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Just Daisy: A Gatsby Retelling
Daisy Fay always strives to live up to her parents’ expectations, and Daisy’s parents expect the best. The best school, the best clothes, and the best life. But how do you decide who is the best boyfriend? Ever since she fell hard for Jamie Gatsby on her summer beach vacation, Daisy can’t decide what to do. She wants to be with Jamie, but he’s on the east coast and she’s back in Chicago at school. Her long-term boyfriend, Tom, is popular and athletic and secures her place in the social hierarchy. Plus, if she dumps Tom, that won’t bring Jamie to her doorstep, it will just leave her alone. She’d rather be anything than alone.
Daisy resigns herself to following everyone’s expectations as usual, but when Jamie shows up at East Eggerton Academy, she realizes that he has expectations, too. She’s confronted with the realization that even romantic love can be controlling and betrayed hearts can be violent.
In the end, the choice becomes not which guy she’ll choose to love, but what she’ll risk to choose herself.
Daisy resigns herself to following everyone’s expectations as usual, but when Jamie shows up at East Eggerton Academy, she realizes that he has expectations, too. She’s confronted with the realization that even romantic love can be controlling and betrayed hearts can be violent.
In the end, the choice becomes not which guy she’ll choose to love, but what she’ll risk to choose herself.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2021
3 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
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January 2, 2025
Deborah Linn’s Daisy is a heartfelt and relatable modern coming-of-age story that effortlessly captures the highs and lows of high school life in today’s pressure-cooker society. From the first page, Daisy draws you into the world of its titular character—a teenager navigating the labyrinth of social media, academic stress, and the quest for self-discovery.
Linn’s writing shines with authenticity, painting a vivid picture of Daisy’s struggles and triumphs. You’ll find yourself transported back to your own high school days, feeling the butterflies of first love, the ache of rejection, and the rush of fleeting moments that define adolescence. Yet, what sets Daisy apart is its sharp focus on the unique challenges of the modern teen—constant connectivity, comparison culture, and the weight of unrealistic expectations.
Daisy herself is a refreshingly nuanced protagonist. She’s flawed, funny, and fiercely real, making it impossible not to root for her as she faces life’s curveballs. Surrounding her is a diverse and compelling cast of friends, family, and frenemies, each contributing depth to the story while keeping it grounded in the messy, beautiful chaos of teenage life.
Linn masterfully balances humor and heart, delivering moments that will make you laugh out loud and others that will have you reaching for tissues. But beyond the emotions, Daisy carries an important message: it’s okay not to have everything figured out. Growing up is messy, and there’s beauty in that journey.
Whether you’re a teen living these experiences or an adult reminiscing on your own, Daisy is a poignant reminder of how universal—and transformative—the coming-of-age story can be. It’s a book that leaves you feeling seen, nostalgic, and hopeful.
A must-read for anyone looking to relive the feels of high school with a fresh, modern lens
Linn’s writing shines with authenticity, painting a vivid picture of Daisy’s struggles and triumphs. You’ll find yourself transported back to your own high school days, feeling the butterflies of first love, the ache of rejection, and the rush of fleeting moments that define adolescence. Yet, what sets Daisy apart is its sharp focus on the unique challenges of the modern teen—constant connectivity, comparison culture, and the weight of unrealistic expectations.
Daisy herself is a refreshingly nuanced protagonist. She’s flawed, funny, and fiercely real, making it impossible not to root for her as she faces life’s curveballs. Surrounding her is a diverse and compelling cast of friends, family, and frenemies, each contributing depth to the story while keeping it grounded in the messy, beautiful chaos of teenage life.
Linn masterfully balances humor and heart, delivering moments that will make you laugh out loud and others that will have you reaching for tissues. But beyond the emotions, Daisy carries an important message: it’s okay not to have everything figured out. Growing up is messy, and there’s beauty in that journey.
Whether you’re a teen living these experiences or an adult reminiscing on your own, Daisy is a poignant reminder of how universal—and transformative—the coming-of-age story can be. It’s a book that leaves you feeling seen, nostalgic, and hopeful.
A must-read for anyone looking to relive the feels of high school with a fresh, modern lens
Displaying 1 of 1 review