his Cousins. His world is destroyed and he wants to make something new of himself in NYC and in Harlem.

Nick is a character with sass. He gets made fun of for his hear and all he can say back is good for him. It made me laugh.

What I really liked of this, was it showed us the Black Queer Experience in American in the 1920s. I enjoyed that Douglass was realistic and showed it to us. I always see the white experience and racism through the white eyes. It's important for us to see the whole perspective and understand what is happening.

Something that I also enjoyed was there was a black character trying to be a cop(Cannon) and he worked against Nick and he asked why.
Cannon: What you are doing is trying to destory the system, I am trying to change it from the inside I did what I had to do to insure I was promoted and could change it from the inside! What you are doing is not the right way!

Nick: When you try to change the system from inside you become the system.

I thought this exchange was so cool and interesting. It really shows the dynamic of what is happening in Harlem and the two different ideologies.

There was a line that I really enjoyed, "Gatsby? The Great Gatsby? Vulnerable and laid bare?" It made you see that this great person can fall so low.

Douglass hits it with a banger again! I loved this and will continue to follow his work.

[Owen Lach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t enjoy reading The Great Gatsby in high school. A clear product of the early 1900s, its societal critiques felt dusty and distant rather than daring, with enough problematic elements to frequently make me cringe. A century later, Ryan Douglass gives us the sharp, relevant remix we actually need.
Setting the opening during the utter devastation of the 1921 Tulsa Massacre grounds the entire story in a horrific reality Fitzgerald largely ignored. This narrative choice completely reframes the original critique of the American class system, a devastating, necessary examination of how racial violence and exclusion are the very foundation upon which American wealth and class are built and maintained. Douglass emphasizes this point with Nick’s experience at West Egg. That specific feeling of achieving access but never quite belonging—of straddling two worlds and being truly seen by neither—hit me hard.
This is the vulnerable space where Nick’s relationship with Jay thrives, making their bond the complex, compelling heart of this story, full of dangerous temptations and devastating thrills. The story excels because it grounds that classic pursuit of happiness in unfortunately timely issues of racial and sexual identity and systemic injustice. And Douglass used the historic setting to full effect, elevating Jazz Age New York almost to a character of its own, depicting the 1920’s Black, Queer experience with unflinching realism.
While The Great Disillusionment of Nick and Jay arrives a full century after Fitzgerald's original, that’s kind of the point. It powerfully demonstrates that the secrets, the cruelty, and the desperate pursuit of love against rigid societal rules haven't faded, they've just changed party clothes. It’s a sharp, smart, and necessary entry to the Young and New Adult spaces that should be required reading a century later.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an e-ARC of The Disillusionment of Nick and Jay. As the synopsis states, this is a reimagining, not a retelling of The Great Gatsby. Douglas also does a wonderful reinterpretation of the original book's themes to make it more salient for today's time.

Douglas' writing is beautiful and atmospheric that places in you in a good setting and time. I was really impressed with how urgent the beginning of the book felt, and how you really feel the vivid mortality and fear that Nick lived through. There were also some beautiful and salient quotes that were thought-provoking and evocative.

However, I wish Jay was a bit more fleshed-out. I understand that he places a careful distance between people, but he felt a bit hallow compared to Nick and the other dynamics he had with other characters (i.e Cannon). I didn't feel much of the chemistry between Nick and Jay due to being undeveloped as a character. I also wanted more from Jordan's storyline, as well as Daisy's character. In the original Gatsby (yes, I understand this isn't a retelling), Daisy is one of the most compelling and complex characters in the novel. Considering how Douglas tries to bring so many historical issues into the novel, I was surprised by how under-utilized she was.

I also wish there was more references to the Harlem Renaissance, aside from name-dropping a few well-known writers. Overall, I think this book would be interesting to discuss based on this discussion: Is violence a crime if society still punishes you when you try to follow the rules?

[Brady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you HarperCollins and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. I enjoyed this very much! Nick Carrington wants to be a writer but his father doesn’t think he can so he spends his days working for a shoe shiner and hoping to get out of Greenwood Oklahoma. Go somewhere where he can make a name for himself. Then tragedy strikes and he’s forced to relocate to Harlem. He does however get accepted to the prestigious West Egg Academy, could this be the chance he’s been looking for? Only he finds the same prejudices at West Egg that he left behind in Greenwood. He also meets the charismatic Jay Gatsby Jr. and soon finds himself smitten. While his feelings grow they must be kept secret. And this only adds complications to his life. And when he exposes truths about West Egg it will lead to dangerous consequences. Will he always be running from trouble or be the one to shine a light on it? Is there a possibility for him and Jay? And can they fight back against injustice and win? I never read The Great Gatsby, and I’m not sure I’d want to, but what I love about Ryan Douglass’s retelling is that it provides a realistic retelling of systematic injustice that was true to the time period. I loved Nick, Jay, and Daisy! Well written characters and excellent depicts black queer experiences in America during the 1920’s! I loved the tender relationship between Nick and Jay that was also dangerous! I was hooked and couldn’t put it down! Perfect for fans who like historical fiction with more realistic tellings!

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I’m a big fan of pastiche and literary retellings of classic books. That’s why I was so intrigued by The Great Disillusionment of Nick & Jay, which is based on the American classic, The Great Gatsby. Nick is a queer Black teen, and Jay is biracial. Their chemistry leaps off the page. The pacing of the story is great, not too slow, but not too fast, either.

I’m not a big fan of a graphically violent atmosphere, but I also appreciated the tense content to keep me invested in a story where I already knew the ending. Another thing I liked about Nick & Jay was the rich cultural representation, which I, as a lily-white woman, need to keep reading more of. There’s an emotional weight here that far surpasses the original Gatsby.

Two things I must give a shout-out to: First, that gorgeous cover art. It really pops. And second is the narration by Desean Terry. He did such a good job with his overall tone and delivery that I don’t recall being bored for any part of the story.

[Crystal Palmisano-Dillard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't really a re-telling of The Great Gatsby but a story loosely based on it with the focus not only being between the haves and have nots but white people vs non white people.

Nick has a comfortable life in Greenwood, a neighborhood of Tulsa, until trumped up allegations lead to massacre on the community. Nick manages to escape with the help of his father and boss and ends up going to stay with family in Harlem until he's back on his feet.

While there he learns of an opportunity to further his education in an integrated academy, West Egg Academy, founded by Jay Gatsby for his biracial son, Jay Jr. Nick and Jay strike up a deepening friendship.

However things are far from equal at the academy and when Nick calls those out the repercussions get serious.

There's plenty of mystery, intrigue, and romance in this story. The character development is great for Nick, but I can't help but feel like it stays a little shallow for other characters, even Jay Jr.

Honestly, Nick exploring new worlds, who he is, and broader options for his future is the best part imo.

[Raven · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting spin on Fitzgerald’s Gatsby. It was bold and the story was unique. Given the right audience I could see readers appreciating this take on the classic. Having said that, this wasn’t really for me. I enjoyed the diverse cast of characters but maybe I’m a tad too old and have aged out of the intended audience. It is YA so I’m sure the younger crowd can relate more.

Also, one critique that I will admit is merely a pet peeve of mine: the! superfluous! use! of! exclamation! marks! For every one paragraph it felt like there were at LEAST five exclamation points. No one needs to yell that much lol.

Thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for this ARC. Expected publication is January 27, 2026.

[Kellie Windsor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This was a whirlwind. As someone who enjoyed the original Great Gastby I was intrigued as to how this would be similar. Honestly, not much, but in a good way. Nick, with the mind of a writer, painted wonderful pictures of everything around him with his inner monologue. I appreciate how deeply he felt everything. The storyline and discrimination faced by people of color and immigrants during the Harlem Renaissance is unfortunately still very real today. Reading something that so closely hits what so many are still facing was quite a journey.

[Tracie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reimagines The Great Gatsby amid the Harlem Renaissance with a queer black cast.

Dark-skinned Nick Carrington flees the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 and enrolls in New York City's progressive West Egg University. When he's slotted into a manual labor track alongside other southerners, Nick finds his voice in journalism by starting his own newspaper and becomes enamored with light-skinned, half-black student Jay Gatsby. Together, they try to confront prejudices--but can truth truly win in a world where money talks?

This is a very ambitious, sprawling retelling but I found some of the characterization to feel a bit uneven and the plot felt a little cluttered to me.

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Ryan Douglass for an arc of this book!

This is an amazing queer retelling of the Great Gatsby that explores family grief and friendship. Nick our main character has so many complex feelings about many characters in the book for good reason. We see him navigate life in the 20s as a young African American boy whose life was just turned upside down. He then meets Jay who shows him that risks are necessary for survival and that there is happiness still in life. I found the entire book fascinating and the author’s writing kept me engaged till the end. Great for fans of the Great Gatsby and who love a good queer retelling!

[Critter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC.

I enjoyed this retelling of the Great Gatsby. I was really drawn in by the concept for this book and I loved the cover design. I also loved the narrator who did a fantastic job narrating this book. Yhe narrator is very engaging and really brought the story to life. The characters are written in an interesting and dynamic way. I loved how they were developed, interacted, and grew. The story also started off super strong and really continued from there. I really think this book has some strong characterization and was great to listen to.

[Morgan Gayles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nick honestly made me mad for a good chunk of this book because his ignorance to the world around him was hard to stomach. But at the same time, that’s what made his growth hit harder. He was so unsure of his love and his sexuality, clinging to the idea that the world was softer and safer than it actually is. Fleeing Greenwood was only the beginning. What followed was heartbreak on heartbreak, and almost losing himself in all the chaos. Watching Nick slowly wake up to reality, to the injustice, cruelty, and loss was painful but necessary. This story really leans into disillusionment, first love, and the cost of finally seeing the world for what it is.

[Aaron Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5. One of the best Gatsby retellings…hands down. The first two chapters will hook you, especially if you were like me and knew nothing about the Tulsa Massacres. But, the scope and plot of this book is amazing. Throw in a heist, a little romance, and overall book about friendship—and you will love this book. Dare I also say, the ending of this book is much more satisfying and hopeful and good.

The book has the same bones as the great Gatsby but it does its own thing. I’ll say it, we can stop making Gatsby retellings because Mr. Douglass wins. Period. Dot.

Thank you NetGalley for an early copy of the book 😇

[bookishmarcos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written and emotionally gripping retelling. I loved following Nick’s journey from Greenwood to Harlem and watching his world shift in ways he never expected. The historical setting feels vivid, the themes are handled with care, and the relationship between Nick and Jay adds a compelling tension that kept me turning the pages.

Overall, it’s a thoughtful, engaging re-imagining that brings fresh depth to a familiar story. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, queer narratives, or modern takes on classics.